A Superhero Game: Alternate RP Thread

[BloodyAngel]

Here it be, all... the aforementioned thread for finishing out roleplaying scenes that will take time... without slowing down the game. Everyone is welcome to use it of course... Even for just random improvised backround stuff! Enjoy! :smallbiggrin:

Oh... and you drifters who wandered in by mistake! Don't post here! This is only for side-track roleplaying that we are putting in another place to avoid slowing down the main game.

If you are truly interested in putting on a ski-mask and fighting crime... Here is the main game recruitment thread! http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60095

Join up if you like (and the DM allows). The game is VERY active and a hell of a lot of fun! :smallbiggrin:

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

OOC: Hey, sorry about the lag in reply time, I worked last night, and haven't been feeling all that well the last few days. Additionally, I don't have a job in which I can think about my PC's next action, and write up posts to this thread (which seems to be the case for several of our players considering their posting average)!

Although I noticed that everyone else wrapped up all of their actions on Day 1 in the main forum (except the Vox P. and one or two others), I have a feeling we may take a few posts to resolve things, so I'm posting here. If absolutely necessary, we can always import our interaction there if it ends up being shorter than expected.

In any case, I'll have my response to your last post up within the hour.

-TOA

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Last IC post for Tasha:
Tasha

(Well crap crap crap crappity crap! I didn't know ol' dark and brooding could sense supers passively. *waves goodbye to her secret ID*)

Did he just... No... good guess... that's all. Stop being paranoid! Tasha chided herself internally as Draven spoke about the club and it's atmosphere.

It's alright... Plenty of people make that assumption. At least you didn't assume that I write morbid poetry and secretly want to be a vampire. Tasha will say with a laugh, and settle in at the bar.

I'm actually late because I spent all day watching the stupid news, thinking my class tomorrow was canceled. I just found out it's not... and I have a paper due. Which I should be doing right now but... I didn't want you think I stood you up. She will explain... only partially true... but better than confessing that she spent half the day possessing a boy from their school. But I'm here now, and I may as well skip tomorrow if I'm not going to have my paper due so... I'm up for staying out all night if you are.

Tasha smiled, her black lipstick a sharp contrast to her pale skin and long dark hair.

I... have no idea what half of those drinks are... so... I'll just have a screwdriver.

Tasha will pay for her drink herself... and show off her fake ID, if need be. She's only 20, technically... and small enough that she's often mistaken for younger.


Draven/Oblivion

"Oh, I just assumed the poetry and vampire obsession was a given", he said nonchalantly, appreciating her laughter...and briefly envying her barstool as he continued to...adjust to his new abilities. She seemed to be enjoying herself, but was a tad bit nervous about something...with her reputation, I figured she'd be acting a lot different than this, but then again, that's why you asked her out, isn't it? To take a chance on something different.

He smiled warmly the first genuine one of the day as she finished her second statement, responding after a momentary pause brought about by her smile,"I have a feeling that there's going to be a fair amount of skipping going on tommorrow, and if I had to guess, I'd say that you turning in that one paper a day late isn't going to mean your grade...but all night? Are you sure you can handle it?" he says, looking at her under his eyes, an eyebrow raised in mock querry. this is more like the Tasha I had heard about, but maybe it's more than that....

"Let me make you a little proposition," he said, making a diplomatic gesture as he spoke, "we'll spend the next few hours together, being as honest and unpretentions as possible, and then go from there. Agreed?"

After she orders her drink, hiding his smirk of amusement as much as possible, while with similar efforts in that vein signaling to Andy to use the top shelf Vox Vodka, he continued, provided she agrees to his proposition one way or another.

"In leu of such an effort, may I be so bold as to suggest that me relocate to somewhere slightly more private?" He leaned in conspiratorally "Bartenders are notorious gossips", making the last statement in tones of mock seriousness while making a subtle gestrure and glancing towards the back of the Club where there appeared to be heavily curtained booths in recessed alcoves.

"But first, a toast," he says, raising his glass, the red amber drink within catching the little ambient light nicely, "To new begginings, new experiences, and the positive outcome of both", finishing as Andy delivers Tasha's drink, and waits patiently for her to respond in kind.

OOC: If you could kindly tell me what the powerlevel of each of her unactivated powers are. That is, how many CP you spend on 2nd round enhancements, as well as the CP cost of any other powers she has that are constantly, or currently active.
Please don't specifically name them (seems obvious, but I thought I'd ask just in case you hadn't thought to do so).

[BloodyAngel]

Tasha

(Actually... I don't think any of Tasha's powers... save perhaps one, are constant. The one that is, cost 5 points... and her other enhancements, by which, i am guessing you mean stat boosts, come in at 4 and 5 points respectively... Or 9 total. Her other powers cost 22 and 23 points... and aren't active... so I don't know if you can sense them. I'll be honest, I have no idea how the sensing powers thing works.)

How many of those have you had? You speak like my English professor. Tasha will say with a smirk, looking to Draven's drink and picking up her own for a sip, Don't worry about the class... I'm doing just fine. As long as I go sometime this week, I'll be alright.

The slender girl will put away a good quarter of her drink without issue, glancing back to the secluded booths that Draven pointed out.

He can't possibly be trying to get me alone already. God-damned Kevin! It's his fault half the school thinks I'm easy! She chided herself internally, Ok. Ok... Calm down. Maybe if I just let him know I'm not like that... he'll be alright. He seemed nice enough in class. I suppose I could always look in his head and find out....

As she raised her glass to Draven's, a bit more distracted than he, she scolded herself.

Ok... This is seriously becoming an addiction. At this rate, I'm not going to trust anyone until I pick through their brain! We're in a public place, and I have pepper-spray. Why am I worried? Heather said he's a really nice guy... and she's a good judge of people. She told herself, and finally smiled. Not bad to look at either.

Look... I don't know what you heard, alright? But as long as you just want to talk and have a few drinks... that's fine. But if you think you're going to get lucky just like that, because you heard about that party at Kevin Baker's place... Tasha will say in dead serious tone... before a smirk spreads across her lips and she laughs the rest, I'm going to need more alcohol.

She laughed, hoping he would as well. That stupid party had given her a pretty bad rep around school... mostly because Kevin couldn't shut his stupid mouth. She made a mental note to jump into his head one of these days and make him get caught breaking into the girl's showers or something...

Tasha will slip off her seat and head with Draven to the curtained area... Figuring that if it gets really bad, she can always possess the boy and make him hit himself in the groin a few times. That would take the wind out of anyone's sails. :smalleek:

Once they are inside, she'll sit down on whatever passes for a chair/couch back here, and sip a bit more of her drink.

So... She'll say with a confident smile, What did you want to talk about exactly? I don't mind being honest... It's usually guys who have trouble with that.

[BloodyAngel]

I have to do who with the what now? Who the heck is Stickman?

I think you need to erase your own post... I'm not allowed for some reason. Probably sexism. :smalltongue:

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion

In the background, Portis Head's "Only You" video fades in, making conversation easy enough, the underwater stopmotion antics of the video both haunting and beautiful.

Chuckling lightly, he says as she downs a large portion of her drink like a pro.,"Your English professor eh? I'll take that as a complement I suppose...although if I happen to lose you, or have already done so, don't be shy about letting me know ok?" the final statement made in subtly playful tones.

Slightly more seriously he says,"Good to hear that you grades won't suffer due to one night of...irrisponsibility. Although I would have understood if you didn't show, I would have been a little hurt to find out you ditched me for a paper asignment", gently elbowing her playfully as he spoke.

He examines her face as he makes his proposal and toast, trying to gauge her response, not sure how she would recieve it.


Although he knew it might seem forward, it was a risk he felt he needed to take. Not that sensing her all night would be unpleasant by any means. He didn't know if she knew what she was capable of, hell, he didn't know what he was capable of either, or how their abilities would even interact.
Although the option of simply getting away from her was a viable one, she was the only reasonably sane person who had been altered as he had that he'd met, or heard about, so far, and he wasn't about to give up on that so easily. It can't be an accident that we are both here right now. I have to believe in that.

His face fell as she mentioned some rumor that he had never heard about but that sounded sufficiently awful to make it pretty clear what she though were his true intentions...until she it became clear she was joking...mostly, and she laughed at her own joke.
Draven smiled and managed a throaty chuckle, offering in response "Hey I don't know anything about...but I do tend to get a lot of bang for my buck at this bar, so do take it easy. We wouldn't want a repeat of anything like that...". He gives her a sly grin, getting up as she does, and lead the way to the booths in the back.

Entering the code into the tastefully concealed password pad and waiting as the heavy weighted curtains slid aside, he stepped inside and waited for her to enter and seat herself before pressing the button to return the curtain to the closed position. Proceeding to sit down himself, positioning himself across from her, he made himself comfortable on the seat of the circular booth, putting his feet up on one of the foot stools available. I love this place.

He leaned back, resting his head, closing his eyes, and putting his arms up on the back of the seat, luxuriating in the sensation of the soft sued seats, and the lithe young woman seated across from him, the sensation of her skirt plastered momentarily across her thighs as she settled herself, the feeling of her lips on the rim of her glass, all "seen" without his physical eyes.

That horrible feelings abated he realized abruptly, lifting his head and looking at her with an unreadable look as she asked her question. I wonder if that's her power, he thought ruefully. But I guess that's just the romantic in me, hoping that there's a bright side to the horrible potential of this situation; and that hope being embodied in this woman I barely know...he understood it was too much to hope for.

"I'm glad to hear that, because I much prefer honesty over the alternative as well. I've also found that I have a hard time getting along with dishonest people, hard to see eye to eye and all.
Interesting that you have that problem with guys, I seem to have the same one with the girls. In the end, as I'm sure you probably know, it's not really about gender at all. But, it's nice to know I've met an exception to the norm".

He smiles faintly across at her, languidly leaning forward, crossing his legs 'indian style', and resting his hands on his thighs. "As far as what I wanted to discuss, it was mainly what's been going on today, and how it's going to affect, or has affected, us".
He paused a moment, letting her assimilate his words, realizing then, how the subject of this conversation could, by it's very nature, permenantly alienate her from him, if she was simply unable or unwilling to come to grips with her change. I have to proceed with the utmost caution.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

I didn't even bother to look at the last roll, I was too busy noticing how I had missed text coloring my speech. :smallredface:
Sense Motive Roll:[roll0]

[BloodyAngel]

Tasha

(I shall go on the assumption that the first post is the right one... and the second one was accidentally cut short somehow. If I'm wrong, let me know.)

And in one fell swoop... she jumped right back from calm and comfortable... to freaking out!

Holy hell... that's... he... FOCUS! Tasha will run through thoughts at breakneck speed, He knows!? How does he know? Did he know where I was that night? No... that doesn't make sense. He doesn't even know which room my dorm is. HE can't know... but he does. @#$%! How could he have found out... unless.... Oh god... he's probably a mutant too and he's reading my mind!

At which point, Tasha will try very hard to concentrate on things other than her deeply held, important, secret thoughts.... which will, of course... cause her to think about her deeply held, important, secret thoughts. Brilliant.

In perhaps a desperate attempt to keep her secret, Tasha will try to turn the question around at him, while trying to hide her panic. What are you saying? You.... Were you in the chemical blast? Is that what you're trying to say? Are you one of them?

The entire while, Tasha will ATTEMPT to hide her thoughts by going through the song "99 bottles of beer on the wall" in her head. She won't dare try to read his thoughts or the like... fearing that he would know what she was trying to do and would then know that she can read minds...

Granted... intentionally telling herself to not read his mind will PROBABLY give away that she can read minds if he is, in fact, reading her mind. She's new to this whole telepathy thing. :smalltongue:

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

OOC: Umm, yes, the correct post in now all that remains. Please make changes as you see fit. It seems though that the post I've been working on for the last 30min. has been lost to a cyber space demon. I'll try and repost later tonight after I return from work.
PS: After your revelation that your highest passive power level would 9, the description should read "Like a cherry bomb in a martini glass, waiting to be lit", but I figure I'll leave it as is, since she's the first super he's ever sensed.
PPS: Isn't NOT knowing my powers a lot more fun?

[dfpiii]

((This post is just for those nosy buggers, like myself, who enjoy reading everybody else's posts and backstory. Geez3r, this changes a few cosmetic elements of the backstory, because I rushed it a bit at character creation))

EDIT: Apparently this bulletin board doesn't like the shortened form of the name "Richard". So whenever you see **** - that's what it is, it's short for Richard.



Lachlan Dark, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Lachlan fidgeted. He was sweating bullets - why on earth was this building always so damn hot? He thought about opening a window. Was he allowed to open a window? Maybe he'd upset someone if he let the cold air in. Maybe these windows were supposed to stay shut. Or maybe this was a test of ingenuity; he was supposed to open a window because they had made it too hot!

