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Post by Matthew Williams on Jan 23, 2012 3:58:07 GMT -5
He was never one for venturing too far from his home.
Matthew knew the dangers that lurked around corners of the lower districts. In fact, he knew them all too well. Perhaps it was for that fact that the blond travelled to the western district when he did. Seemingly free from the crime and grime that came with living within the Eastern sector itself. Naturally, it might not have been as intense as the Underground, but it did have its fair share of problems.
A stroll through the shopping mall was exactly what the Canadian needed to clear his mind. Luckily for him: both jobs had given him off on the same day. A rare occurence to be sure. In fact, he couldn't recall the last time that this luxury had landed in his lap. It always seemed as if one or the other always was in need of his presence. Any free time that Matthew was able to receive seemed to get swallowed whole by the people in his care.
It wasn't even as if his eyes were trained on anything in particular. No, quite the opposite. He wasn't window shopping or fixing himself to spend money that could be better spent elsewhere and on more important rations (such as food.) Simply taking a stroll on a worry-free day. That's what he really wanted.
As he continued walking through the crowds and past all the shops, his mind began to wander towards his duties. Go back home, make sure everyone is doing alright, and then hopefully bring himself to catch some sleep. Grumble. How could he forget? Food was also a priority. And the smells wafting from various kiosks and the food court was not doing his stomach any favors. Maybe he would pick up something on the way back as a treat.
"Sir, would you like to sample one of our products today?" came a boisterous voice as he walked past yet another kiosk. Seemingly selling some sort of beauty product.
Matthew snapped out of his thoughts and offered the man a small smile, holding his hand up apologetically before politely declining; walking past the kiosk and further down the hallways. It was starting to get to the point that maybe he should hurry back soon... [/blockquote] |
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Post by Ivan Braginsky on Jan 23, 2012 4:19:01 GMT -5
Ivan didn't normally go out into town, at least, that hadn't been his habit before Yong Soo came along. The young man had been encouraging him to go outside more often... It would "better his people skills"... Unfortunately, this was probably true, as after what happened that got his discharged, his people skills were certainly more than a little lacking... In fact, they kind of shriveled up and died like unused organic tissue. Well, today, he'd been roped into going out and buying a colleague that he hardly knew a birthday present of some sort. He didn't even know the guy's name, how was he supposed to buy him an effective present? He'd probably mess up and buy him something completely inappropriate on accident. This was why he hardly interacted with the other businessmen and women in the area. They all thought he was awkward and weird... yet most of them bought his vodka on occasion. That was probably why they kept inviting him to parties.
The mall was an appropriate place to shop for all manner of pointless things, wasn't it? Ivan had gotten directions from his smart-phone... that he actually didn't care much for. The mall wasn't too terribly far from the complex that had his pent-house in it, so he could walk there, even with his stiff joints. He wasn't all that out of shape, despite not constantly training anymore. Besides, he wanted to make Yong Soo happy and this was probably one of the things he just had to suffer through to achieve that goal. For heaven's sakes, he'd sliced the kid open and changed out most of his organic systems and replaced them with cybernetics to make him happy... and mobile. Mobile was good.
Ivan frowned as he trudged along through the shopping center. He looked down, holding the little touch-screen of his phone close to his face. He had a hard time seeing tiny screens like this with just one eye. If only he could take off that blasted eye-patch in public... but then again, apparently his other eye was rather... unsettling... Since it was illegal it was best kept covered anyway. Yet... here he was, not watching where he was going...
Something warm and seemingly alive collided with him... or he collided with it. Whichever it was, he yipped a bit, stopped in his tracks. He shook his head, hand immediately going up to his eye-patch. "S-sorry!" Ivan stammered, stepping back and waving a hand apologetically without actually quite seeing who he'd run into. |
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Post by Matthew Williams on Jan 23, 2012 4:53:54 GMT -5
It wasn't very much further into his excursion when Matthew was accidently bumped in to. Though, as far as he knew, it was most likely his fault. A small noise, akin to little yelp escaped him as he re-discovered his center of balance. Matthew looked up to apologize to the unfortunate man he had walked into. Though, he was pleasantly surprised when the other apologized before him.
