if you call, i'll come, come, come. [for calltoaction]

[godcaped]

The power of youth is on my mind,
Sunsets, small town, I'm out of time.
Will you still love me when I shine,
From words but not from beauty?

Comments

[godcaped]

Good thing I wore my flannel today, then.

[ The ride is fairly quick from the gallery, their driver wordless. Clark thanks her with a smile, lets her know that he'll call if he needs it, later on. A walk sounds a little more intimate than a stiff town car, anyway.

He looks around, curious, as they head up to the entrance. ] Were you raised in Hell's Kitchen, Matthew?

[calltoaction]

Flannel. Like a country boy. [ Matt offers a teasing drawl, but chuckles softly after, returning to his usual voice. He pulls away as they reach the door, unlocking it and heading inside.

It's late enough that he gets the light for Clark's sake before continuing on his way. ]

For the most part, yeah. I lost my father when I was 9. A little over a year after I was adopted by a man from Gotham.

[godcaped]

I did grow up in the country for awhile, with my parents. Before they returned to Hell's Kitchen. It's their home.

[ Clark hums, notes the decor of the home. ] I definitely think the second piece we looked at would look very nice. You have an exquisite home, you know. I wouldn't have guessed you're a Gothamite.

[The thought earns a smile, wistful as it is.] Your father was Battlin' Jack, right?

[calltoaction]

I find it hard to imagine with how well you and your family mesh here in the city. I don't think I would have survived the country. The city is in my blood.

[ Matt can't help but chuckle a little. ] Don't forget to take into account the ever-changing glow from across the street. I'm heard it's very distracting.

I lived in Gotham, yes, but I'm not sure it ever became as much of a home to me as here. Not that my adopted dad didn't try. [ His smile grows a little sad, but it's still there. ] That's him. I, uh, still remember his fights. Well, the sounds of 'em.

[godcaped]

It's nice, the country. Quiet. I traveled a little, before I went to school for journalism. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to.

[ He heads over to the window, hears the neon of the sign before he even sees it. ] Gotham seems like one large, dark corner of Hell's Kitchen. I go there a lot, for the society and crime beat. Could never imagine it being a home.

Your adoptive and biological fathers both seem like good men.

[calltoaction]

I've never been. [ Such a seemingly small admittance. He can't imagine what it must be like without the sounds he's so used to. ]

It isn't so bad. There are people trying to make it better. [ Like his dad, when he isn't pretending to be a bumbling playboy with no sense. ]


Can't argue with that.

[ He heads into the bedroom so that he can change. What he picks out is jeans and a t-shirt with a zip up hoodie. He comes out after a couple of minutes for his shoes. ]

[godcaped]

There’s good people everywhere. [ He glances at Matt when he exits the bathroom, smile forming over his features. ] I am very excited to try this Thai place, though. You ever have it?

[calltoaction]

Not a lot of people have the heart to look for them.

[ He heads out, reaching for Clark's arm as he goes. ]

Would it be too forward if I asked if it were okay if I left my cane here? If it wasn't an imposition, anyways.

[ He chuckles and nods. ] I've had too many late nights, I'm afraid.

[godcaped]

[He smiles wide at the touch, almost nods before he stops himself.] Go ahead. I definitely don’t mind this. Gives me an excuse to do this all night. [A chuckle escapes at his own forwardness, before he follows Matt out the door.]

Very understandable, though I usually opt for the pizza place beside my apartment. I’m glad my stories allow me to work from home for that reason.

[calltoaction]

I wonder what else we might get up to in a night. [ He ducks his head at that, leaning into him as they walk. ]

You might have to take me to this pizza place of yours another night then.

[ He gets them there and to a table that's a little further away from the front and the crowds. It's one he frequents. ]

So, what does Clark Kent like to do when he's not on a story?

[godcaped]

We'll have to wait and see, Counselor. Now that I know you like pizza too, I'll have to stop by with it sometime. We both seem to work pretty late. [He pulls out Matt's chair before they both sit, and he seems pretty at ease already. The glasses are pushed further up his nose out of instinct as a chuckle escapes.]

Well. I like to drink beer, watch football, work out. I volunteer at The Dwelling Place and the Homeless LGBT Youth Shelter a lot. My mother especially likes it when I can come around to help around with her gallery and with the bouquets at home. I've always had an eye for it, decoration and stationary. What about you, Counselor? [He looks through the menu.] Anything you like to do when you don't put bad guys away?

[calltoaction]

The long game, hm? I can play along. [ Matt chuckles at the comment, and relaxes a bit. It's hard to quiet his senses, especially in a place like this, but it's easier to focus more on such good company.

Once they are seated, he can't deny he's more than a little interested in just hearing more about Clark. ] I sadly have something of a ridiculous schedule. More late nights than I like, but worth it. Other than that I---visit the old gym my dad trained at. The guy lets me sit there for a 20.

And I have a few side projects that I work on to better the city when I'm not visiting St. Agnes.