"Oh get a grip," he said to himself. Then looked nervously up and down the corridor to check nobody had heard him. The corridor was otherwise empty.

The door he was sitting next to opened and he shot out of his seat. Standing he was a bit under 6 feet, but looked shorter and quite unassuming. He was thin, dark-haired and pale - if he'd been more outgoing and sociable he'd have been a Goth, but instead he was a physicist, or more correctly a mechanician as his Masters was in applied mechanics.

Professors D L McKinnon and H H Brown looked on from inside the room, while Professor Arnold "****" Turpin held the door open.

"Come on lad, we wont bite," said Turpin. The old man clapped a friendly hand on his shoulder and all but pushed Dark through the door when his legs proved unresponsive. He continued shoving all the way up to the table and then pushed Dark into a seat. Dark continued to sweat, he was glad he'd worn his black suit, because he had soaked it through. "Have a drink of water," Turpin said, actually putting the glass in his hand.

All the while McKinnon had fixed Dark with that characteristic vulpine stare from over his steepled fingers. Brown had received a message on her Blackberry and her attention was diverted while she responded.

A more diverse group of three professors it would be impossible to assemble from the MIT faculty. Brown had been a Rhodes Scholar and won the Fields Medal in 2002 for advanced work on fractal geometry. Although only just 40, she was already being talked about as the greatest female contributor to the field of mathematics. Like all mathematicians Dark had met, she was only ever half in the room.

McKinnon was more of a politician than an academic. He had advanced far in his field (biomechanics) because he had made many friends in DC and knew exactly who to speak to. He had been an advisor on government policy in this area to the Bush administration during its early years, but had, with typical cunning, easily distanced himself when things started to go seriously wrong. He was a good scientist, but due to his connections would ensure he was recognised and remembered as a great one.

Arnold "****" Turpin was a legend at MIT. There were pictures of him in the rowing team from his student days in the late 1960s. He had a full beard even back then, which had subsequently turned snowy white, but his glinting, dancing eyes remained the same. As a student it was rumoured he had painted the statue of John Harvard in psychedelic colours - John Harvard being the benefactor and de facto founder of the other school up the river. He never spoke about the incident - because it was also rumoured the cleaning bill was still outstanding - which only added to the story's folkloric charm.

Turpin had been forgiven his youthful - and not so youthful - indiscretions when he won his first Noble prize. And when he won his second it was pretty much accepted that he could, if he wished, egg the President's house every night of the week. Turpin was the reason Dark was here. He had seen him at his undergraduate interview and taken an instant liking to him.

"So, you'd like to undertake your PhD with us?" McKinnon asked, because he enjoyed the sound of his own voice.

"Yes, Professor," Dark replied. Turpin took a chair that was midway between Dark and the others.

"I've read your transcripts, your approach is workmanlike, uninspired - mediocre," said McKinnon, who also enjoyed to inflict casual cruelties because he could. "What makes you think you're capable of the kind of rigour needed to produce doctoral work?" At this point Brown put away her Blackberry - it was not clear she'd been listening to the conversation up to this point.

Dark cleared his throat. "I think that refinement of scientific knowledge is a process well-served by care and attention to detail. In every aspect of my work I am careful and considered. Before ever writing a solution I am well-versed in current theory. I think my approach is always scientific and that I am naturally suited to academic enquiry". He had memorised that response.

"Did you memorise that?" McKinnon asked.

"Plenty of good work is done by workmen," Turpin interjected. McKinnon’s eyes did not move from Dark for a moment. "A solid approach is the foundation of science and not something to criticise".

"Let's talk about your proposed area of study," said Brown, who was not so far removed that she missed the tension between the two other professors.

Here Dark was on much more familiar footing. He explained his ideas on stress-spreading in metals and the approach that could be taken to limit the spread of microfractures using a "molecular honeycomb". His calculations, which were extensive already by this point, showed that he could reduce the weight of an aircraft hull by between 3% and 11%, depending on the type of aircraft, while theoretically increasing the strength and the lifespan of the aircraft by up to a quarter.

"Hmmm," said Brown, visualising the implications of her own equations - which Dark had referenced in the work. "This would have considerable application in space-based technology, where weight and strength are more important considerations than production cost. ****, you think this will work?"

"Rigid foam works in much the same way," Turpin replied. "It's the same basic theory, but it's never been done with aluminium - or any other metal". The old man added, entirely for McKinnon’s benefit, "It could be worth a bit of money".

McKinnon rolled his eyes and settled them down on Turpin. "Very well".

"I agree," said Brown.

"Congratulations," Turpin said and Dark rose to shake his offered hand. "The committee is pleased to award you a National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship".


Dr Lachlan Dark, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Five years were nothing. Dark pursued that workmanlike approach relentlessly and after a two years managed to create stable molecular honeycomb which retained stability in extreme cold and heat. It was still too technically demanding for scaled production, but he - jointly with MIT - had his first patents.

He wrote home to his father, who died shortly afterwards, that "I have made my Dark material perform wonders". He never received a reply, but his father was an English teacher and he was sure he would have appreciated the reference.

After writing up and publishing his findings, he was given his doctorate and offered a teaching position at MIT by Professor Turpin.

Lachlan Dark had always seen those who were more gifted than him enjoy greater success for less work. That didn't bother him, because they could no more decide how smart they were than he could. It was the other kind of people he had grown to despise, those who came from generations of affluence and didn't work for anything.

They bought whatever they wanted. Cars, houses, position, and the appearance of academic achievement. It was soon after he began teaching that he encountered the worst, and best, example of this.

Scott Frobisher came from old money. His great grandfather had been an industrialist before the word existed and his direct male line - like the descendants of an ancient king - had been men of power.

Scott had decided that he wanted an undergraduate degree in engineering from MIT - though he would almost certainly go up river to law school when he was finished. Scott wasn't stupid, he was just average and arrogant, which meant the quality of work he handed in was dreadful.

Dark entered no record for their class on his first year transcript - this was MIT's traditional way of covering failure in difficult subjects for new students. He was called into the office of the President and informed - in the politest of terms - that he might want to reconsider the grade. Scott had been under a lot of pressure in his personal life. The grade was changed to an A. Dark did not raise an objection.

Dark who would have crawled through broken glass - and more: he studied - for every A he received, just passed one out like it meant nothing.

These thoughts of injustice filled his mind as he began the long walk from the river-side campus to his own cheap housing nearby. He had stayed late to grade papers, because it was easier than carrying them all home and back to work again.

He observed in the distance on the quiet road a couple of his students having an argument. Elaine Smith and Scott Frobisher had been sitting next to each other in class for a few weeks - which he understood to mean they were dating. Elaine was classically beautiful, but also head and shoulders smarter than Scott, smarter than Dark too, so whatever the argument was about Dark was certain he would have sided with her.

As he walked a little nearer he thought about coughing - they hadn't seen him and he hated to intrude on other people's personal lives. The argument was getting rather heated and Scott in particular seemed --

He slapped her. Dark stopped dead.

It seemed like they all stopped and the moment of time stretched out impossibly long.

Elaine moved first and slapped Scott back, though she had nowhere near his strength. Scott was an athlete who, with a little dedication and different parents, might have been a professional football player.

All that spring-coiled muscle was released in a single fist blow to Elaine's face. The sound of her nose breaking carried a long way in the cold night air. Dark heard it perfectly. He might have stepped in at that point, as Elaine staggered back between two parked cars. But a taxi, turning too fast onto the street, didn't see her in time, didn't stop in time and threw her fifteen feet down the street where she landed with a sickening thud.

Scott was terrified. He had just watched his future vanish. He might avoid prison, but he'd never escape the scandal - that would stay with him and his family forever. And his was not a family which forgave scandal.

But then the taxi driver stepped out. The driver blurted it out - "I wasn't looking - I didn't see her - oh my god". As the driver quickly radioed for an ambulance, Scott smiled. He looked so relieved. He had gotten away with it.

Right then, if Dark could have, he would have smashed the smiling face into the road. And when Scott finally saw Dark, and saw that look in his eyes, the smile vanished.

Before the ambulance arrived, before the police arrived, Scott arrived at Dark's ear.

"Don't say anything," he urged, his eyes wide with desperation. It was clear he didn't know whether to bargain or threaten, but Dark knew he had the means to do either. "You get me through this and you're set, man. It was an accident. Just don't say anything".

If it had happened during the day, he wouldn't have wavered for a moment. He would have been fresh and awake, he wouldn't have been at work until the middle of the night before walking home to his craphole apartment. He wouldn't have been as terrified by the sight of black blood on the black road and he wouldn't have wondered what threats Scott could make real if he refused.

But all those things were true.

At 3:30 AM the phone in Dr Lachlan Dark's apartment rang. He didn't remember if he was sleeping or just lying with his eyes closed wishing he was asleep. He picked up the phone.

"Doctor Lachlan Dark?" asked the voice. He confirmed that he was. "This is the Vice Chancellor at RIT".

"Did I leave something on?"

"Not MIT, Doctor Dark, The Randolph Institute of Technology in Rainport. I'm calling to offer you the job as Dean of the School of Applied Mechanics".

"...Is this a joke?"

"It is not a joke, Doctor Dark. I do not make prank calls in the middle of the night. The post has substantial benefits including accommodation, a tenured professorship and an appropriate salary. I have been asked to urge you to accept this offer".

He paused for a moment. "...How appropriate?"

The Vice Chancellor told him.

"Are you sure there are supposed to be that many zeros?"

The Vice Chancellor informed him that the figure was correct and the package was extremely generous - which Dark guessed meant "more than I get" and "more than you'll ever get anywhere else".

"When do you want me to start?"

"Monday".

"But I need to give notice".

"I am told that your resignation was submitted to the President of MIT four weeks ago and accepted and your contract terminated... 3 hours and 32 minutes ago. I will see you on Monday... no, wait, blast, it will have to be Sunday. We'll arrange for you to stay at a hotel. Good night, Professor".

He put the phone down.

Nothing so sordid as a bribe had been mentioned, and nothing so brutal as a threat had been made. The Vice Chancellor - whose name he didn't catch - almost certainly didn't know the details of why any of this was happening. But it was happening.

He had been bought-off. It was within the gift of some indifferent plutocrat to purchase his silence - because it was less messy than simply killing him.

He packed his things and, calling his landlord, discovered that the landlord expected him to move out on Friday. The landlord had received a visitor first thing that morning, who paid the next month's rent and told him Dark was moving out.

The plane to Rainport had been booked and the taxi was waiting to take him to the hotel at the other side. He already knew what was happening, of course. They had made it so easy to go along. If he were to change his mind now nobody would believe him. Though he wouldn't change his mind; he liked the idea of finally getting everything he wanted - given to him, without the years of hard work.

He wanted this now and he would fight tooth and nail to keep it.

But when he saw Elaine's broken face in his dreams it drove him out of his comfortable hotel to the streets of Rainport. He would take a long, winding walk to burn off his anxiety and when he got back he would go to bed.

And never dream of her again.


((We now return you to your scheduled programming :smallbiggrin: ))

[evisiron]

...
((We now return you to your scheduled programming ))

That.. was... brilliant! :smallsmile:

[dfpiii]

That.. was... brilliant! :smallsmile:

Thanks :smallbiggrin:

[PlasticSoldier]

That was a good backstory. Almost makes me wish Scott was a mutant so that we could introuduce him to pre-redemption Reaper:redface:

[BloodyAngel]

Your long and awesomely dramatic post makes ours look crap by comparison! Therefore, I ask you to misspell more words or something at least, so I can at least be proud of my superior spelling and grammar. :smalltongue:

Seriously though... that was awesome. Sadly, Tasha probably doesn't have a tragic and interesting backstory. She's only 20, after all... and save a shrew of a mother and a bad break up in high school... she's never really done much of importance. Still... maybe I can come up with something. Perhaps a drug-addled past of some sort. :smallwink:

[Wiz]

I am amazed at your writing ability. I hate Professor Dark's amorality, but I love the way you present him.

[dfpiii]

Your long and awesomely dramatic post makes ours look crap by comparison! Therefore, I ask you to misspell more words or something at least, so I can at least be proud of my superior spelling and grammar. :smalltongue:

Sory, I will trie to do wurse in the futur :smallbiggrin:

I'm enjoying your back and forth in the nightclub - though to be honest, I'm not seeing Draven getting any action any time soon :smallwink:

Thanks everybody. I hope to see more about everybody else's characters, because, as I pointed out, I'm a snoop.

[BloodyAngel]

Sory, I will trie to do wurse in the futur :smallbiggrin:

I'm enjoying your back and forth in the nightclub - though to be honest, I'm not seeing Draven getting any action any time soon :smallwink:

Thanks everybody. I hope to see more about everybody else's characters, because, as I pointed out, I'm a snoop.

