undergrounds | water's sweet but blood is thicker

I. COMING HOME - [OPEN TO FIRST RESPONSE OF EXISTING CR]
Kyle had told nearly everyone he knew of his returning home to America indefinitely. He didn't tell anyone about his return. The trip home to deal with estate issues, property problems, renter concerns, and so on was basically nothing but work. It broke his heart to be in his childhood home again, even though he still couldn't bring himself to sell it. He both loved and hated the reminder of home and all that he had lost, missing his family more than he could bear for a time. He resolved things surprisingly quickly, and also found himself missing the new life he'd created in London more than he expected.

He took the underground from Heathrow to his area, getting off a couple stops early to walk the rest of the way. He appreciated the crisp air, needed it to clear his head. It was half the reason he'd stayed sane in South Africa, those walks. With his duffel on his back, everything felt more familiar. He missed his unit, his family, his girlfriend. But missing people had never slowed him down before and it sure as hell wouldn't now. Which is why he sensed that the person nearby was more than a stranger.

II. DRINK N DRINK N DRINK N FIGHT - [OPEN]
Maybe it was the comments about vampire rights, or maybe it was the way the guy hit on the girl down the bar. Whatever the case, Kyle couldn't help but dislike the asshole and it was only a matter of time before he intervened to shut the guy down. The argument was basically guaranteed and the escalation to physical violence inevitable. The other guy got the first hit, Kyle was quick to return, though his focus was more on defensive moves than offensive. Getting off the X. A few more hits, the asshole's friends cheering him on and Kyle hoping the kindness of strangers would be enough to see him through if need be.

It was the interference of a third party that finally put an end to the pub brawl and Kyle couldn't help but be embarrassed at so easily succumbing to such actions. He was supposed to know how to exercise restraint. He did know. He just didn't like to sometimes.

[Feel free to be the asshole, the intervening party, or to assume the bartender intervened and approach Kyle after.]

III. DID YOU MISS ME - [CLOSED TO NANCY]
Kyle's fight had backfired a little, or a lot, when he was jumped on his way home later. It was a few human civilians against a trained soldier used to fighting vampires. It didn't last long, with the assholes scattering once he put up a decent defense. Still, three against one left him with a few good bruises, a very sore rib cage, and one hell of a bloody and possibly broken nose. There was only one person he trusted that he could turn to, not wanting the hassle of the hospital and potential police involvement.

He sent Nancy a text: Miss me? I'm shirtless and bloody. Come over when you can?. It wasn't the ideal way to tell his friend that he was back in town, but it would have to do.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Cooper was walking down the street, talking to one of the human allies of the nest. Most vampires thought of them as just being disposable blood bags, but Cooper knew they had their uses. It was always good to have a few in his corner. Jessica was a solid, dependable groupie who was always willing to provide a meal. There was a few marks of recent feedings on her neck and arms. Cooper's giving her a lecture she's only half-listening to, instead giving him a starry-eyed look. "Listen, kid. Feedings are fine, but you gotta know when t'say no. Either take some blood replenisher or tell whoever wants a bite to go feck themselves till you feel better. Get what I'm saying?"

She mumbles something to him as he senses someone's eyes on him. He looks up to find Kyle looking at him. He knows how it must look with a young twentysomething by his side with fresh bite marks on her. "Here I was thinkin' you'd left for the States." At least, that's what he'd heard from Nancy. He couldn't lie and say he had been sorry to see the hunter go.

Kyle can't help but frown when he sees Cooper. When he takes in the girl and her wounds, he carefully drops his duffel from his shoulder to the pavement, just in case. His mind is wired to see combat wherever he is, especially when a vampire is involved. He can't help but want to be ready to fight should the need arise.

"Planes take people both directions. Go figure." While his pension for humor is always present, there's definitely a provoking edge when he speaks with Cooper. "Moved on already? Good for Nancy."

Cooper might appreciate that sense of humor if it wasn't attached to such an abrasive personality. "Ever heard what they say about assuming things? Jessica is just a friend." It was better than explaining she was one of the nest's willing bloodbags. That would only earn him another judgmental look.

