Central District - [open]

[mega_bluebomber]

On the list of holidays that Mega Man enjoyed, New Year's was pretty close to the top. He loved this time of year. It was just after Christmas, so people were generally still feeling the afterglow of family, love, presents, and goodwill to men, but the majority of the hype had faded. Now it was a time to start over, to start clean, make plans, and

Comments

[betterthanhim]

Mega was lucky he was in such a good mood. His brother, leaving Town Hall, was not.

"To be perfectly clear, Mr. Note - are you saying you don't want to pursue any custody claims on Jess Ilona?"

And he had told them yes. It wasn't really much of a hard choice, when it came down to it. He wasn't capable of taking care of Jess. She wouldn't let him. Really, she was better off in the foster situation they were setting up for her.

But how was he going to tell her - and everyone else - that?

Lost in his thoughts, he didn't even notice Mega, although his walking had scattered the birds his brother had been watching.

[mega_bluebomber]

Mega blinked, mildly annoyed when someone disturbed the pigeons, but the feeling faded when he saw who it was. "Proto," he said, blinking again. Questions popped up in his head, but were promptly shot down. What are you doing here? I live here, dummy. What are you doing? What does it look like? Where are you going? None of your business. "How are you doing?" he finally asked.

[betterthanhim]

Proto paused, just as taken aback at Mega's presence. "Mega Man..."

How was he doing? Tough question. Right now he felt rather numb. "I..."

[mega_bluebomber]

Wow. Talk about awkward moments. Mega scuffed his foot on the ground, avoiding Proto's eyes. "You get my gift?" he asked, more out of the need to say something.

[mega_bluebomber]

Mega followed half a step behind his brother. "You have roommates?" The thought of his brother sharing a home with other people seemed really strange to him. Protoman had always struck him as the kind of person who would prefer to live alone. Roommates implied cooperation and tolerance.

[betterthanhim]

"Do you not talk to Pitch at all? He knows I'm housing some people. Xao and her boy are moving in, and I've got some others staying too. It's a big house."

He cut into the store, picking up some pre-made sandwiches. "You want anything?"

[mega_bluebomber]

"I talk to Pitch," Mega said defensively. "He just doesn't always tell me everything." He glanced at the selection of sandwiches, then nodded and picked one up. He reached into his pocket for some money to pay for it. "Xao's boy?" he asked.

[betterthanhim]

Proto rolled his eyes, and paid for the sandwich before Mega had the chance. "She spent a good deal of time building a robotic son. He's mild-mannered and cute as anything, but I don't know what possessed her. Parenthood is not an easy thing."

He paused, looking back at Mega. "I also have one of your alts staying with me. I told you that."

[mega_bluebomber]

"You sure I won't drive you more insane?" Mega teased. "I thought that was what we were best at doing to each other."

[betterthanhim]

"It's a better kind of insanity than I currently have," Proto replied. Then he tried to pull Mega into a loose headlock. "But if you insist..."

[mega_bluebomber]

"Hah! After you!" The headlock was successful, but Mega countered with a small jab to Proto's belly, grinning.

[betterthanhim]

"Not a chance!" Proto replied, getting a bit more serious with the wrestling now. Fortunately there was a lot of room in the kitchen for horseplay.