If he doesn't get off his brooding rear end and post soon... I don't see him getting anything! I'm giving him two days, then assuming Tasha possesses him, empties his bank account and runs up every credit card she finds on him... and uses it all to fund his brand new sex change! :smallamused:

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Tasha

(I shall go on the assumption that the first post is the right one... and the second one was accidentally cut short somehow. If I'm wrong, let me know.)

And in one fell swoop... she jumped right back from calm and comfortable... to freaking out!

Holy hell... that's... he... FOCUS! Tasha will run through thoughts at breakneck speed, He knows!? How does he know? Did he know where I was that night? No... that doesn't make sense. He doesn't even know which room my dorm is. HE can't know... but he does. @#$%! How could he have found out... unless.... Oh god... he's probably a mutant too and he's reading my mind!

At which point, Tasha will try very hard to concentrate on things other than her deeply held, important, secret thoughts.... which will, of course... cause her to think about her deeply held, important, secret thoughts. Brilliant.

In perhaps a desperate attempt to keep her secret, Tasha will try to turn the question around at him, while trying to hide her panic. What are you saying? You.... Were you in the chemical blast? Is that what you're trying to say? Are you one of them?

The entire while, Tasha will ATTEMPT to hide her thoughts by going through the song "99 bottles of beer on the wall" in her head. She won't dare try to read his thoughts or the like... fearing that he would know what she was trying to do and would then know that she can read minds...

Granted... intentionally telling herself to not read his mind will PROBABLY give away that she can read minds if he is, in fact, reading her mind. She's new to this whole telepathy thing. :smalltongue:


OOC: Ummm, YIKES! Ok, OK, I'm posting! :smallsmile: Did I mention that I lost my last post due to some bizzar internet snafu?
I'd comment on the "good dr.'s" (a very loose usage of such terms), but I honestly haven't had the time to read it.


Draven/Oblivion

Draven, having noticed Tasha's increased agitation at the current subject, raised both his hands palm out, saying,"Hey, calm down, why are you getting so defensive?" he says, giving her a quizzical smirk.

"What I'm saying is, there is need for an alternative to be offered to those that have changed. An alternative that isn't offered by the government. We are capable of being the first to offer such an alternative. What I'm saying is, things are happening very fast, and if we don't adapt quickly, we're going to lose our opportunity to make any choices for ourselves at all."

He leans forward casually, slowly putting his feet on the ground in an effort not to startle her into doing anything rash I have to be careful, there's really no telling what she's capable of.

Looking at her with sincerity in his striking gray eyes, he continues saying, "I don't know about you, but I'd like to know someone had my back in case someone like The Reaper, or spirits forbid, The Man, tried to use their powers on me...and I was really hoping you'd feel the same way." a look of disgust at the mention of The Man being the only respite from his earnest expression as he spoke these words.

He sighs wearily,"I know this might be difficult for you, maybe you've had some negative experiences with people in general, guys in particular, but remember what I said about honesty and lack of pretense? Before we continue, try and entertain the possibility, for a moment, that I'm doing exactly that, while you try and do the same ok?"

He gets up, casually takes his coat off and undoes the top button of his untucked black dress shirt, revealing the top of his well sculpted pecs. He takes a step toward Tasha, picking up his drink from where he set it down, taking a long pull but all the while surreptitiously watching Tasha out of the corner of his eye and listening as she responds.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

empties his bank account and runs up every credit card she finds on him... and uses it all to fund his brand new sex change! :smallamused:

OOC: I apologize, I read this incorrectly the first time. That threat's not as scary as I first thought...he's wondered more than once what it would be like to be a lesbian. :smallamused:
I'm sure it'd only be a matter of time before Tasha converted.:smallbiggrin:

EDIT: I've now read your post D., and yes, it deserved the rave reviews it recieved. I acutally found myself suprised by the turn of events, which, in my book is the sign of a good writier.

In general, this game has, somewhat to my suprise, attracted a fair amount of decent writers. This is something I am grateful for, although it forces me to continuously struggle with your rabid posting rate. :smallredface:

BTW BloodyAngel, thanks for the generous time frame before you self destruct. This should be resolved in only a few more posts.

[BloodyAngel]

Tasha

Well @#$%. Will be all that flashes through her mind, as it hits her like a cold chill that she can't hide anymore. She could lie... but what good would it do now?

Tasha sighed and slumped back into her chair, her eyes flitting closed for a moment, as if she were suddenly very tired... or maybe, scared?

Be quiet. I don't want to advertise that, alright? I don't know how this happened or why... but I'm guessing it wasn't an accident. At least, not all of it. That kind of stuff only happens in comic books and cheesy role-playing games. She will say in a muted voice, I think the stuff that blew up was meant to do exactly what it did... What it wasn't meant to do... was expose a few dozen of the locals to it. Even if someone wasn't behind this whole mess... you can bet that there are going to be people who try to exploit it... and exploit us. And I don't want them coming within a county mile of knowing what I am!

Tasha will slip her arms around herself nervously, looking down to the floor as the dip of her head causes her hair to drift over her face in a dark curtain. The black-painted fingernails of one delicate hand will nervously trace a shapeless pattern on her arm. When she finally does look up, her voice will be a soft plea.

How did you know?

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion

He raises a curious eyebrow as she makes her first statement about "advertising", but chooses not to interrupt. As she said "what I am", a faint look of realization graced his features briefly, his eyes ever empathetic.

As she finishes, his look softens minutely, and he lowers himself to one knee beside her with a consolatory look on his face, although still keeping a safe distance from her, resisting the urge as if I'm drawn by something that transcends emotion or desire to reach out to her.

He observed her vulnerable body language, her alabaster arms encircling her small frame defensively, expressing without words her desire to protect herself, her fear that she would be hurt yet again.

In the back of his mind, almost grudgingly, he had to admit to himself, the closer he was to her, the better he felt, the rasping, twisting, empty feeling continuing to lessen into almost non-existence.

That scared him, and he didn't know why. But he was determined to find out.

"Natasha, you can trust me not to tell anyone about what's happened to you...in both cases."
He continued in slightly quieter tones, sitting on a nearby ottoman, "I'm glad you already know about your abilities. The potential risk of scaring you when I revealed that was killing me."

"The way I knew in the first place is simple; you're different than everyone else, and I can sense it...it's quite poetic actually...", he finishes, trailing off as he searches her dark eyes for some hint of deeper understanding, brow slightly furrowed, his hand unconsciously sliding to the end of his knee in her direction.

He looked away, resting his head in his hands as he continued to speak, his voice slightly husky with emotion,"I woke up this afternoon...and all I can recall are vague impressions of seeing an explosion last night and..." his eyes widen as another suddenly resurfaces,"Falling off of the roof from two stories up..."he says, mostly to himself.

He shakes his head, obviously trying to make sense of it all,"I know I'm probably not making much sense, but since then, besides feeling generally healthier all around, and, I guess more in touch with myself and the wisdom I've gained in my life time, I haven't noticed much. But, when I got back to my apartment, I was able to do everything without any lights on. Then I actually started seeing it all, like the spirits themselves were giving me sight."

He regarded her with a look of mingled emotions, as distrust, amazement, confusion and hope warred for dominance of his countenance.
"I know I'm taking a huge risk telling you all this, but I think you're someone that I can trust. I know if we're going to get through this, we're going to have to trust somone, so why not each other?"

Regaining control of his expression, he continued steadily,"Typically, I'm not one to be optimistic, especially about human interaction, but I don't believe anything happens by accident. I think we're here, tonight, in this situation together, for a reason, and I think it could work out...I think, if we gave it half a chance, even we could work out...", he says, an uncharacteristic shy smile appearing on his face that disappears almost as fast as it appears. He smoothly changes the subject after only a moments pause.

"So what abilities of yours have you discovered? You see, I can sense your power, but not their exact nature...hopefully nothing too flashy, as our anonymity hinges on our ability to blend in. Something I'm sure you're well aware."
He cocked his head curiously then, half smiling as he sayed "A little off topic, but you don't happen to speak any languages other than English do you?"

[BloodyAngel]

Tasha

Tasha will relax somewhat, at least outwardly... looking to Draven and sliding her hands down, folded, onto her knees.

I took spanish for two years and all I remember how to say is "El madre es enfuego."... and I'm probably saying it wrong, at that.

She will smile softly, her thoughts running a mile a minute.

It would be so easy to just... look. See if he's sincere. But... if he knew somehow. He could be dangerous. Or I could just ruin a good thing...

She hadn't been in an even vaguely serious relationship since junior year of high school... And that ended horribly. She smiled and tried not to look nervous.

I'm not sure if you're trying to be sincere, or trying to get into my pants... But you're doing a better job than most who've tried.

Tasha smirked. She felt less nervous slightly. The flirting and jokes made her feel like things were just a bit more normal. Like she out with any other guy. She took a deep breath to calm herself, and resigned herself to give Draven a chance.

I... don't know about this. I have enough trouble with normal relationships. This is something I don't even know how to PRETEND to do right. She will say, pulling back her hair from her face with slender fingers, to look at Draven without the obstruction. But... This can't be a coincidence... right?

She'll put a hand on his lightly, and move a bit, to make room on the seat next to her.

I suppose we can... give it a try.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion

As Tasha's hand began to near Draven's, a bizarre reaction occured, as his skin appearted to writhe, starting at his shoulder then converging upon the point of immenent contact, in a way that could only be described as...hungry.
(something like Rasputin's under the skin tentacles effect in Hellboy).

With a look of horror, he attepts to yank his hand away from her touch.

Reflex Save: [roll0]

My OOC feelings on this little "situation": At this point I'm really regretting taking this comlication.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion

With a speed that suprised even him, he yanks his hand from beneath Tasha's gentle caress, clutching and staring at his hand for a moment, breathing rapidly what the hell was that?.

Taking a shuddering breath which he manages to exhale calmly, steadying himself, he says very quietly "I don't know what that was...I...I'm sorry, please...don't...he moves to his coat, pulling his gloves from inside his jacket and quickly putting them on.

"Please help me Natasha. You might be the only one that can". He looks at her with pleading eyes.

A look of deep sorrow crept upon his face then, and he dropped his gaze, saying distantly "I don't know any Spanish...I'm...sorry this couldn't be more "normal" for you...if you want to go I'll understand."

[BloodyAngel]

Tasha

OOC: (HA! In your face "Marie". There's a reason no one ever takes the "always active" power flaw. A parting toast to your poor, departed love life. :smalltongue: )

What happened? Was that me or you? Tasha will say... pulling just as quickly away. I don't think I can do that... It's... never happened before.

She will slip back into her chair a bit... as if she could disappear into it.

It's ok. It's alright. Calm down. You didn't hurt me or anything... It's alright. She will try to assure him... without touching him, of course.

I don't know what that was... And... I really don't know if I can help you with it but... I can... try. Has that happened before? Have you touched anyone else since the blast?

[chrono]

First of all, sorry for intruding in your game.

However, I'd like to remind you that there are IC and OOC sub-forums for a reason. This thread is in the recruiting section of the GiantITP forums and each time somebody posts here this thread bumps a perfectly legit recruiting thread down and eventually out of sight on page 2.

So please have your IC/OOC threads in the appropriate sections to avoid having people to "wander in" or to mess with GMs trying to find players and vice versa.

[BloodyAngel]

That's two complaints. I guess we should move this thing. Sorry for the mistake in placement. Can you drag it over to the IC threads, or do I have to? (And if I do... please explain how.)

[The_Snark]

If you PM one of the mods, they can move threads, I think. Baron's the one for this forum, so I'd ask him.

This message will self-destruct when no longer needed.

[Wiz]

Whatever you do, don't move the main ooc thread, because it still IS a recruiting thread with every right to be here.

[BloodyAngel]

I can't seem to get through to the mod. Maybe I'm doing something wrong? Can someone else give it a shot and see if they have any luck? Maybe it's just me.

[The_Lonely_d12]

It is thanksgiving week, they might be away, or hasn't checked pm's yet, or something. Might even be stuck in traffic. Give it a little time, I say.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

OOC: This post courtesy of BloodyAngels impatience and boredom over the holiday weekend. :smallbiggrin:
So, if you're mad about your recruitment thread being bumped down, don't talk to me...I was willing to wait.

Draven/Oblivion

Taking several deep breaths as he spoke, he eventually leans back into his seat, a mingled look of resignation and determination discernable in his expression.

“I thank you for your reassurance, but everything is not going to be alright, at least for a while to come, although I am glad that my discovery of that particular facet of my…transformation, was made without any harm done to your person”.

“No, I haven’t touched anyone since my exposure. I don’t tend to touch, or be touched, by a lot of people as it is, despite what you may or may not have heard on campus, but I’m certain that was a first.”

He gulps the rest of his drink, cocking his head to look at the glass with a passing look of mild disappointment and curiosity, before returning his gaze to Tasha and continuing.

