2025.10.01 - chamber

It smelled nicer than some of the places they'd lived in before, Kidd would give Killer that. A mattress on an actual bed-frame, and it didn't even smell like mold. Killer pocketed the key, looking nervous as Kidd inspected the small apartment. Like he'd ever needed Kidd's approval before when he found them a place to crash for a few weeks. No this place was different, Killer was acting to strangely for this to be a run of the mill move. The was a knock to the front door before the lock turned and kidd threw himself under the bed in a panic as someone let themselves in.   Queerly, Killer's voice could be heard in low tones talking with whoever just came in - no sounds of arguing, a fight, nothing. Tentatively, he crawled back out of the bed, staying out of sight to listen and see if Killer needed backup.   That was the plan anyway, but something about the way Killer's tone pitched had him tentatively stepping out into view of the door. Killer stood there with an older man, kind of a skeevy looking sort who was moving some large wicker accordion panels in from the hall - the kind used for moving privacy walls. He turned to eye Kidd with a gross way that made him want to growl. Killer cut in easy, waving at him, "This is.. my kid brother. He's living here too. He's on the paper work, so if you see him around, now you know."   The man raised an eyebrow at the 'brother' comment, and Kidd carefully kept his face neutral.   "Yeah. Boss Athair said it wouldn't be a problem. Family's gotta stick together, ya know."   It was like a magic spell, the mob boss' name. "oh, yea, of course. no problems here!" The man's face looked nervous, as he gave Kidd a weak wave, "Nice to meet you, kiddo."   He explained the heating and water to Killer quickly after that, before skulking off.   "What was that about?" Kidd asked finally, once the door was closed and Killer moved the dead bolt in place.   "I had the divider walls delivered, I was going to get downstairs and get them myself when they arrived but I think he wanted one last chance to snoop."   Kidd gave him a look that told Killer he's explained nothing.   "He's our landlord... Harmless mostly. He's not allowed in here unless I'm home, so you shouldn't have to deal with him, but use the deadbolt, just in case," he said, patting the interior metal bar. "Lock this when you leave, just to be sure he doesn't come sniffing around though, yeah?"   It's one of the few things Killer doesn't get twitchy about - when he uses his power on locks. Its small scale enough that outsiders don't notice, and he's practiced at it enough that he barely needs to think about it anymore to open or close any door he likes.   "Whats that mean - landlord?"   "He owns the building - i paid for three months, so if you don't like him, i'll ask around, find somewhere else. But this .." Killer trails off, looking at Kidd's growing confusion.   "Boss Athair recommended this place, his people helped me understand the contract, and it's good. I've paid for us to live here for the next three months - with the option to make it a year if we like it. It means we're allowed to be here. No body can run us out, we don't have to hide. This is OUR home, and I've got the paper work to prove it. And if anyone makes a fuss, Boss' people are there to make sure they mind their own business."   Our Home Kidd's not sure he understands. Haven't all the places they've shacked up in been home?   Killer gives him a weak smile, and then gestures to the bundle the 'landlord' dropped off along side the wicker walls. "Housewarming gift, promised to fit the bed. I uh... requested them in dark red.. i know you like gold, but i was worried they'd look like piss or something."   Kidd didn't understand, not until the bed was made up in the softest dark red sheets he'd ever laid in, the pillow was like a cloud and the throw blanket was too warm and wasn't that novel. Killer placed the wall up and Kidd had his own room for the first time in memory. He star-fished out on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, letting it sink in.   "Please don't go putting holes in the walls...." Killer smirked, "But otherwise. This is your space. Anything you wanna do. We can get you a desk, or shelves. Whatever you want. It's a corner room, so you dont have to be quiet, but uh... try not to stomp becuase there is an old lady in the apartment under us and she seemed nice enough. Might make you cookies if you play your cards right."