--- Pandora Safe House, 30 minutes from Pandora HQ ---
*The journey towards base was almost over. However, unprepared to meet with the leaders of the base while still dirtied and blooded from the flight from Phoenix, the car transporting Agent C and Lorenzo separated from the convoy, aiming instead for a nearby safehouse, so that Lorenzo, at least, could wash and dress in clothing that wouldn’t either catch attention from the blood and dirt, or cause all Pandora agents to shoot, seeing only a Phoenix agent rather than a returning ‘undercover’ agent. This was fine with Lorenzo, who would rather get things over with without added difficulties, even if he watched with solemn eyes as the car holding Agent N vanished down another road.
Sighing, Lorenzo closed his eyes and settled back into his seat. There was little that could be done until they had reached the safe house. Only then, could they finalise what they needed to do.
Five minutes later, the car pulled into the drive of the safe house and the Chauffeur opened the doors, allowing the two of them out. Shielding his eyes from the light, Lorenzo studied the safehouse for a brief moment, before following C inside*
Agent C: Esta you here sweetie?
Esta: Call me ‘sweetie’, ‘C’, and I’ll knock out your front teeth.
Acent C: Aww, you know, you’re adorable when you’re mad, right?
Easta: Fuck you, C.
*A young woman steps down from a marble staircase, glaring intently at C, not caring to notice Lorenzo’s presence.*
Esta: SO. What, pray tell, does your broke ass want with me? Oh, I know! You’ve come to pay that $3.6 million debt, yes?
*Agent C grimaces at the number. Lorenzo, behind him, looks at him, incredulously.*
Agent C: Oh, come on! It’s been a couple centuries now! Can’t we just clear that little debt now?
Esta: Oooooh no! Nu uh! You think luxury silk weaves itself? Listen, I may be a jorogumo, but I’m not a miracle worker! Weaving silk made from mermaid’s hair is no easy task! You made me do it on that crappy time limit, too! Honestly! ‘N then you go and rip the damned suit made from it tooo! GODS! I have half a mind to swallow you whole for that crap!!!
*Esta’s eyes flccker from being human to something more demonic for a moment. Skillfully, Agent C pulls out a crystal and offers it to her. Captivated, she picks up the jewel*
Esta: Is this...?
Agent C: It’s enough to clear of my debt, right?
Esta: ...Barely. So, what do you want?
*Esta’s calms down somewhat, sitting at the bottom of the steps*
Agent C: Well, my friend here needs some new threads.
Esta: Are you trying to make a pun? Dont. You’re walking on thin ice as is.
Agent C: Alright, Alright! Please, help us. We can't go back looking like this, so please, Babe.
*She recoils at the word, before looking over at Lorenzo, who, despite his otherwise stoic face, had eyes that glittered a little with amusement, entertained at the exchange. Calling out his measurement, she leaves to go a room, before pulling out several items of clothes.
Meanwhile, Lorenzo glanced back to Agent C*
Lorenzo: Dare I ask how you wracked up such a bill, with a Jorogumo, no less, and have not been eaten for your transgressions?
Agent C: OH! SHUT UP! It’s a long story. I rather not tell. Besides, Esta’s my girl and she lov-
*A ‘SWIT’ sound could be heard for a moment before a sharp pair of fabric scissors firmly embeds itself into the wooden frame of the door, grazing Agent C’s cheek. A thin line of blood forms as Esta glares harder from her position on the other side of the room*
Esta: What was that, fuck boy?
Agent C: N-nothing, nothing!
*A sliver of fear runs though the poor, poor bastard as he swiftly hides behind Lorenzo for fear of his life.*
Lorenzo: Ah yes, I can see the affection. It is quite, quite clear the levels of this bond. And it is quite clear who is the boss in this relationship as well.
*He considers teasing further, but even he is not reckless enough to anger the woman that was fixing clothing for him, unless he wanted to end up with dozens of spider bites from inside his outfit. Instead, he shakes his head, and turns to Esta herself*
Lorenzo: You must have the patience of a saint, Miss Esta. Still, despite the short notice, thank you for your efforts.