“Depending on what powers you’ve gained Natasha, you may be able to help me quite easily. He said, looking at her under his eyes. “I’m no expert on superhuman abilities, but I know a bit about the occult and Paranormal sciences. There have been cases of psychics who can prevent psychic manifestations simply through force of will. There are also those who facilitate others use of their psychic talents. Clarifying them, giving them greater control and perhaps greater insight. I was hoping, now more than ever, that you might be such a one”.

He stands and leans against the wall of the alcove flanking the curtain, using his forearm to support himself before continuing.

“No matter what your abilities are, any insight you might provide regarding your understanding of your own powers and their emergence would probably be helpful to me in discovering and mastering my own. That is, unless you’re just as in the dark as I am, pardon the pun, regarding understanding your powers. But, somehow I doubt that”.

He glances at her, offering an endearing wry half smile, doing his best to put her back at ease and grapple with the difficult and bizarre situation at hand as best he can.

“Honestly Natasha, what are you afraid of ?” he says in darkly sarcastic tones, but undercut with a strong hint of sincerity.

[BloodyAngel]

Tasha

He won't trust you if you tell him. And he seems awfully eager to know... Maybe he can't read my thoughts after all... Or maybe he can, and he's just trying to see if I'll lie. Damn it! This is confusing!

Tasha shook out the thoughts in her head. What the hell is wrong with me? I've never been so scared in my life. Well I'm done with that. I doubt he'll hurt me... he's just some poor guy who can't control his mutant... power... thing.

After a moment of musing on how odd it seemed to be thinking of anyone's "mutant power", without it being a discussion of X-men or a joke about her professor, she finally took a deep breath.

I've been trying very hard to hide this all... I can't shake the feeling that people will take offense to what I can do... and will try to lock me up, or make me do things that I don't want to do. Tasha confessed, So don't tell anyone about this... Nobody... alright?

She will pause for a moment to look about, as if she is still worried about being overheard. An absurd idea, considering the loud music of the club. She will shift forward in her seat to lean closer to Draven, making certain not to touch him... and as quietly as she can manage while still being heard over the music.

I can hear what people think... And feel what they feel. Everything they think, and know, and remember... Even things that they don't even know they feel, or things they don't want to remember. It's like... I can go into go into their minds, and just... feel... all of it. She will pause for a moment, waiting for some look of shock or horror on his face, At first, I couldn't make it stop... And I learned some things about people I know that... I didn't ever really want to know. I can control it now... and I promise that I haven't been doing it to you. I don't really want to know those kinds of things about people that I like. It's bad enough to spend two hours in class knowing that the guy who sits next to me in one of my classes spent about two hours imagining a threesome between me, him, and Jessica Alba.

Tasha will sigh, and lean back in her chair again... Not sure if she felt relieved or MORE worried now that someone knew. She didn't know Draven well enough to know if she could trust him... and finding out if she could trust him, would just prove that she DID abuse her powers...

Damn you, moral high ground!

I might be able to do more... I don't know. It's only been a few days, and I don't know... the limits on this stuff. I can't seem to move things by thinking about it... I've tried. Or start fires... Or see someplace really far away. All I can do is get into someone's head...

She will curl her arms around her, and wait for a reaction. She wasn't expecting a good one... but maybe he would understand. She hoped he would understand.

[dfpiii]

Tasha

Damn you, moral high ground!



Haven't we all felt that way? :smallbiggrin:

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion

Doing his best to keep his expression neutral, Draven watched Tasha patiently as she worked up the courage to share what she was capable of.
It must be something really bizarre if she’s having this hard of a time sharing…I’ll have remember to make all effort to keep her from becoming too emotional if it’s something really dangerous.

He listened with interest as she revealed the extent of her abilities, his eyes widening a bit in amazement, a bemused smile appearing as she described what she had saw in her classmate, then returning to interested concern.

“So, what you’re telling me is that you’re a full fledged psychic? Although I suppose that I can imagine the potential implications for abuse, especially in the wrong hands, I’m honestly a bit surprised.”

He smirked “There have been those that have claimed to possess such powers of the mind for centuries. I believe some of them actually were and are genuine. Although I suspect that the nature of your particular ability diverges somewhat from those others who possess psychic abilities, I suspect the differences are small.”

He observed her defensive posture, and offered her a disarming smile, “I can understand how hard it must be to tell someone that you just met that you can know anything about him that you wanted to. But, I don’t believe, especially after what you’ve shared, that you’re the type to do so without a good reason, and since I very rarely think anything that I wouldn’t also be willing to say, if you slip up, I’m not to concerned.”

His expression darkened, the smirk lessening to only a shadow of what it was, and as he continued he looked away “At least with your ability you can pass as human…I would imagine most people would, and will, be afraid of what I’ve become…”.

He glanced at her, assessing, saying then “Whatever your reason for not feeling similarly, I am thankful such is the case. Perhaps your abilites alone may not be able to help me, but you, Natasha, have helped me, simply by being…yourself”.

Then, standing up, he nimbly sliped into his trench coat, and, after a moments consideration, extended a gloved hand towards the partition controls on the dull red wall, giving Tasha a mischevious look of inquiry after doing so.

“I am beginning to feel a bit restless. Perhaps we should continue this discussion, in hypothetical terms of course, as we take a walk around down-town? Who knows, it could be fun.”

Nine-Inch Nail’s “Closer” could be heard moving into the first verse from behind the partition as Draven awaited Tasha’s reply.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

A "why is Tasha so freaked out about a power like that" and a "why the hell does she not seem to be afraid of a freak like me AT ALL" rolls Sense Motive [roll0] [roll1]

OOC: I noticed a while back that I was writing everything in past tense, which I suppose was a subconscious reaction to being behind all the other players in the game (and because I typically write all my Pro's in that tense).

I've since had a hard time maintaining consistency in that respect (primarily due to everyone else writing in the present tense).
I suppose that once I'm "caught up", I'll switch back.

Just letting you know in case you were curious.

-TOA

[BloodyAngel]

Tasha

I've been doing the past tense thing too a bit... no worries. Also in regards to what I'm guessing are sense motive rolls... I figured it was pretty obvious why someone wouldn't want to let the world know that they can read minds. But your roll was bad, so you'll just have to guess. :smalltongue:

As for her lack of fear of him and his crazy touch power... Well... At the moment, she's more afraid that he knows her secret. His touch power-thingy doesn't really affect her life in the least, save that she can't touch him... And she's not quite attached to him enough for that to be a loss. Heh. I'd make a bluff check for Tasha, but she's actually not lying terribly much. (Ok, she is omitting the possession thing... though she did allude to it with her "I can go into their minds" thing.

Long story short, she's not really afraid of his crazy power because she's not afraid of him... In fact... the thought that he can't control his power makes him seem less scary. He's just a kid who's in over his head and trying to deal with it. Or, that's her idea. It is gross though. No lovin' for Draven! :smallyuk:

He took that pretty well... But then, I guess he's in no position to freak out. She thought to herself as she got up... and slipped back into her coat.

Maybe this isn't so bad. She thought out loud, I thought you would freak out a bit more.

Tasha will follow Draven on his little walk, and seem to have calmed down a little, though he would certainly notice that she's going to avoid touching him. Once the pair are off and walking, she'll open up a little. When no one else is in earshot, at least.

I always kind of look for ways things can go wrong... And this has been pretty crazy. I'm sorry I was acting so weird. But trust me... it's not as cool as it seems. You really don't want to know all the stuff in people's heads. Even nice people have some messed up things in the back of their minds. She will confess, and flit a small smile, But thank you for not picturing me naked the second I came into the bar... It took you a few minutes.

Tasha will laugh softly, looking around as she passes unfamiliar places.

I'm kidding, don't worry. I was just guessing. Really, I'd be offended if you HADN'T pictured my naked after all the time I spent dressing up like this. The irony of it is staggering.

She will begin to feel more comfortable as they walk along. The joking helped. She wasn't about to touch him again... and that made a romantic relationship kind of null and void before it began. That was almost liberating, in a way... taking all the awkwardness of dating out of the equation. Plus, having someone else around to talk to about the weirdness of the last few days put her at ease.

Hey. Do you know someplace around here we can get something to eat? I just realized I haven't had anything today besides a cream cheese bagel and some soda. She will say, now that it was becoming more obvious that the rumbling in her stomach was not just butterflies.

Note to self: Eating while in other people's bodies, does nothing to make me less hungry when I come back. That sub sandwich I had earlier was meaningless! Damn you Ethan!

We can sum up the rest, or keep playing it out... whichever you choose ToA. I'm having fun... and I suspect the group will be busy setting/putting out fires for some time. Entirely your call. We've already covered the basics that I wanted to know. Yes, someone else knows about her powers. And no... there's INCREDIBLY little chance that she stays anyplace other than her own dorm room, alone. :smalltongue:

We can keep going if theres anything else you wanted to say/do... or if you just want to keep Rp'ing it out. I'm having fun! Who says you need to save lives or violently murder people in alleyways to have a good time? heh.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

OOC: I say, unless there's something really pressing you want to do in the present day, or something comes up, then let's keep playing it out.
There's defintiely some interesting possibilities to explore here, which might not exist or be available if we "skip" to the next day, so I'm definitely in favor or sticking with it.
My only concern is our continued presence on the "recruiting" thread, despite my and your efforts to get our thread moved, with absolutely no response. Part of why I've taken my time posting is because I'm trying not to bump this thread too much and continue to irritate others on the forum.
If it goes much longer, I'd say we should just make another thread on the correct forum and let the moderator sort things out afterward.
PS As "gross" as you might think his power is, he does have a Charisma of 18, so try and keep that in mind. :smallbiggrin:

Draven/Oblivion

Following Tasha out, he took a moment to appreciate the confident way in which she walked and held herself, despite her small stature, still taken off guard by his newfound ability to experience the sensation of the fabric of her skirt sliding over her creamy white thighs.

He raised an eyebrow then slowly shook his head at her comment, saying calmly with a hint of humor "Not so bad huh? Well, I'm glad you feel that way. As as to my not freaking out, you simply don't know me very well. If you knew my major, maybe you'd understand better..."

As they walked past the bar, he gestured towards the door, saying,"I'll catch up with you outside, I'm just going to say goodbye to Andy".

After a minute, he emerged from the arched entrance way, and joined Tasha as they proceeded into downtown, walking with gloved hands resting casually in his longcoats pockets, listening as she talked and nodding occasionally. He noted but did not comment on the wide berth she seemed to give him, eyeing her knowingly as she mentioned how things had been "crazy".

She must have been getting a little stir crazy as well, she's almost walking faster than I am. I'm a little suprised she even waited for me...

His eyes widened a bit at her allusion to the possibility of his undressing her in his mind, but chuckling afterward as it became clear that she was kidding.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" he replyed absently with a slight upturning of the corner of his mouth, speaking after a moment of absently enjoying the mirad of new sensations flooding his mind as he reveled in observing far more of downtown that he had ever before.

Glancing down to look at her squarely he allowed his smile to broaden, as he spoke "Despite your...casual wardrobe choices this evening, I've nevertheless appreciated them more than you might have guessed".
((Is it a long or short skirt anyway? A little more detail please on your clothing would be nice. I've been wondering almost since we started this thread.))

If only she knew that what I've been fantasizing about has nothing to do with my eyes...he mused as he looked around the city streets and experienced the feel of the sidewalk beneath Tasha's feet as well as his own.

As they walked past a few shops, most of them closed for the evening, as he peered into the darkened windows idly he answered her question, "I believe there's a few places open this time of night. How does breakfast food sound? After all, it's getting close to early morning by now".
He glanced at his watch as he says as much, slightly suprised by how little time had actually gone by since she had shown up at the club.

"There's a really nice bed and breakfast place by the traintracks that has excellent New England style breakfast and dinner dishes, and they're open till midnight if I remember correctly".
He chuckles silently adding "Although, you have to watch out. It's suppose to be haunted...You think you're up to it?" he finishes, raising an inquisitive eyebrow, flashing her an subdued but charming smile.

It'll be an excellent opportunity to conduct the field test that I've been formulating ever since she finally admitted to the nature of abilities

[BloodyAngel]

Tasha

OOC Stuff Planning since he learned of her powers eh? So... the last five 15 minutes then? Or have they been walking for hours in silence? Awwwwwkward... :smalltongue:

Also, as a side note... I kinda guessed he had high charisma, as I'm sure you guessed that she does. (In fact... I think every super in the game does.) Hense the reason she described him as "a looker", and the reason she felt comfortable opening up to someone she doesn't know well. (Well, not VERY comfortable... but just enough to do it.) Sadly all the charisma in the world won't get you a hug when your skin tries to eat her. Doesn't mean she won't like you... It just means she's... well... she has a dirty mind, and imaging the OTHER ways that particular flaw could come up will scare the living hell out of her for quite a while. :smalleek:

Now on to the important part. I can't believe it took this long to come up with a description so... here goes!