Vastly different from the usual, "Get out of my way." or "Watch where you're going." Wonders never ceased to exist. The Canadian put on a small, yet nervous smile, "No, I-I'm sorry. I should have watched where I was going." he responded timidly. Watching as the taller male held a hand to his eye patch. Had he accidently hurt the other? A small pang of guilt settled slightly within his stomach, "Y-you're not hurt are you?"
Really, Matthew knew better than to daze off while out on the streets. The atmosphere seemed to have had gotten the better of him. Letting his guard down was a mistake, especially within high traffic areas. But, there would be time to reprimand himself at a later date and time. [/blockquote] |
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Post by Ivan Braginsky on Jan 23, 2012 5:09:07 GMT -5
Oh... That was different. Ivan went wide-eyed for a moment, pulling his hand back down at the sight of someone... somewhat meek seeming in the Western Sector. Most young people here were... well, they tended to be spoiled little brats with attitudes. That was one of the reasons he didn't like shopping malls so much. This was... a pleasant change to be sure, especially since he also apologized. He smiled slightly, almost back to his normal, all-purpose grin.
"Н-нет, not at all~" he hummed, quickly turning his phone off and sliding it into a coat pocket. What a polite young man! That was certainly something, especially these days. Besides, Ivan needed a bright spot in his shopping trip and literally bumping into somebody who wasn't going to snap at him with "Watch it, Gramps!" or something was a real treat. "Really though, is my fault..." He pulled out his sleeping phone somewhat shyly to show the cause of the incident, at least in his opinion. "Not beink uset to it..." He tried to chuckle it off.
Ivan quickly put the phone away, trying to maintain the appearance of being calm and collected. It was normally easy to be stoic and quietly smile at the brats. They quickly would get "creeped out" and leave. He'd long gotten used to their behaviors from the trips he'd bothered to make into the town over the years and learned that just... being himself was generally the quickest way to be rid of the nuisances.
This... young man clearly didn't... belong in the area... not with that kind demeanor. Ivan tilted his head to the side slightly, eye narrowing just a bit as he regarded the younger man. He wasn't trying to glare but he was... trying to figure out where he was from and why he was in the Western Sector? Only spoiled rich kids, pompous business people, and deranged bot inventors lived in the Western Sector... He looked more intensely and longer than was probably appropriate. |
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Post by Matthew Williams on Jan 23, 2012 5:54:51 GMT -5
What could only be called a small sigh of relief escaped him. The last thing Matthew wanted was to injure someone. Though, by the look of the elder man, it seemed like he had already seen some damage at some point in his life. Not to mention, he was extremely pleasant for a stranger. 'Friendly' may have been the better word, though. The smile that graced the taller male's visage accentuating the Canadian's first impressions of this stranger.
Matthew had to shake his head in protest, but didn't voice it. Insisting that he was truely the cause of this incident. Though, the other seemed to blame something else entirely. And the blond could hardly argue; he wouldn't know what to do with a smart phone if it gave him a vocal directions . His own cell was an oldie, but it did the job; a simple flip phone. "Yeah, those things can be tricky." he laughed quietly.
Knowing that the other man was seemingly alright, Matthew was about to issue one final apology before rolling away. However, his words, for the second time, died in his throat. This man was watching him very intently. And to be honest, it made the blond slightly nervous. Had he said or done something wrong after all? Maybe there was something on his face or on his clothes?
Sure, he wasn't wearing the neatest wear, as per usual. A simple jacket that was slightly worn, yet comfortable and his best pair of jeans. Maybe he should have dressed fancier before coming to this sector? Well, that would have made sense.
Still, Matthew pulled his face slightly back. Trying his best not to come across as rude as he downcast his eyes slightly. The gaze was uncomfortable, to say the least. But, he was unwilling to inquire what exactly he was staring at. "I-Is there s-something wrong?" he managed to ask meekly. [/blockquote] |
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Post by Ivan Braginsky on Jan 23, 2012 13:11:29 GMT -5
At first, Ivan didn't notice that this young man having difficulty under his stare. This young man, this... kid, comparatively speaking, seemed to be about Yong Soo's age too, maybe a little bit older. He also seemed to be out here all by himself without anyone protecting him. This shouldn't have struck him as odd considering this young man was an adult, it really shouldn't have. Unfortunately, the kids in this area weren't exactly nice and someone as gentle-seeming as this guy would have been a perfect target for their pranks. Sure, the brats never beat anyone up (they knew the length of the law), but they certainly had a taste for harassment.