Esta: Well, for you, hun, I don’t mind
*She winks flirtatiously, speaking in a much less hostile tone*
Esta: And, once we done here, why don't you and I go get a drink?
Agent C: ESTA!!!! No! You can't! You’re-
Esta: I’m WHAT?! Why would a girl want anything to do with a cheap, broke bitch, boy of a man. Useless lion!!!! I’m not your damn charity deadbeat!!!
Lorenzo [Inner Thoughts]: I certainly don’t want to be in the middle of a domestic dispute. As fun as it is to tease C, probably best not to be the cause of a large argument just before being reintroduced to Pandora. Not if I want to keep my head afterwards. And being involved with Jorogumo can be deadly in and of itself. It is not above some to eat their spouses. Let’s hope that this one isn’t of the Black Widow variety
Lorenzo: As fun as it might be, I’ll have to decline. I’m afraid that I’m likely to be busy for a long while after this. Forgive me. Agent C, here, is required to bring me back in person as well.
Esta: Awwww, *Pout* really thats too bad I swear I dont bit. But ok we’ll put a rain check on it then.
Go on hun the bathroom on second floor take a bath and I’ll have the cloth altered by the time your done.
Agent C: Esta~ don't flirt with him!
Esta: shut up mangie lion! You go to you stink to high heavens, and I don't wanna see your fave dumb ass!
*She turns and winks to Lorenzo*
Esta: Ok now go go! I’ll have a delicious meal ready for you by the time you're dressed.
*Hiding his discomfort at the woman’s attentions, he sketches a quick bow in her direction with murmured thanks and made a hasty exit to the stairs. Despite feeling as though chills crawled up his back at Esta’s watchful eyes following him until he left her line of sight, the feeling of dirt and grime coating his skin felt far worse. He was normally rather careful with his appearance. Being so unkempt was a little more than he could stand.
He soon reached the bathroom (locking the door once C had entered as well, just in case Esta had and particular ‘ideas’) and stripped of his damaged clothing as he stepped into the large pool like bath, sighing slightly as he slipped into the water, just hot enough to be comfortable, closing his eyes as he let the warmth seep into his skin. When was the last time he had experienced such warmth? It felt like a lifetime ago….still, as much as he would have loved to lounge in the waters, he reluctantly forced himself to move, scrubbing the grime from his skin with soaps and scented oils that his host had so graciously supplied.
Nothing was said between them - Lorenzo trying to ignore the almost sulky glares from the Agent - until there was a knock on the door, signaling the arrival of their new clothing. Knowing that this was their signal that relaxation time was over, Lorenzo sluggishly left the pools and dried himself with the thick, fluffy towels, wrapping one around his middle as he moved to the door, only unlocking it once he was certain he wasn’t going to be jumped by Esta the moment he did, bringing in the new clothing for the two of them.
Separating out who’s clothes belonged to who, the two soon dressed in new threads, far more comfortable than any clothing mundane man could create. It was almost like running your fingers through water. Even so, they didn’t have much time to appraise her skills - they needed to return to the true base soon enough. As such, they quickly made their way down to Esta once again.
Recalling her complaints about money, and not wanting to have that wrath visited upon him when he didn’t have the luxury of being her lover, Lorenzo approached, offering her money*
Lorenzo: Thank you for the clothing. Here, for the materials and your time, Miss Esta.
Esta: Don’t worry about it, honey *peck* that thing has you covered.
*She gives him a quick peck on the cheek, before gesturing towards Agent C*
Esta: Oh, I’ve also packed you boys a meal to eat in the car. There's also one for your driver. now, on with you. And Cutie? Don’t forget about our rain check, m‘k?
*She blows one last kiss Lorenzo’s way and disappears into the darkness of the safe house.
For a moment, both men are silent, before finally, Lorenzo breaks the ice*
Lorenzo: ….That was not my fault. I may be at fault for many things, but that, there? Not on me.
Agent C: You, you, you! Don’t make a pass at my girl!!! I know being smooth runs in your veins, but don’t flirt with other men's girls!!! I’m gonna tell ‘mommy’ about this when she wakes up! damn it I’m so pissed I could kill you!!!!