Natasha is a short, slender thing... Sometimes mistaken for someone younger than her real age. (Which isn't terribly old, regardless) She has long, dark hair that falls to just below her rear when she lets it down, or covers her face when she pulls it forward. She's quite proud of her hair, and takes good care of it... and she rarely binds it back in anything more elaborate than a ponytail. Her skin is fair and creamy from a combination of her heritage and her lack of exposure to the sun. (Like many college students, she keeps the hours of a crackhead... or if you prefer, vampire) Her features are soft and delicate, and when she goes out for fun, she often throws in black lipstick and eyeliner.

Her look is an eclectic mixture of goth, rock and "slacker". In general, she comes of as the kind of girl that soccer moms fear their sons might date one day. Her nails are short and painted black, her ears are each pierced by three small, steel rings that run down the cartilage of each ear and a small, black "claw-shaped" earring that hangs from each earlobe. (She occasionally changes the latter, but not the rings) On her abdomen, just above anything "indecent" she has a small tattoo of a thorny black rose dripping a single drop of blood. The small of her back is also tattooed in a pair of large, elaborately done raven's wings. The Raven itself is strangely absent.

CURRENTLY, Tasha is wearing a black leather corset-like garment, with laces up the front, that folds over at her bust and has just the slightest hint of red trim. The thing is pulled JUST tight enough to give her a bit of cleavage, which she normally lacks due to her small build. She is wearing a dark skirt that falls to about 2/3rds of the way down her thighs, and knee-high black boots with buckles that run up the front. The boots are something she wears almost all the time, and are the main reason she wears so many skirts. They have no heels, but are just bulky enough to add an inch or so to her height.

Other than that, she is wearing an old, slightly worn leather coat that is more for keeping warm than looks. On her left wrist is a thin leather "bracelet" that serves no real purpose. She's carrying a small, black purse that contains her iPod, her wallet, her keys (with attached pepper spray) and some minor assorted change, makeup and feminine products. :smalleek: If she had more time before rushing out of the house.... Well... another time maybe she'll REALLY goth-out on you.


I COULD know... you know. She'll point out with a smirk, Are you trying to goad me into proving it?

Maybe I was too paranoid about everything... He's acting like nothing is weird at all. Like we're just two people out on a date. I guess people deal in different ways. If what happened to him happened to me... I'd be frekaing out.

As her thoughts settle down a bit and she begins to relax, she'll get more at ease with him... and for just a second maybe, it will be like yesterday never happened. Though she'll still keep from touching him... she'll slip close enough that the separation between them is no longer blatantly obvious. After all... they were pretty close at the club, and nothing happened.

A bed and breakfast...? That's... haunted? She'll say, raising an eyebrow as he presents the suggestion. Is that your trick? Lure in the little goth girl by promising her *spooooky things*."

She'll draw the last part out in the most cheesy, exaggerated "evil" voice she can manage, and smile.

You know... I never really believed in that stuff. I guess after all the crazy @#$% that's happened, i should be more open-minded... but then, where does it end? Angels? Leprechauns? I don't think I can handle anything else that absurd right now. she'll joke, and give him a flirtatious smile, I think you just want to get me someplace where there are beds.

She'll laugh and brave a playful swat at his arm... figuring it's safe to touch him through his clothing, at the least.

But then again... I'll do a LOT of things for some good chocolate-chip pancakes.

(Long story short.... much joking and flirting. And they're off to the bed and breakfast! and yes... I realize it's slightly cruel to flirt with someone that you KNOW can't touch you. And yes... she knows it too. :smallamused:)

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

OOC: These single posts are turning into double posts rather quickly now aren’t they?
No, planning since he discovered his own powers, then since he learned more about his own and discovered her powers. So yes, the last 15 minutes or so.

Yes, I did guess that she did have some decent stats to back up your descriptions.
“Skin tries to eat her” huh? laughes it’s not his skin that’s trying to eat her…mwah, haa, ha, ha, ha, haaaa.
Don’t worry, her reaction was, for the most part, expected. Oh, and, I really can’t believe you went there. Thanks for the mental image I would NEVER have had otherwise.

Many thanks for the exquisite description. I was a little surprised though, as I was picturing at least one or two facial piercings, like a nose or eyebrow ring. But I like it. Urban, without trying to hard. Elegant, but just the right amount of slutty at the same time.

By the way, the type of earrings you’re referring to are called a pinchers (if you were writing it in the way you did for other readers benefit, then never mind as I can understand your reasoning).

To make things fair, here’s a bit of description of my own.

He’s wearing a pair of what appears to be custom tailored dress causal slacks with some intricate seams and stitching. A matching fitted button up, casually untucked, rounds things out, with his leather trench over top of that, and his leather gloves firmly in place. All of which is of course done in pure midnight black.

She probably noticed he did have some worn nail polish on when he had his gloves off earlier, and he is wearing a little eyeliner. He sports a matte black mid-thigh length wallet chain, and what appears to be an ivory belt buckle carved into the shape of a ram’s skull. She might also have noticed that he has a black feather tied into his hair.

He has some nice but understated and well-loved mid-length leather boots on, secured with matte black buckles, and a matching external steel-toe.

His features easily give away his native-american heritage, as does his raven black shoulder length hair that he currently wears unbound. His intense storm gray eyes are the only feature that seems to contradict these otherwise strongly defined traits.
It’s obvious by his “moon tan” that he limits his exposure to the outdoors. Though not bulky, it’s obvious even through his clothing that he is in near peak physical condition, and he moves with an almost unearthly grace.

Ok, enough…self-gratification, literarily speaking of course. On to the post!

Draven/Oblivion


Tasha
I COULD know... you know. She'll point out with a smirk, Are you trying to goad me into proving it?

He looked down at her with narrowed eyes and a faint smile saying,"Natasha dear, not doubting your powers in the slightest, but if you were going to do that, you'd have done it already".

He took a moment to chuckle as she postulated her theorys on his "goth bait" suggestion, listening with an amused grin.

What a delightfully odd girl he thought, observing her as she closed the gap that had existed between them as they walked.

"Well, that's just not fair Natasha", feigning a hurt expression as he spoke."You know that if I was just trying to get under that skirt of yours I would have suggested rare steaks, wine, and chocolates...in the graveyard. As you can see, I was planning that for another night". A playful smile slowly crept across his face, at just about the same time she carelessly swated his arm.

His smile instantly disappeared, and he instictually jerked away, but not soon enough to dodge her hand...whether on purpose or not.

Giving her a look of consternation, he blustered "That was impious at best Natasha...but what is done is done I suppose. At least now I know..." he trailed off, looking away and hiding an odd smile.

I can't decide if she's really gutsy, really into me, or just plain crazy.

"Just do us both a favor and don't slap me in the face ok? In the mean time, I'll do my best not to give you a reason to", giving her a semi-serious glare as he said so.

I guess that answers one of my questions...

He walked on a bit in silence, digenting everything, sensing his surroundings, and occasionally people watching.

Looking back at her as he rounds a corner he says,"It's only a block away from here, if I remember correctly. So, I'm curious, would you describe the 'experience' as full spectrum, or closer to analog? As in, do you feel, see, hear, smell everything, or is it more like watching a movie? Also, is it only one way, or do you think output is possible?"

[BloodyAngel]

Tasha

OOC: She is a firm believer in the idea that too much of something makes it overdone. I briefly toyed with the idea of giving her a lip, eyebrow or tongue-stud.... :smallwink: But opted against it. The idea was for that stuff to accent her... not to be more noticeable than her. Tasha has plenty of problems... but for the most part, she knows who she is and doesn't like to hide it. That's also the reason she doesn't parade around the in the full "OMFG goth!" look. She likes black clothes, leather, chains and the like... but not because she wants to get attention, or fit in with a clique. (In fact, most other goths in high school probably annoyed her) In short... she girl does what she likes, people's opinions be damned. :smallbiggrin:

No violent devouring of flesh. Excellent! It must not work without skin to skin contact... Or maybe it did... and I just couldn't see under his coat. Damnation! Tasha will think a she brushes a stray lock of hair from her face and wlks along the darkened street.

You and your big words... Who raised you to talk like that?
She will say, and then burst into laughter... seemingly from nowhere, I'm just imagining you saying things like that in bed, or something.

She will exaggerate a miserable impression of Draven, with a bit of "stuffy old englishman" thrown in. I say my dear, the way in which we are fornicating is quite joyous! Bully!

She will literally have to stop walking for a moment as she laughs... Leaning on whatever telephone pole or streetlight happens to be handy. She'll only be a moment... less if he doesn't seem to find the image quite as amusing as her.

Sorry babe... I went to public school. I understand everything you're saying... I've just never heard someone my age speak like that. Just professors and old men with monocles She'll say as she recovers herself, and takes pace beside him again. I'm sorry, I'm sorry. It's cute... really.

She'll snicker a bit and follow him around the corner... Getting oddly silent for a moment, and slipping her hands into her coat pockets.

It's... it's hard to explain. It feels like... it does to them. It's not like I just hear them talking in their head or anything. Most people only do that when they're intentinally trying to think of something. it's more like... I can feel all their memories. I can feel what they are feeling. Something that is important or very emotional to them is easier to feel. Things that they don't remember well, or care about much are more vague. And i can only see how they remember the sensations. Like... how they remember the smell of their grandmother's house... or the touch of their first girlfriend. Or the things that they really WANT to forget... Like their parent's divorce... or someone they know dying in a car accident. She'll grow quiet for a moment, and sigh, And I can feel how they feel about things... so... bad memories or feelings are a bit... depressing. The more emotions are involved, the more people seem to remember things and details. And then there's darker stuff... under that. Subconscious, emotional stuff. That's really hard to understand, and it's kind of... disturbing to wade into. i only tried it once, and I don't really want to again.

She'll let out a long, deep breath... and try to shift herself back into a less morose frame of mind. It really WAS going to be weird seeing Heather again tomorrow. The smell of flowers and pancakes hit her as she stepped into the little bed and breakfast... doing their best to help her forget for a while.

This place is kind of nice. So where are all these ghosts you promised? She will say with a faint smile.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion

Draven smiled politely as Tasha made light of his speech tendencies, smiling politely, and taking it with grace.

Damn finishing school...

He rests a hand on his temple and shakes his head as she leans against the lampost laughing.

Putting on a bit of a high English accent of his own he quips,"Yes, quite, but I believe it's 'Bollox', not 'Bully', though I do say, I can'te be entirely sure. Doubtless though, your jocularity is quite catching", finishing with a mock derisive chuff.

Switching back to his standard silky growling tone of voice he continued "Let's just say that my parents made sure that I was taught how to be the best citizen that I could be, whether I wanted to know or not. I guess more of that proppa training stuck that I though...if you'd like I could try and dumb things down a bit if it makes you feel...uncomfortable", he finishes with a playfully snide smile.

She's beggining to make me wonder. With all this bed's and fornication talk, I might end up having be the one saying no...that is, unless she's just a horrible tease, which, in light of my 'condition' would be really horrible. Now that I think about it, I can't say I'm really sure which I prefer.

As they continued walking toward the large wooden sign that said "Ashlee's" he listened to her as she did her best to answer his question's.

Walking across the small parking lot and towards the two story old fashioned wooden building, a faint wistful smile appeared on his face as he recalled his former visits to the establishment.

"I guess I'm beginning to see why you've had a hard time telling anyone about it. It sounds...complicated. Like reading somone's diary without really meaning or wanting to."

He holds the door for her as they enter, surreptitiously enjoying the view as she passed.

The maitre d' smiled from behind her podium and pretended to ignore Tasha's question to Draven, following it with a quick and upbeat"Table for two?" to which Draven nodded and replied,"Please, on the second floor if we could".

The open air second floor could be seen from the entrance, various tables set up to provide a flattering view of the ground floor. It was quaintly decorated, with a New England flair, the smell of old wood mingling with the stronger scents of baked goods.

((Provided Tasha doesn't object))

Following the young womans lead, they proceeded upstairs with a warning to watch their step. Whispering to Tasha as they reached the top of the staircase, he said "Actually, I don't think there's much paranormal activity here, I think it's mostly to draw business, but if anything odd were to happen, I'd blame it on the ghosts..." he concluded with a nod and a meaningfully raised eyebrow.


OOC: If you want to take this a little slower, I can oblige, such as "one to one response" format. In the mean time, I'll try not to godmod too much.
Please do note the retroactive vs. "real time" responses.