His clothes... There was nothing wrong with them, per se, and Ivan honestly couldn't care whether or not someone came from money (considering he normally hid himself away all day, he didn't care about much), but they... certainly marked this young man as not being a regular resident of the area. It's not like there was any kind of... strict taboo against other people from coming to Western Sector, it just wasn't excessively common.
None of this would have been enough out of the ordinary for anyone else to really care, but... it provided Ivan a little puzzle... and nice little distraction from having to buy that colleague a birthday present. Maybe with any luck, he'd over-think, run out of time, go home empty-handed and merely explain to Yong Soo that there was nothing appropriate to buy at the stores. It was some sector-wide porn sale. That was a good lie. Maybe Yong Soo would buy tha- oh, he was staring again. Dammit.
Ivan shook his head quickly as a reflex and took a step back. "S-sorry, н-нет, nothink is wronk..." He paused for another moment, annoyed slightly that it seemed his distraction had ended, but he kept that to himself by replacing it with a smile. Nothing was wrong here, folks! "J-just... thinkink... not mint me..."
The older man shifted his weight a bit to the other foot, as though preparing to side-step his former distraction. It would have been odd to stay and attempt... "chit-chat", wouldn't it? He had a hard time understanding these days whether it was appropriate to pursue acquaintance with strangers or whether it was more appropriate to merely go about one's day without another thought. Ivan gave the young man a curt nod, almost like he was thinking of just saying farewell to the young man and going off and about his insipid shopping trip for an insipid person he met once. |
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Post by Matthew Williams on Jan 23, 2012 17:50:03 GMT -5
It was an odd gaze that seemed to almost be examining him. Or was the man simply glaring? Matthew was unsure. And that uncertainty did little to calm his nerves, if not making them worse. Though, he guessed that it was his fault. Usually, no one paid the Canadian any mind and simply went about their ways. This was certainly an odd outing.
Though, he seemed to have simply lost himself inside his own thoughts. And Matthew couldn't help but smile just a little. It was an occurence not unfamiliar to the blond and the understood full well. Although, he usually didn't stare at people in such an...intimidating matter. Was that the word that he was looking for? "A-ah, I see. No, it's okay!" he quickly reassured the taller man.
How stupid of him, he must have been taking up this poor mans time. Surely he was here on some important business. "S-sorry to keep you, I'm sure you're busy." Matthew apologized once more. Taking a moment to think where exactly he wanted to go. It wasn't like he came here with a plan, but going back home seemed like it would be the best course of action. [/blockquote] |
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Post by Ivan Braginsky on Jan 23, 2012 18:59:56 GMT -5
Well, despite the momentary wilting, the young man seemed to not take Ivan's weird staring habit all too seriously. He figured the younger man must have just assumed that Ivan was a just an old man whose mind was starting to fail him. Granted, his mind had started failing him years ago, but he wasn't all that old. Thirty-seven wasn't all that old anyway, it was just... starting to get there. A few lines on his face here and there, a bit more scruff that a younger man would dare let grow, and he walked as though there were more weight pressing down his shoulders... He certainly felt old. Oh well, at least this young man didn't seem to care that much... and was in fact still apologetic about the whole thing!
Ivan nodded and continued to smile as he thought once more about merely going on his way. He even picked up his foot to move, but... put it back down, hesitating. He wasn't... technically busy, no... He was just shopping for that... little pointless gift he would much rather not give or bother purchasing. He looked down at the ground for a moment, having half a mind to ask whether the younger man could make any suggestions for such a gift.
Ivan looked back up and opened him mouth, intending to do just that before closing it once more. A vague hint of discomfort cross his face before vanishing as he nodded with that smile of his, stepping away. It didn't even go through his mind that it might have been the polite thing to do to say some sort of parting phrase. The young man would surely understand that he wasn't being rude... on purpose... right? |
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Post by Matthew Williams on Jan 23, 2012 19:29:12 GMT -5
Matthew watched as the elder male set nodded and held that smile. Was it normal for someone to smile that much? All that Matthew's thoughts gravitated towards the small simple fact that he seemed like a polite and friendly individual. Which was, in all honesty, something the blond wished he could see more of in todays society. Naturally, he knew that it was too much to ask for at times.