*With that Agent C storms off into the car pouting and sitting by the window. Lorenzo throws his hands into the air*
Lorenzo: You make it sound like I do this on purpose, or that my parents are Aphrodite, or Eros! I didn’t do anything that could even be misconstrued as flirting!
*Scoffing, he shakes his head, moving to his side of the car, shooting the chauffeur an exasperated look, hoping that he, at least, understood Lorenzo’s ‘pain’.*
Stuart: *Chuckle* You really should give up on Miss Esta, Master C. How long have you been chasing her now? 40-50 years? I doubt Master Lorenzo did anything there and you know it so, yes? Now, my young Master, focus. We should be at base soon.
*Still pouting, glaring through teary eyes, Agent C nods, occasionally giving glances at Lorenzo. For now, other than shooting a glance of thanks to the driver, Lorenzo settled in his seat, glancing at the extra bags that had also appeared in the back, which not only included the promised food, but also a few extra outfits for them, folded neatly within a separate bag. He could only hope that Esta wasn’t hoping for payment in the form of….ah….’services’. Still, knowing that bringing that up would only spark more resentment, Lorenzo clenched his mouth shut, instead focusing on the road as Stuart sped them off towards the base.
After a little over that thirty minutes, they arrive at base. The architecture seemed rather different from the last time Lorenzo had been there. It seemed grander, imposing and authoritarian, rather than the darker, crypt like decore of before.
Agent C was the first to climb out the car, bringing along the bags of food and leaving the heavier bags of clothes to Lorenzo. Not about to complain, knowing his own physical strength was greater than his companions, even if C had only left them to him out of spite, Lorenzo took the clothing bags without complaint, following behind the Agent. Despite the differences in appearances, Lorenzo fought to keep his expression as blank as possible.
Agent C: A lot's changed since back then; new buildings, new faces, new laws. We work with the gods, not for them. We are the the world's last hope, even if that means working with or against the gods… We will maintain the delicate balance….
*Agent C walks into the building opening the doors. A cold breeze whips around both he and Lorenzo and a bright light envelops the two as there brought into the building. The hall itself seemed to create its own illumination, somehow making it seem as if one had somehow stepped into the sun, rather than out of it. Lorenzo could see why it would make for good symbolism of hope, a light in the darkness, but even so, despite all of this, his skin still crawled. He doubted it was because of the changes. Perhaps it was from his lingering hate of the gods, and knowing they had even more say in Pandora, even if it was as ‘partners’ instead of ‘servants’ still grated at him. However, he gritted his teeth harder to stop himself from biting out insults and leaving. Instead he waited a breath or two, keeping his composure, even if his expression remained almost emotionless*
Lorenzo:...That remains to be seen.
Agent C: Well, maybe if you shut your trap and give the organisation a try, then you may see something worthwhile. Didn’t yo’ mamma ever teach you the wise lessons of ‘don’t knock it till you tried it’?
*A piercing screech resonates down the hall, along with the sounds of running footsteps. A group of five run towards the pair, a younger female agent pounces on Lorenzo*
Agent S: Lorenzie’s back, guys! ‘Daddys’ home! He’s finally home!
*Her elation gets the better of her and tears of joy stream down her happily smiling face, hugging him tighter as she breathes a sigh of relief.*
Agent C: Heh! Told you I’d drag him back here, dead or alive that is.
Agent B: Jeez, man, don’t say it like that! Hahahaha!
*Agent B’s laughter bellows throughout the entrance hall, the rest of the five agents join in suit as well. All piled together in a group hug, all except Agent C, who seemed to be observing Lorenzo’s response. He could see the a wave of unease wash over the older man, as he peered at his former agents, some heavily scarred, like the girl latching onto him, her once beautiful olive skin was now scaled and callous from the flames that day.
