001. video; un: hero.

[sanator]

[Thom's head pops up on the screen; he was getting comfortable with the communications device now thanks to prolonged exposure and having met a fair few people around the quarantine zone. It wasn't like he had his old reputation here so it was easier for him to appear calm and confident when it came to addressing other people. He has a small smile on his face, the familiar look of communal housing behind him.] Hey! I'm Thom... I had a question, I guess? [His nervousness is concealed, but it still comes through a little in the way he doesn't quite look directly at the camera.] I know everyone's having a tough time right now but like, does anyone here play Basketball?

[His eyes light up talking about it, his enthusiasm clear on his features.] I was thinking its been a while since I hit the court and I'm guessing there isn't one here, but I'd like to maybe shoot some hoops, if anyone's interested?

Comments

video;

[nikolaievich]

I am not exactly a team player. [More like the last time he was in a team was probably decades ago. He may have lost his memories of being a spy, but that much hasn't changed.]

When's a good time for you?

video;

[sanator]

You're not? I hope that doesn't mean you're just going to foul me a hundred times or whatever. [He was smiling as he said it though because it would take a great degree of fouling to actually injure him.] Whenever! I'm down to play just about any time! [Which was probably ignoring his duties and work, but hey.]

video;

[nikolaievich]

I make no promises.

[He says, and he’s not quite smiling but there’s a clear hint of humor in his voice. E’s competitive and likes to be the very best, but he isn’t going to hurt him for no reason.]

How about tomorrow afternoon, then?

video;

[sanator]

Wow man that kinda has me worried. I'll wear my crash helmet... [Which really wasn't something he's about to do but it would be funny if his superpower came up in the process.] Tomorrow afternoon? Works for me. Like... two? Or three? PM that is, obviously.

video;

[nikolaievich]

Obviously. [Kid's fun. It's not easy to get Illya to laugh but he's definitely amused.] Two works for me.

When should we meet? I am Illya, by the way. [Since apparently he accidentally blew up his secret identity to pieces.]

video;

[sanator]

Illya... [He tests the name in his mouth, liking it despite the unfamiliarity. Thom had a weakness and it was non-standard English names; just ask his eastern-European not-boyfriend.] I'm Thom- wait, I already said that, right? At the... gym? [Is there a gym here. He has no idea.]

video;

[nikolaievich]

[Better pronunciation that most non-Russian people get on the first try, so he'll take it.]

Gym works for me. [He goes there often.] I'll see you then, Thom.

[sanator]

Great! [And he definitely sounds like a boy who's made out of 95% enthusiasm.] I'm really looking forward to it... I should probably go buy some gym clothes now though.

[nikolaievich]

[Illya raises a very confused eyebrow, because last he checked Thom was the one that made this post asking for volunteers.]

Since you were looking for people to play with you I assumed you played regularly. But if you need to buy equipment we could go together. I’m pretty good at choosing the right clothes for people.

[aka please, please let him dress you Thom he loves dressing people up.]

[sanator]

[Thom hums at that, looking a little deer-in-the-headlights.] I do, play regularly that is... at home. I just haven't really had the chance since I got here, which is why I'm asking for volunteers. But I guess we could go shopping together? I'm not exactly good at it.