It looked like the man had something to ask him, though. Maybe he was lost and needed help. "A-are you sure nothing's wrong?" Matthew attempted once more. But, when the other stepped away, Matthew took that as an indicator that things were okay and began to walk past. Nodding and giving the man a smile before starting his trek. [/blockquote] |
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Post by Ivan Braginsky on Jan 23, 2012 19:50:37 GMT -5
The older man paused at hearing words once more. He turned slightly on his heel and looked at the not only younger, but shorter man. He blinked for a moment. Was that... concern... for a stranger? They didn't come much stranger than Ivan, but that was a word pun. He looked at the younger man curiously, yet still smiling. "Hmm? Oh... I am sure! Everythink is beink okey~" he hummed, awkwardly tapping the tips of his index fingers together like a teenager who didn't know what to do with himself.
Ivan hated the feeling of not knowing how to behave or how to react to a given situation. It was rather frustrating. That was why he never bothered to program behavior patterns by hand in the service bots. He knew he didn't have enough experience to accurately simulate behaviors and personalities realistically. That's why he ended up developing a method of just copying over the base personality and embedding the code he derived from a particularly subservient bot from way back when. It saved a lot of trouble. He'd essentially gotten it down to an art of elaborate copying and pasting.
Feeling somewhat... out of his comfort zone with this encounter, Ivan unconsciously took a step back. |
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Post by Matthew Williams on Jan 23, 2012 22:37:30 GMT -5
Again, Matthew could only merely nod in response. Apparantly the larger figure was just fine; and he was not about to question such a thing. Instead turning his attention the way in front of him. He flashed the man another smile and waved good-bye before starting down the hallway.
Well, that was certainly a nice experience. Matthew began musing as he walked, turning around briefly to get a glimpse of the man once more. It was a very pleasant surprise, and it lifted his mood that much more. The Canadian was glad that he had taken the time to come out and take this trip. Just what he needed.
Cut off from his thoughts and now focusing on the task of getting out of the mall, the blond stopped in his tracks. There was a teenager that seemed to be crying next to the entrance of one of the stores. No one seemed to stop or take notice and the man felt something tell him to investigate.
He walked over to that place and kneeled down to eye-level with the girl. "H-hey, are you alright, miss?" he asked worriedly. But, the brunette seemed to have other plans other than answering. Pushing the man backwards, Matthew landed on his back with a soft thud. Briefly stunned from the action as the girl smirked and quickly ran away.
Though, it didn't take long for him to realize why the girl had commited the act. Up above on the upper floor, a group of kids laughed loudly as a water balloon came plummeting down on the unsuspecting man. Matthew merely sighed and braced himself for the impact. The balloon hitting him in the shoulder and exploding on impact.
Now he was starting to regret coming out. [/blockquote] |
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Post by Ivan Braginsky on Jan 23, 2012 22:56:26 GMT -5
Having a good joint day, Ivan had continued on his walk away from the young man. What a sweet kid! The world needed more young people like him. They'd brighten everything up if they just increased their numbers. Sadly, this area wasn't exactly known for producing the kindest crop of sproutlings. They were driven by money, arrogance and the need to amusement at other people's expense. Unfortunately, they didn't take things seriously.
They'd learn their lessons when Mama and Papa's money ran out and they were left with no education, no job, no manners... Without their previous protections, they'd be in his clutches soon enough.... if only their minds would remain to actually form a lesson to learn from their ironic punishment. Their youth would tell them they could rule the world with a thought, while their adulthood would bring them nothing but legally endorsed servitude. How... ironic, Ivan thought as he leisurely strolled about the shopping center.
However, a soft thud followed by a splash and the running of feet with unmistakable mischievous giggles made the old veteran stop in his tracks. Ivan turned a bit, to look behind him for the source of the nonsense. He hadn't gotten very far away from where he'd bumped into the young man. A little ways beyond that, he saw said blond on the floor... with a huge soaked spot on his shirt. Ivan glanced up and immediately caught on. The brats have struck again... the little bastards...