He turns to the girl. "You'd better get on home. Don't forget to get some protein in you. Eat some eggs or somethin'."

She gives him a long hug before she takes off. "Thanks, Cooper," she says in a soft, breathy voice. Even if he's not interested, she's clearly enamored with his status as a vampire.

"So do you plan on stickin' around for long?" It looks like he had just hopped off the plane if that duffel bag was any clue.

"I can tell," he replies lightly as Jessica gives Cooper a hug and then wanders off. The girl looks half dazed and he can't help but wonder what kind of vampire magic causes such a stupor. If he and Nancy are still together, Kyle wonders what that makes the other girl. How many people does Cooper feed on? How many does he have relationships with? So caring of him, to tell the girl to eat eggs.

"As long as I want to," he replies honestly. Kyle shrugs with it. He has no idea how long he'll stay here, having nothing to tie him to any one place really. It's a weird freedom he hasn't had much of in his life and doesn't really like.

Cooper knows he's probably being judged no matter what he does. It's a little annoying since he hasn't actually done any all that heinous. Vampires have to eat, same as anyone. If there's someone willing to provide a free meal, he's not going to turn them down. Being this high up in the nest, there's always a human hoping to get some favor or be turned themselves by being a bloodbag.

"You should come by. Nancy will be glad t'see you again." Much as he dislikes Kyle, he knows that Nancy thinks the world of her friend. He's not going to be that guy, the jealous, controlling boyfriend who tells her who she can and can't see. She's had enough of that in her life dealing with Fagin. Much as he gets moody over Nancy's friends, he's going to be the bigger person here.

Kyle is forced to begrudgingly admit to himself that maybe Cooper's not one hundred percent evil. Even though it's clearly an abusive relationship, the soldier respects Cooper's willingness to allow them their friendship. It's one of the few reasons Kyle tries to allow Nancy her relationship with the creature. Even as the bastard supports a genocidal leadership and disregards human suffering without a second thought.

"I'm sure we can find a neutral territory to meet." It's an attempt to be less aggravating. His first thought was to point out that she'll come to him if he should ask. But like hell is he going to Cooper's house this soon after getting back. Not until he knows Nancy's okay. Then maybe, for the reconnaissance. "I can't wait to see how she's doing."

Much as Cooper would like to remain unbiased, he can't help but feel a little resentment toward Kyle. So when his attempt to remain civil is reciprocated, he's happily surprised. "She's doin' alright. I'd let you know what's happened since you took off, but that'd be telling of things that aren't any of my business." If she wanted to let Kyle know that she had been pardoned or anything of the usual day-to-day business, she would.

"Not much else going on in the city right now. Just a storm brewin' in the Nest." A storm that Cooper found himself caught up in, for better or for worse. He could do all he could to keep the humans safe and keep the younger vampires under control, but his reach only extends so far. Harris' edicts have led to mass chaos and it won't be long now until it all explodes. Cooper is going to be right in the thick of it when it does.

It's your business if it's your fault, Kyle almost says before resisting the urge. He's sure that Nancy will tell him anything of interest not related to the vampire, but isn't sure if she would be honest about any problems that might arise with Cooper. It wass the danger of his judging the relationship, not that he really had a choice.

"What kind of storm?" That fact is potentially safer ground and definitely more interesting for the moment than offering more criticisms of the vampire's relationship.

Cooper is relieved at the change of topic. Much as he's trying to remain civil with Nancy's friends, she has the worst habit of picking men that Cooper would like nothing better than to get into a fight with. Kyle, Cesare, Eames...well, maybe not that last one, since he isn't that dumb, but the point still stands. "I'm sure you know how the gracious leader of my nest is runnin' the show. I've seen the pattern before." The vampire has been around two-hundred years. He's seen plenty of regimes, both government-wise and of the supernatural persuasion, ending up imploding on themselves because they were mismanaged or run by poor leadership.

"Let's just say when it all ends up going t'shit, I plan to be far, far away." He'd help out as much as he could without sticking his neck out too far.

water's sweet but blood is thicker

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