(no subject)

[sayshazam]

Billy didn't necessarily like stealing things but he didn't really have a problem with it either. He never stole except when he couldn't afford to buy something and it was an actual necessity and right now it was necessary that he got some new clothes.

He didn't care that other kids at school gave him shit for looking and being poor. He was poor and they were just a bunch of spoiled kids who didn't know how good they had it. His monthly stipend from the city just barely stretched enough to cover his apartment and dog food. Toiletries were hard to come by but not impossible and forget about being able to afford shoes.

Finding food for himself was a bit easier, what with school breakfast and lunch, but he was hungry all the time. He stuffed himself every chance he got but between his training with Korra and a tight budget, he didn't even realize how gaunt he looked.

But some new clothes would help, which was why he was outside a thrift shop drop off area, waiting for the right moment. A family pulled up and they had a son that looked about Billy's age. His eyes caught sight of exactly what he needed... a box of clothes with some sneakers sticking out. Pulling up the hood of his ratty hoodie over his head, Billy started at a bit of a job, like he was just a kid on the track team out for a run.

Once he got close he picked up the pace, turning it into a full on sprint after he snatched up the box. He heard shouting behind him and he picked up the pace. His training with Korra might have left him ridiculously hungry but it also made him fast. Not only that, but he was pretty sure the store employees weren't allowed to give chase.

Sprinting as hard as he could for a few blocks he risked a glance over his shoulder and when he didn't see anyone in pursuit he gave a laugh and ducked into an alley to see what he'd score. Alright, maybe there was a bit of a thrill to stealing.

Comments

[babochka_x899]

"The common areas are fair game: living room and kitchen basically, and the hall bath has a lock. Bedrooms and anything in them are private space, entered by permission only." Alex paused a moment, an almost frown forming. "Unless there's an immediate threat of some kind, like a fire or not fun screams or something, but I don't see that being much of an issue." She'd just have to make sure not to bring her not-exactly-work home with her, that was all. But at least she wouldn't have to worry about him finding her weapons or the other gear she'd been collecting.

"We should probably make sure your dog and Seymour get along okay since they'll be rooming together too. I'm not going to make you get rid of your dog."

One more thing came to mind, and if it was going to be a deal-breaker, better to find out now. "I do have a... friend who I've said can crash with me whenever. He hasn't, and maybe never will, but he can sleep in my room if it ever comes up."

[sayshazam]

The way she says "not fun screams" and hesitates to say "friend" makes Billy make a face. It's not like he hadn't lived in foster homes where sex was going on but this was different, this would be in his place with a person he saw every day. Still, that was probably better than living on the street. He could afford some headphones if it came to that.

"My dog is too dumb not to like other animals," he said with a shrug. That was easier than saying that he'd accept her offer. "I'm sure he'll be happy to have a playmate."

[babochka_x899]

She could have told Billy it wasn't like he assumed with Jason, but her phrasing had been deliberate to fuel those assumptions and keep him from wondering too closely about Jason or how Alex knew him.

"So a doggie playdate in the park's no big deal. And I can make sure the second bedroom's ready for whenever you're ready to move."

[sayshazam]

"Alright. Play date with the dogs and- and I'll think about it, okay?"

Already he was pretty sure that he was going to take her up on her offer. It would be nice to not have to scrimp and save so much. Plus, she seemed to understand how to make this work. Besides, Billy could always change his mind after a bit.

[babochka_x899]

"Okay." He was going to say yes. She could see it in the line of his shoulders, the length of eye contact. But she didn't let that knowledge show and spook him off.

"But for now...you still up for that ice cream?"

What Would Nikita Do? take number whatever. Alex just hoped she wouldn't screw this up, leaving Billy to pay the price.