As far as his knees would carry him, Ivan hurried over to the young man. Without asking, he bent down somewhat and quickly looped his arms under the poor thing's shoulders before hoisting him up with the military strength he'd managed to retain over the years. Normally he wasn't exactly keen on touching people, but that wasn't fair what happened to this kid. Sure, life wasn't fair, but the other kids were being... What was it the young people called each other nowadays? Douchebags? Ivan quickly retracted his arms once he was finished and took a step back, yet still remaining in what most people would have considered personal space.
"Are you okey?" Ivan was never one to speak up. Almost whispering was more he tendency. Considering his line of work, he wavered often in his thoughts about whether he helped people or hurt people for a living. It could very well have been both in any given instance, but... it wasn't like anyone else in this stupid, snobbish shopping center was going to help get this poor fellow back up on his feet! |
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Post by Matthew Williams on Jan 23, 2012 23:41:51 GMT -5
It was unexpected, but the should have still expected it. Matthew was not unaccustomed to pranking children. He dealt with it almost everyday. But, they were usually in the form of light-hearted jokes to make him laugh. Not the malicious or unfound pranks that he had just become a victim of. Perhaps coming to this sector was a mistake after all. He couldn't even bring himself to sit up out of pure embarrassment.
Didn't seem there was any need for him too, though. Briefly he shut his eyes before preparing to haul himself up when a pair of strong arms scooped him up from underneath his shoulders. Briefly, the blond was a bit bewildered and uncertain about who was hauling him to his feet. And almost as fast as the presence pulled him up, it released and took a step back.
It...was the same man from just moments before.
Matthew was confused, yet still appreciative. Nodding instantly to the other mans question and rubbing his shoulder briefly. Allowing for the the sting from the impact of the balloon to fade away. Quickly, he fashed the man a small smile, "P-perfectly fine, sorry about that." the apology slipped off his tongue.
He turned to look up and saw the kids still laughing their asses off. Letting loose a small sigh. It could have been worse, he supposed. Water never hurt anything. "T-thank you, sir. I appreciate it." he thanked the man kindly. [/blockquote] |
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Post by Ivan Braginsky on Jan 23, 2012 23:59:02 GMT -5
Ivan merely smiled at the young man before waving off the gratitude and apology with his hand and a quick, yet quiet, "Ничего." There was no need for thanks, he was just being one of the few nice people in the shopping mall. There was no need for an apology either. The kid ended up like this being the other nice person in the mall; it wasn't like it was his fault or anything. Besides, this meant he was continuing to be a distraction from the shopping Ivan did not want to do.
The veteran looked up at the kids on the upper floor. He merely continued to smile at them, grin broadening ever so slightly. He slowly raised his hand towards them and gestured casually for them to come down with his palm down and bending all of his fingers. It was rude to point after all, even if they were little brats who would one run off of a computer chip. He said nothing, merely continued the gesture for a few more seconds before lowering his arm once more, locking a hand on his wrist behind his back.
They were in such trouble~ Nothing a good talking to wouldn't fix... or some intimidation. That ought to work, but Yong Soo said he was supposed to lay off being intimidating if he was going to make any friends. |
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Post by Matthew Williams on Jan 24, 2012 2:52:53 GMT -5
Matthew unconciously rubbed the back of his neck, the wave of embarrassment still lingering within him. Though, that would disappear soon. It wasn't like he would see this stranger again, right? And the blond was starting to thing that maybe staying away from this place would be a fantastic idea for awhile. At least until no one would recognize his face anymore.
Following the mans gaze, the Canadian fixed his eyes upward. Looking back up to where the kids were. He could manage to spot the hand motion that the elder was fixing towards the group. The band stared down at the man briefly, as if in disbelief. But, after a few moments ran off in a panic.
Well, that was unexpected...
Matthew watched the man out of the corner of his eye. The same smile that he had before still lingered there, and the blond had to wonder what scared the monstrosities off so. He just seemed like a friendly man to the Canadian.
"Guess they had to run, huh?" he laughed dryly, shrugging off what had previously happened. [/blockquote] |
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