[BloodyAngel]

Tasha

OOC nah... No worries about godmoding. I follow you just fine. If I backtrack a little in posts I'll just make mention of it from now on. Also, sorry about the "poking fun at his speech' thing... but it was pretty funny. And the fornication line made me laugh so hard when I typed it that i had to use it. You have this to blame... http://www.ctrlaltdel-online.com/comic.php?d=20071119

Anyways... sorry about the odd method in which i post... i guess i really should put down which is a past tense and which is a current. I prefer the longer posts, so we get more done... but it does make it odd to react to something said at the beginning without an awkward "Well, in relation to that first thing you said...' being said constantly. Let's just stick with how we're going now. It's been working fine so far, i think...


No objection about the choice of seats, though Tasha will stay pretty quiet around the maitre d', giving her a small nod and a soft "thank you" when they receive their table. Not until she has wandered off to give them time thinking about their orders will she really speak up again.

She'll give a soft laugh as she sits down and picks up whatever passes for a menu here, About before... I'm glad you have a sense of humor. I'm just used to joking around when I'm nervous... or when I'm not. i have kind of an... inappropriate sense of humor sometimes.

She'll smile, resisting the urge to reach across the table and take his hand. Things always sounded more sincere with a it of contact... but this was a bit of an exceptional case. She just hoped he understood.

It's alright though... You don't have to dumb anything down. I can understand you just fine. She'll say with a faint smile, Most of the guys at school are kind of full of themselves because they think they're too rich or smart or talented to to have to be polite. And back in high school, it was nothing but guys who thought "Jackass' was the height of intelligent cinema... It's really nice to meet someone who's neither.

This place is nice... a bit more posh than i expected, but not really overdone. I guess he's just used to nice things... She thought to herself as she looked over the menu, looking periodically to him, if only because he was so nice to look at. Kind of expensive though... It's alright for now, i suppose... but I don't want to make him pay every time if we start going out more often.

When the server comes along, Tasha will order a small meal of chocolate chip pancakes and some tea. Then put down her menu and let Draven order... keeping her eyes on him as the server leaves.

So... weird stuff aside. I don't really know too much about you. i know you're in a few classes with my roommate, and I think you helped her prep for her Poly-Sci exam... but I don't really know much more than that... She will say, trying to steer the conversation away from the discussion of strangeness and mutants.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

OOC: You've got me addicted to CAD. Congratulations and thanks a lot. Oh, and stop apologizing, the way you post if fine. I just wanted to make sure that what how we were doing things was working for you. Usually the ladies like that kind of consideration. :smallbiggrin: I blame CAD for that. Well, CAD and "Superbad"...Meh, now that I think about it: Same difference.
Now, if there's a reason you're you're apologizing for the way your RPing, IC mockery or not, let me know, cause I can't see one.

Draven/Oblivion

Draven eyed Tasha apraisingly, smiling faintly and commenting as he did,"Tell you what, if things get too 'innapropriate', I'll let you know. In the mean time, it's ok to be a little nervous. As of this moment, I officially give you permission. I suppose if I were you, I might make me nervous too".

He eyed the way she seemed to be holding her hands nervously, and the uncertain look on her face.

"Rest assured, if I had felt the need to 'dumb down' my speech for you, I would never have asked you if you needed me to. I would have gathered from the lack of response and the blank stares all the information I needed, and would have politely sent you back to your dorm room...please note the politeness part", he says, giving her a rakish smile as he concludes.

"Thanks for the complement, it's nice to know that I'm not the only one who thinks that I'm one of the most humble people I know, but that I have excellent taste in cinema as well", he said, glancing up at her with a spark of humor in his eye as he browsed his menu for a moment before putting it back down.

I haven't eaten a single thing all day, and I'm not hungry at all. I guess I'll order something though, as I'll probably end up sharing...hmmmm, what goes well with pancakes?

As the server arriveed, he glanced up at her, then casually looking across at Tasha, he puts in his order for a bacon and egg omlet with pepperjack cheese added in, and a side of bacon.

Just because I don't need it, doesn't mean I won't enjoy the taste, I just hope it won't mess me up. The entire uncertainty about my own biology is really messing with my head. Just have to hope nothing else really bizarre comes up. Is that why she's fidgeting with her hands like that? We'll have to fix that...

Reaching casually across the table, he takes her bare hands in his gloved ones, giving her a sultry smile and continuing on as if nothing had happened.

"Strangeness aside? Well, I suppose I'll rest the subject for now, but grudgingly mind you. As in, for a few minutes at most, I had an interesting idea I wanted to run by you regarding it...but no matter." shaking his head in mock dissapointment, he shruged imperceptably and continued after a moments thought.
Your roommate? Really, what's her name? I've tutored a few other students, and I haven't really kept in touch with the majority of them.
As far as myself, I'm an open book, what other little dark secrets of mine are you just yearning to uncover?" his turbulent eyes narrow dangerously, but his impish grin remained as he awaited her answer.

[harmonictempest]

If no one minds, I'm gonna put Gust's Day 0 and Day 1 stories here. He came into the game on Day 2, so he's got some history to go over. I wrote them up while waiting to post IC, so I though I might as well put them up. He's probably going to have a long monologue IC this evening (evening of Day 2) which will recap some stuff while he stares at the stars or some such. Enjoy!

Prelude"Stupid, stupid, stupid! You can't keep it cool on a bad day, even for the five seconds that Mick sticks his head in the door! Fanstastic job, really, well done.
"Shut up. It was a small mistake, and everything's going to be fine. I apologized for snapping at him, and as long as I don't go overboard and apologize constantly tomorrow, it won't make any difference at all. Besides, everyone's grumpy when they have to work on a Saturday.
"If it's not a big deal, why are you letting it get to you like this?
*sigh* Ok, deep breath. Everything's fine. Just another non-perfect day. Get home, make dinner, relax with a decent book, maybe go to bed an hour early--
"'Cause you need extra sleep, or 'cause you'd rather hope rest will fix things instead of dealing with it yourself?
"I'm not falling for that. I'm not going to beat myself up for it, so you can just shove it. I'm fine, it's just another day. Everything's fine, and I'm making stir-fry for dinner. Just keep my mind off it until I feel better."

And as he began humming a quiet, cheery tune, none of the people with him on the sidewalk would have guessed at the internal squabble their fellow pedestrian was experiencing. The too-fast stride and furrowed brow that might have been giveaways were too common to mean much during rush hour. Robert continued through the eastern side of town toward the metro, along with the other crowds of commuters, with whom he blended perfectly.
I wonder if the green line will be late again today - they've had construction for a while now, Robert wondered idly as he rode the escalator down to the station. As if to answer him, an orange construction sign came into view at the bottom of the stairs. Wonderful - a detour through the south side of town. Because I wasn't already working enough hours. Ah well, could be worse, eh? Feeling a little better with this small strike against his bad mood, Robert went back up the escalator and caught a bus headed a slightly different direction. As the bus wound its way through the darkening streets, Robert mind began the practiced drift of the bored commuter.

I think I'll finish that novel tonight - which I guess will mean another library trip soon. I really should read something a little more classic every so often, get some actual culture. It's so much easier to read the sci-fi stuff, though - keeps me entertained, not as much work as an older classic, and takes my mind off of things. It's always more fun thinking about someone else's life anyway, isn't it? I guess that's predic-- dang it, I'm not getting down on myself again now! Robert turned his eyes out the window, and tried to lose himself in imaginings about the latest far-future hero he was reading about. The bus slowed, and he got out to walk the few blocks to the next metro station, looking down, not thinking about much. As the ground began to shake, he barely looked around. "It'd be easy enough if that was a deadly earthquake, huh? Wouldn't have to worry anymore...but nah, can't kid myself about that one. I've got too much chance to still do something...of some sort with myself. Would be too easy to just give up, and that's not me.
"That why you've never looked into therapy for the way you treat yourself.
"Shut up.

As he looked up, he wondered for a moment if the universe had heard his joking suggestion, for the building a few blocks in front of him had rather dramatically become a fireball. True to his expectations, faced with the actual possibility of death, his cynicism turned on a dime into pure optimism and love of life...which, sadly, didn't help any in avoiding the shock wave. As it lifted him into the air, he braced himself for a sodden crunch. Which...didn't come - consciousness slid away on soft tiptoes, and as the world faded to black, it felt like nothing more than falling asleep on a cloud.
Day 1Awake. Shadows on the ceiling - must be after 10 already. No alarm? Huh, must've slept through it - that's no good. Boss won't be happy - then again, I'm almost never late, so it shouldn't be a big deal. No, wait, it's Sunday. Urgh. Out of bed. Geez...was that a dream? It should have been one, but I can't remember getting home last night. Friggin' chilly morning breezes - why is the window open?
As Robert dragged himself out of bed, he started slightly at the mess. Huh...I wonder what happened last night. Looks like a friggin' tornado hit. I'll have to clean up those socks soon (there's 13 in that pile - how did I count them that fast?)

He shut the bedroom windows, which were uncharacteristically wide open, and wandered downstairs to get some cereal. He shut the windows in the kitchen as well - not really trying to question what was going on, but just getting through the morning. As he reached for yesterday's paper to finish the crossword over his cereal, it fluttered shut, away from him. Huh, that damn breeze again. Where's it coming from, with the windows all closed? Robert began wandering back through the apartment, trying to find a door or window that might be open - but the breeze persisted without obvious source. This is messed up. Then, as he stepped back into the living room, his heel hit a loose sock on the floor, and his feet went out from under him.

As he fell backwards toward the floor, there was a sudden gust of wind, and without thinking, he reached over backwards, caught himself on his hands, and flipped back over to land on his feet. He promptly froze. What. The hell. Was that? Experimentally, he picked up a plate off his desk and gave it a spin. It balanced perfectly and without effort on his finger. Just then, the television's background babble caught his attention.
...exploded, spraying the surrounding area with chemicals and gases housed there. The area has been quarantined over the course of the night, and a clean up procedure has already started. However, the chemicals have had an unexpected effect on those close to ground zero. The people exposed have been mutated, and many of them are now exhibiting superhuman abilities. This may seem like something out of a...
Well...that would certainly explain a thing or two - I remember the explosion. And then...nothing. It was like floating away. Could I have something like that? What would my powers be like? The breeze swirling around him picked up the newspaper and refolded it by way of answer.
...
I have *got* to test this out.

Thirty minutes later, all work forgotten, he stood in a glade in one of the larger parks near his house. Fortunately, at midmorning on a work day, it was deserted. He spent an hour learning to control the winds around him better, and move them in various directions. Then, noticing how quick and precise his movements and perception had become, he made a sling of his shirt, and discovered that he could hit things at a truly impressive range and accuracy, even with a crude sling. Trying to think what else he could use wind control powers for, he began throwing handfuls of rocks in the air and dodging them all separately (Beat that, Neo!). Throughout the morning, he felt his confidence increase palpably, like a long unused limb waking in pins and needles from sleep. As he grew more and more exhilarated, he climbed the nearest tree with a few leaps and twists and threw himself out of the top in pure jubilation, willing the wind to break the fall. Like a falling leaf, he scooted sideways before hitting the ground and landed lightly. Panting, he stood and took stock.
I control the wind! How much cooler could this get? Wow, I just...wow! That last landing was unbelievable, it felt almost-- ohhhh, hang on. Can I fly?
He stood perfectly still, and raised his hands to summon even stronger wind. The effort was incredible, but there was a tangible sense of achievement, like a stuck door slowly opening. As he pushed harder and harder, the sense of power rose until he could only describe the feeling as if he were about to either explode or orgasm. His feet lifted one inch off the ground, then another. Then the power exploded, but this time without loss of consciousness. His world elongated and extended, and then suddenly everything pushed through to a completely free and clear feeling, like a plane exiting some bad turbulence into clear skies, or pushing through a wall of peanut butter. He set himself down gently and without trouble, trying to sort through the myriad of new sensations. His hand looked longer and slimmer, and if his sleeves were any indication, he was a few inches taller, as well. He had a stark and much clearer sensation of the power at his fingertips, almost as if the wind were a friend at his elbow, whispering in his ear. Whispering was accurate enough, as he now seemed to be able to hear at least as far as he could see. I can't *wait* to see what else I've got hidden away. First, I need to see what I look like now. Not daring to fly for fear of being recognized, Robert walked swiftly the two blocks back to his apartment, and looked in the mirror with astonishment. "Gust", he whispered. "That sounds dramatic enough. So what now? I suppose this is God's answer to me wanting to be someone. So, who should I be?"
As he spoke, he relaxed his power, and saw the figure in the mirror soften back to the tired face he knew much better. And now, the breeze seemed to be gone. Guess now that I have control, I'll have to change to Gust to use powers. Meh, fair enough.
"Well, I should think the choice'd be clear enough - you haven't got the balls for villainy, and you're just idealistic enough for some hero crap that'll get you killed.
"Bah, it's not a lack of balls to have some principles. Still, it's not like someone could easily stop me robbing a jewelry store...huh.
"What, reconsidering? Wasting all your time dithering, again? You--
"Daggone it, it'd be worth a superpower or two to stop second-guessing myself like that. Well, let's see - heroism seems to be the done thing in this situation. I mean, life wasn't that great, but I'm sure I don't need bank robberies to make me happy. Besides, supervillians seem to die in messy ways, and despite my power, so far I don't seem to have developed 'super toughness' or anything. Well, first things first - every super needs his costume."
His stomach growled, loudly. "Well, scratch that - flying really takes it outta you. Looks like lunch is a higher priority now. (Eat like a bird, my foot - didn't they tell us in high school that birds eat twice their body weight in a day, or something? That grocery bill's gonna get old fast.)"