Others had missing or mechanical prosthetics. Lorenzo seemed to swallowed a lump in his throat as questions were asked a million miles per hour, all addressed about his were abouts up till this point, and also his well being. The genuine concern showed to him seemed to unsteady him, as if they speared his heart in some way. It almost seemed that, if Lorenzo had been feeling guilty about N and the group before, he certainly had some feeling of it now as they showered him with love and adoration he probably hadn’t felt in so long.*
Agent P: Seriously, man, what happened to you out there? We all thought you were dead…. Both ‘Mommy’ and C when half mad trying to find you. We almost gave up, the agency even call your case ‘missing in action’ or what ever tell us.
Lorenzo: ….A lot happened. I was close to death. It took me a long while to recover from it and after that….I had….orders.
Agent C: Jezus guys! Let the poor man settle in before you bombard him with your questions. Besides, I have to be the one to oh so graciously share my humble abode with this shell shocked old timer, plus my girlfriend made us food ‘n’ I’d rather eat it while it’s hot so… Yeah, catch ya’ll on the flip side! We’ll talk friday! We’ll have the welcome back party then, but, for now, NIGHT!
*The last word was said more like an order than a passing comment. Those words seem to tame the five, begrudgingly moving aside to let the two men pass. A short while later, the pair arrive in silence to Agent C’s dorm room. Two beds, side by side, a small kitchen area, a TV and a bathroom were all that made up the room. Setting aside the meals that were now lukewarm, the pair began to eat. Feeling somewhat concerned, Agent C spoke up*
Agent C: *Sigh* Man the guilt must be eating you up, I’ve never seen you look this pathetic before, that bad that I can’t even tease you about it...
Lorenzo:...You can’t say you know what it is I’m feeling, only speculate. Feel free to make your comments. You must be dying to make them. Why hold your tongue now, just because I seem a little ‘pathetic’ to you? You must be dying to rub in my face how ‘right’ you are. If you’re not, then leave me be. What I feel, how I chose to deal with it, assuming I feel anything at all, is not your concern beyond that. Or are you hoping to try out a new vocation as a psychiatrist? If you are, then I advise you not to quit your day job.
*Feeling what little appetite he had leave him, Lorenzo pushed the meal to one side and stood, moving towards the bed instead, busying himself looking at the provided clothes rather than deal with C’s attempts at either scathing jabs or half felt sympathy.*
Agent C: and again your attitude, pushes people who genuinely care about your dumb as to the side. And yet… they can't help but care can they. Stupid hard headed old man.
And for the record yes, yes, I don't know what exactly you're feeling, but I can guess: regret, shame, self loathing, anxiety - sound about right?
That face smile you gave... it wasn’t for them, but for yourself - a way for you run, even for a second, run from the sin that eat away at you…. Yes, I know that sin far too well. It was the same reason I was thrown out of the heavens and it’s the motivation I have to claw my way back home. To them, the people I know haven't given up on me. I know I don’t deserve their kindness or their tears, so I'm working towards earning it. Not just because of my own ego, but for their genuine love and kindness. If there is an off chance of you gaining a brain cell and coming ‘home’, then their smiles will be more than pleased to welcome you back.
*With those words Agent C finishes his meal before wrapping the barely touched meal and storing it in the fridge. If he was hoping for Lorenzo to say anything in response to him, however, he was mistaken. The man himself had stopped sorting through the clothing during C’s speech, but didn’t acknowledge him from that moment, instead, just looking out of the window with unseeing eyes, gaze fixed on something that only he could see.*
Lorenzo [inner thoughts]: No…..you’re wrong. While it’s true they may not have given up on me, what they see is the ghost of a man that does not…..can no longer exist. Their love and praise is misdirected, and it will only bring them more pain once they know the truth. Even with the changes that have happened here, even if it is for their betterment, whether it is true or not, it may still be impossible to return to the Lorenzo they wish for. My guilt is less in my actions, instead in knowing that my return will only tear open wounds that have once been sealed. There is, even then, much more to it, things I cannot say, not to you, not to anyone.
So, no matter how insightful you are in this, C, you are wrong. Perhaps, though, it might be best if you never realise by just how much….
Agent C: Hey man, let go get a drink.
[END]
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