Two boxes of cereal and a TV dinner, later, grocery shopping had become a much higher priority on that week's to-do list. After Robert went shopping, dumping most of a week's paycheck on high-protein foods ("Party this weekend", he mumbled to the cashier), he dropped it off at home and went in search of super-worthy costume and accessories. Two hours later, he was back home. Thank God for police officers who don't think to look up...let's see, robes from the church - don't think Father Dan will miss it with the closetful he's got. Then a crossbow from the hunting store - looked like it had better range than the sling, though I got one of those, too, in case I run out of bolts. Hmm, that ought to about do it. He dressed and went to the mirror, adding a pair of old sandals from the closet. In front of the mirror, he willed the change to Gust - which, unfortunately, was accompanied by the exact same display as the first time. Whoops...gonna have to keep that outside next time, he thought, looking around at the mess he'd made. Anyway, that look seems about super-worthy. Let's see how good I can be with a crossbow - it seems to fit in my hands easily enough.

He walked out the back door and took flight, landing in the small park he'd practiced in earlier. All right, put the bolt in, wind this crank...well, that's simple enough. Taking up a stance on one side of the park, Robert (Gust, you mean) took aim in the dimming light at the trunk of a small tree on the other side, about a hundred feet away. Twang! As the bolt flew through the air, Gust could sense its path exactly, almost as if he were guiding it by blowing it one way or another, but not quite. Thunk! Smack in the middle of the tree trunk, excellent. Gust jogged over to the sapling, a small thing about as big around as his leg, and ten or fifteen feet tall. The bolt had sunk almost halfway into the trunk. Inordinately pleased with himself, Gust reached down to pull the bolt out...and it wouldn't budge. Oh, you're kidding me...I have the super precision to put an arrow in the exact center of my target from that far away, and I don't have the strength to pull it out? He pulled on it harder, then with both hands. After a few moments, he realized deep down that he didn't have the strength to make it happen, but was too frustrated to stop. As he grew frustrated to the point of irrationality, he was aware of the wind kicking up around him, but didn't care. He now had both hands on the bolt and one foot on the trunk, still to no avail. The winds around him were past even that of a strong storm, and were matching his frustration, reaching near-hurricane levels - small bushes had lost most of their leaves, and any small trash and objects on the ground that were not firmly fastened were long gone. Suddenly, he heard a loud creaking, and stepped back suddenly as the wind reached such a height that it finally forcibly pushed the tree over, ripping it up by its roots. The wind, though lighter directly around him, ruffled his hair before dying away as if to say "sorry, that's the best I could do". He tugged the bolt one last time, but the tree, though torn up by the roots, still held the bolt just as inexorably.

There were few things as frustrating to Robert as silly little things that he couldn't fix - he'd yelled at the mirror once or twice over a stubborn cowlick, and shamefacedly wondered why he reacted so strongly to things like that. He wasn't thinking that now. Having gotten to the peak of anger and frustration, he let out a scream and punched the tree as hard as he could. The moment froze into slow motion - as he threw the punch, he felt the compliant layers of wind collecting around his hand and compressing as he pushed forward through the punch. As his hand impacted the tree, they all released with a solid thump, almost a small sonic boom. The sapling flew back through the air a few feet, and as it rolled to a stop, the splintered fragments of the crossbow bolt fell out of the cracked and half-shattered trunk. Robert froze for a moment, taking it the scene and feeling the anger drain out of him, to be replaced by calm shame at his loss of temper. I need to not do that again. And I *really* need to be careful about punching things if I can do something like that. He expelled breath in a long sigh, and gathered up the crossbow from where he'd dropped it. As he picked it up, he idly noticed in his exhaustion that he had changed back to Robert. Guess this stuff takes a lot of energy - that kinda explains my appetite this morning. Good enough for now, anyway - geez, I'm starving again. As he switched back to Robert's appearance, his business suit appeared again as well. Well, that's convenient. As he walked home, he examined his hand, expecting to find it sore or bruised from the punch, but it was unhurt. Looks like whatever those layers of air were protected it pretty well. That's good to know.

After a large dinner, he crashed onto the bed, pausing only to throw a few things in rough piles to tidy up.
((There you have it. A little artistic liberty with the exact strength of his powers, but any inconsistencies can be explained away by him "growing into them" over the course of the first day, the way he could control some of them as Robert until the first time he turned into Gust, but not afterwards.))

[BloodyAngel]

Tasha

OOC: It's perfectly alright to post here HT. That was the whole point. Everyone from the game is welcome to post here. This side-forum is entirely for backstory, side-bits of information about your characters... and anything else not happening in "real time" in the game. Also for extra roleplaying, without slowing the game down in the main channel. Enjoy! And props on the story(stories?) by the way.)

When Draven finally reaches over to take her hand, a smile will grow across Tasha's face. She will take his hand a bit herself, returning the gesture that she is there for him... even though she knows deep down that there is probably nothing she can do to help him.

He does like to ramble... She'll think as she smiles across the table at him, He can dress down all he wants... but he still sounds like a private school boy. It's cute.

Heather Thompson. I know you tutored her last symester. She's the reason I knew who you were before we had that class together. Tasha will answer, when Draven brings it up, I really just wanted to know more about you. I don't know much about you. Where you're from... what you like... I don't even know your major. But... we can talk about the mutant... thing... if you like. It is probably more important.

She'll take Draven's hand a bit more firmly, and look him square in the eye... her face only partially obscured by her long hair. Even without reading his mind... she felt like she could understand him on some level. This was a huge, huge change and she was probably the only person he felt he could talk to about it... and she was too paranoid about being overheard to speak on it.

Tasha let out a soft sigh, and locked her eyes on his. What's your idea?

[evisiron]

If no one minds, I'm gonna put Gust's Day 0 and Day 1 stories here. He came into the game on Day 2, so he's got some history to go over. I wrote them up while waiting to post IC, so I though I might as well put them up. He's probably going to have a long monologue IC this evening (evening of Day 2) which will recap some stuff while he stares at the stars or some such. Enjoy!

Prelude"Stupid, stupid, stupid! You can't keep it cool on a bad day, even for the five seconds that Mick sticks his head in the door! Fanstastic job, really, well done.
"Shut up. It was a small mistake, and everything's going to be fine. I apologized for snapping at him, and as long as I don't go overboard and apologize constantly tomorrow, it won't make any difference at all. Besides, everyone's grumpy when they have to work on a Saturday.
"If it's not a big deal, why are you letting it get to you like this?
*sigh* Ok, deep breath. Everything's fine. Just another non-perfect day. Get home, make dinner, relax with a decent book, maybe go to bed an hour early--
"'Cause you need extra sleep, or 'cause you'd rather hope rest will fix things instead of dealing with it yourself?
"I'm not falling for that. I'm not going to beat myself up for it, so you can just shove it. I'm fine, it's just another day. Everything's fine, and I'm making stir-fry for dinner. Just keep my mind off it until I feel better."

And as he began humming a quiet, cheery tune, none of the people with him on the sidewalk would have guessed at the internal squabble their fellow pedestrian was experiencing. The too-fast stride and furrowed brow that might have been giveaways were too common to mean much during rush hour. Robert continued through the eastern side of town toward the metro, along with the other crowds of commuters, with whom he blended perfectly.
I wonder if the green line will be late again today - they've had construction for a while now, Robert wondered idly as he rode the escalator down to the station. As if to answer him, an orange construction sign came into view at the bottom of the stairs. Wonderful - a detour through the south side of town. Because I wasn't already working enough hours. Ah well, could be worse, eh? Feeling a little better with this small strike against his bad mood, Robert went back up the escalator and caught a bus headed a slightly different direction. As the bus wound its way through the darkening streets, Robert mind began the practiced drift of the bored commuter.

I think I'll finish that novel tonight - which I guess will mean another library trip soon. I really should read something a little more classic every so often, get some actual culture. It's so much easier to read the sci-fi stuff, though - keeps me entertained, not as much work as an older classic, and takes my mind off of things. It's always more fun thinking about someone else's life anyway, isn't it? I guess that's predic-- dang it, I'm not getting down on myself again now! Robert turned his eyes out the window, and tried to lose himself in imaginings about the latest far-future hero he was reading about. The bus slowed, and he got out to walk the few blocks to the next metro station, looking down, not thinking about much. As the ground began to shake, he barely looked around. "It'd be easy enough if that was a deadly earthquake, huh? Wouldn't have to worry anymore...but nah, can't kid myself about that one. I've got too much chance to still do something...of some sort with myself. Would be too easy to just give up, and that's not me.
"That why you've never looked into therapy for the way you treat yourself.
"Shut up.

As he looked up, he wondered for a moment if the universe had heard his joking suggestion, for the building a few blocks in front of him had rather dramatically become a fireball. True to his expectations, faced with the actual possibility of death, his cynicism turned on a dime into pure optimism and love of life...which, sadly, didn't help any in avoiding the shock wave. As it lifted him into the air, he braced himself for a sodden crunch. Which...didn't come - consciousness slid away on soft tiptoes, and as the world faded to black, it felt like nothing more than falling asleep on a cloud.
Day 1Awake. Shadows on the ceiling - must be after 10 already. No alarm? Huh, must've slept through it - that's no good. Boss won't be happy - then again, I'm almost never late, so it shouldn't be a big deal. No, wait, it's Sunday. Urgh. Out of bed. Geez...was that a dream? It should have been one, but I can't remember getting home last night. Friggin' chilly morning breezes - why is the window open?
As Robert dragged himself out of bed, he started slightly at the mess. Huh...I wonder what happened last night. Looks like a friggin' tornado hit. I'll have to clean up those socks soon (there's 13 in that pile - how did I count them that fast?)

He shut the bedroom windows, which were uncharacteristically wide open, and wandered downstairs to get some cereal. He shut the windows in the kitchen as well - not really trying to question what was going on, but just getting through the morning. As he reached for yesterday's paper to finish the crossword over his cereal, it fluttered shut, away from him. Huh, that damn breeze again. Where's it coming from, with the windows all closed? Robert began wandering back through the apartment, trying to find a door or window that might be open - but the breeze persisted without obvious source. This is messed up. Then, as he stepped back into the living room, his heel hit a loose sock on the floor, and his feet went out from under him.

As he fell backwards toward the floor, there was a sudden gust of wind, and without thinking, he reached over backwards, caught himself on his hands, and flipped back over to land on his feet. He promptly froze. What. The hell. Was that? Experimentally, he picked up a plate off his desk and gave it a spin. It balanced perfectly and without effort on his finger. Just then, the television's background babble caught his attention.
...exploded, spraying the surrounding area with chemicals and gases housed there. The area has been quarantined over the course of the night, and a clean up procedure has already started. However, the chemicals have had an unexpected effect on those close to ground zero. The people exposed have been mutated, and many of them are now exhibiting superhuman abilities. This may seem like something out of a...
Well...that would certainly explain a thing or two - I remember the explosion. And then...nothing. It was like floating away. Could I have something like that? What would my powers be like? The breeze swirling around him picked up the newspaper and refolded it by way of answer.
...
I have *got* to test this out.

Thirty minutes later, all work forgotten, he stood in a glade in one of the larger parks near his house. Fortunately, at midmorning on a work day, it was deserted. He spent an hour learning to control the winds around him better, and move them in various directions. Then, noticing how quick and precise his movements and perception had become, he made a sling of his shirt, and discovered that he could hit things at a truly impressive range and accuracy, even with a crude sling. Trying to think what else he could use wind control powers for, he began throwing handfuls of rocks in the air and dodging them all separately (Beat that, Neo!). Throughout the morning, he felt his confidence increase palpably, like a long unused limb waking in pins and needles from sleep. As he grew more and more exhilarated, he climbed the nearest tree with a few leaps and twists and threw himself out of the top in pure jubilation, willing the wind to break the fall. Like a falling leaf, he scooted sideways before hitting the ground and landed lightly. Panting, he stood and took stock.
I control the wind! How much cooler could this get? Wow, I just...wow! That last landing was unbelievable, it felt almost-- ohhhh, hang on. Can I fly?
He stood perfectly still, and raised his hands to summon even stronger wind. The effort was incredible, but there was a tangible sense of achievement, like a stuck door slowly opening. As he pushed harder and harder, the sense of power rose until he could only describe the feeling as if he were about to either explode or orgasm. His feet lifted one inch off the ground, then another. Then the power exploded, but this time without loss of consciousness. His world elongated and extended, and then suddenly everything pushed through to a completely free and clear feeling, like a plane exiting some bad turbulence into clear skies, or pushing through a wall of peanut butter. He set himself down gently and without trouble, trying to sort through the myriad of new sensations. His hand looked longer and slimmer, and if his sleeves were any indication, he was a few inches taller, as well. He had a stark and much clearer sensation of the power at his fingertips, almost as if the wind were a friend at his elbow, whispering in his ear. Whispering was accurate enough, as he now seemed to be able to hear at least as far as he could see. I can't *wait* to see what else I've got hidden away. First, I need to see what I look like now. Not daring to fly for fear of being recognized, Robert walked swiftly the two blocks back to his apartment, and looked in the mirror with astonishment. "Gust", he whispered. "That sounds dramatic enough. So what now? I suppose this is God's answer to me wanting to be someone. So, who should I be?"
As he spoke, he relaxed his power, and saw the figure in the mirror soften back to the tired face he knew much better. And now, the breeze seemed to be gone. Guess now that I have control, I'll have to change to Gust to use powers. Meh, fair enough.
"Well, I should think the choice'd be clear enough - you haven't got the balls for villainy, and you're just idealistic enough for some hero crap that'll get you killed.
"Bah, it's not a lack of balls to have some principles. Still, it's not like someone could easily stop me robbing a jewelry store...huh.
"What, reconsidering? Wasting all your time dithering, again? You--
"Daggone it, it'd be worth a superpower or two to stop second-guessing myself like that. Well, let's see - heroism seems to be the done thing in this situation. I mean, life wasn't that great, but I'm sure I don't need bank robberies to make me happy. Besides, supervillians seem to die in messy ways, and despite my power, so far I don't seem to have developed 'super toughness' or anything. Well, first things first - every super needs his costume."
His stomach growled, loudly. "Well, scratch that - flying really takes it outta you. Looks like lunch is a higher priority now. (Eat like a bird, my foot - didn't they tell us in high school that birds eat twice their body weight in a day, or something? That grocery bill's gonna get old fast.)"

Two boxes of cereal and a TV dinner, later, grocery shopping had become a much higher priority on that week's to-do list. After Robert went shopping, dumping most of a week's paycheck on high-protein foods ("Party this weekend", he mumbled to the cashier), he dropped it off at home and went in search of super-worthy costume and accessories. Two hours later, he was back home. Thank God for police officers who don't think to look up...let's see, robes from the church - don't think Father Dan will miss it with the closetful he's got. Then a crossbow from the hunting store - looked like it had better range than the sling, though I got one of those, too, in case I run out of bolts. Hmm, that ought to about do it. He dressed and went to the mirror, adding a pair of old sandals from the closet. In front of the mirror, he willed the change to Gust - which, unfortunately, was accompanied by the exact same display as the first time. Whoops...gonna have to keep that outside next time, he thought, looking around at the mess he'd made. Anyway, that look seems about super-worthy. Let's see how good I can be with a crossbow - it seems to fit in my hands easily enough.

He walked out the back door and took flight, landing in the small park he'd practiced in earlier. All right, put the bolt in, wind this crank...well, that's simple enough. Taking up a stance on one side of the park, Robert (Gust, you mean) took aim in the dimming light at the trunk of a small tree on the other side, about a hundred feet away. Twang! As the bolt flew through the air, Gust could sense its path exactly, almost as if he were guiding it by blowing it one way or another, but not quite. Thunk! Smack in the middle of the tree trunk, excellent. Gust jogged over to the sapling, a small thing about as big around as his leg, and ten or fifteen feet tall. The bolt had sunk almost halfway into the trunk. Inordinately pleased with himself, Gust reached down to pull the bolt out...and it wouldn't budge. Oh, you're kidding me...I have the super precision to put an arrow in the exact center of my target from that far away, and I don't have the strength to pull it out? He pulled on it harder, then with both hands. After a few moments, he realized deep down that he didn't have the strength to make it happen, but was too frustrated to stop. As he grew frustrated to the point of irrationality, he was aware of the wind kicking up around him, but didn't care. He now had both hands on the bolt and one foot on the trunk, still to no avail. The winds around him were past even that of a strong storm, and were matching his frustration, reaching near-hurricane levels - small bushes had lost most of their leaves, and any small trash and objects on the ground that were not firmly fastened were long gone. Suddenly, he heard a loud creaking, and stepped back suddenly as the wind reached such a height that it finally forcibly pushed the tree over, ripping it up by its roots. The wind, though lighter directly around him, ruffled his hair before dying away as if to say "sorry, that's the best I could do". He tugged the bolt one last time, but the tree, though torn up by the roots, still held the bolt just as inexorably.

There were few things as frustrating to Robert as silly little things that he couldn't fix - he'd yelled at the mirror once or twice over a stubborn cowlick, and shamefacedly wondered why he reacted so strongly to things like that. He wasn't thinking that now. Having gotten to the peak of anger and frustration, he let out a scream and punched the tree as hard as he could. The moment froze into slow motion - as he threw the punch, he felt the compliant layers of wind collecting around his hand and compressing as he pushed forward through the punch. As his hand impacted the tree, they all released with a solid thump, almost a small sonic boom. The sapling flew back through the air a few feet, and as it rolled to a stop, the splintered fragments of the crossbow bolt fell out of the cracked and half-shattered trunk. Robert froze for a moment, taking it the scene and feeling the anger drain out of him, to be replaced by calm shame at his loss of temper. I need to not do that again. And I *really* need to be careful about punching things if I can do something like that. He expelled breath in a long sigh, and gathered up the crossbow from where he'd dropped it. As he picked it up, he idly noticed in his exhaustion that he had changed back to Robert. Guess this stuff takes a lot of energy - that kinda explains my appetite this morning. Good enough for now, anyway - geez, I'm starving again. As he switched back to Robert's appearance, his business suit appeared again as well. Well, that's convenient. As he walked home, he examined his hand, expecting to find it sore or bruised from the punch, but it was unhurt. Looks like whatever those layers of air were protected it pretty well. That's good to know.

After a large dinner, he crashed onto the bed, pausing only to throw a few things in rough piles to tidy up.
((There you have it. A little artistic liberty with the exact strength of his powers, but any inconsistencies can be explained away by him "growing into them" over the course of the first day, the way he could control some of them as Robert until the first time he turned into Gust, but not afterwards.))


Just to say, well written and nicely done!

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion

Draven noded thoughtfully,"Yes, Heather, I think I remember her. Cute girl, kind of shy. Good student though, I'm sure she's doing just fine without me.
With a quizical look, eyeing Tasha he added,"To be honest I'm rather suprised suprised that you're rooming with her. I'm having a little difficulty picturing you two getting along..."

He shruged absently, seeming to accept the percieved contradiction easily enough, and listened to Tasha, enjoying her smile, watching and feeling her lips move and appreciating her warmly reciprocated grasp.

What is this feeling? That...hollowness, the...hunger...but, it seems more manageable now. I just have to focus...

His gaze faltered for a moment, but he quickly reestablished it, before responding,"Natasha, I'd be happy to share all of that with you, but for now I'll just answer one. I'm majoring in Parapsichology, which, somewhat ironically, brings me to my next point"

His voice drops a few decibles to just above a husky whisper as he speaks on,"You might be wondering why I'm not freaking out at this point, or why I'm not...he glances casually around while smoothing his silky locks out of his face,"Why I'm not afraid of you violating my mind. The truth is, I deal with theory on this subject regularly. I've even begun to theorize on my own abilities, and what exactly they might be and even why. So, although waking up this afternoon and discovering that I've gained abilities that very few, if any, other human beings are capable of overnight is far from 'normal', my understanding of the subject, however limited it might be, helps me keep a handle on myself".

He examined her face, seeing and feeling the contours appraisingly, as if searching for an answer to a question in a piece of art.

"Although I don't pretend to understand why you yourself are so calm and collected in light of my...unusual tendencies, I do deeply appreciate your company, and while I don't have your abilities of perception, I do believe that you are sincere in your continued attentions".

He looked away then, holding the side of his free hand to his mouth momentarily, chuckling to himself and glancing up at Tasha with his luminous gray eyes.

"There I go again, getting all prosaic, but you asked a question didn't you?"

His smile faded to almost nonexistence, his brow knitted slightly, and he seemed to take on a more business like posture. But he continued to gently hold her hand, cupping it in both of his as he spoke.

"I actually had a few ideas, I'll run the first by you, as it kind of ties into the second one ok?"

He tilted his head thoughtfully. She's more, well, honest, among other things. At least, more than I would have expected from such an...outgoing girl. This really is a pleasantly suprising level of sincerity and openess. More than I originally expected...at least this early on. Maybe she needs this as much as I do...well, almost as much.

He grins wryly in an absent minded fashion before his features returned to their former set, a curious tone entering his voice as he posed his question in newly subdued tones"You've made metion that you can enter others minds. As in, their thoughts are made known to you. I wonder, if I were to 'think at' you, would you hear my thoughts, without anything more? Moreover, have you, although I strongly suspect you have not, attempted to let others hear your own?"

He smiled faintly,"If nothing else, it could be useful for covert interaction...and potentially more".

He glanced down upon the unpopulated dining hall. The quiet fifties erra music and the sometimes raucious conversation of the wait staff the only present disturbances in the otherwise dead silent inn, the subdued lighting seeming to be a perfect fit for such unconventional topics of conversation.

[BloodyAngel]

Tasha

You're right... I never tried. Tasha will say honestly at the suggestion, I was afraid someone might know it was me, somehow...

She will close her eyes slowly... and dip her head... focusing intently. Her hand will tighten on Draven's little by little, as if she is straining over something... before she finally sighs and opens her eyes, reaching her free hand up to push her hair back and scratch her nose.

Why is it that you itch the most when you're trying really hard to focus on something? She will say with a soft chuckle. Alright, alright... I'm going to try again.

She will put a second hand onto Draven's and close her eyes again... Focusing as much as she can on Draven's mind... Feeling it with hers in a way that made her a bit nervous.

It's not rape if he wants me to do it. She thought with a barely perceptible smile, as she remembered the mayor and his little speech, I can do this... Just a little bit. Nothing deep or fancy...

(From ths point on, i shall assume that Draven fails his save against Telepathy intentionally, as he WANTS her to try to get into his head. Don't worry, she won't abuse the privilage.)

Flickers of Draven's surface thoughts filtered into her head... As always, they were a confusing bundle of constantly changing thoughts, impulses, emotions and random sensory input. A LOT of sensory input... more swirled under the surface, and the entirety of him felt deep... and very cold. With just a small flicker of heat... like a man huddled over a small fire to keep warm. It was odd, but she resisted the urge to look more into it.

Nothing too bad... He likes how I look. He's not very hungry... No naked pictures... That's... good? She thought to herself, Alright... here it goes.

In his head, Draven will feel a faint presence not his own... and suddenly feel a small rush of muddled and difficult to decipher emotions, as the link between the two opens. The trick will work a little too well... without a filter to keep her thoughts and feelings from projecting as well as what she wants to "say".

How will i even know if it works? He will feel in his head, along with a rush of feelings and emotions ranging from nervousness and apprehension, to slowly building comfort and gratitude that she has someone else she can talk to, It's really hard to think about thinking things at him without going farther in. Draven?

He'll get faint impressions from her mind. The feel of her leather top... the drift of her hair down the back of her bare neck and shoulders... The feel of his gloved hand between hers. The sheer rush of it will be confusing as hell, and only the fact that the new information feels so distant and muted compared to the input of his own mind will keep him from suddenly feeling as if he is two people at once. Suffice to say that there isn't really any way a person could understand it, without experiencing it. Even to someone with senses like his... it's something altogether new and momentarily befuddling. Briefly, the two will be one person, of a sort... their thoughts mingling in a way that would probably be the most touching, intimate thing that either of them has ever experienced... if it wasn't so damned confusing.

Draven? I'm trying... can you hear me? Stupid... he wouldn't "hear" it... it doesn't feel like that. I never thought I'd have to worry about not sounding like an idiot in my own head. This is @#$%ing hard. He can't read me... I can't even feel what he's thinking anymore... She will project, before releasing his hand and letting out a sigh.

I don't think it worked.... Did you feel what I was trying to think to you? She will say, beginning to wonder if she may have sent him something after all, once she sees the look on his face.

Oh @#$%. I really hope I didn't send him anything embarrassing. That could really ruin everything before it starts.


(if you all haven't figured it by now... Tasha's speech is in Gray, her thoughts in gray italic, and now, the thoughts she SENDS people in Gray BOLD italic. If that's too confusing for all, I can use different colors for them or the like. :smalltongue: )

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion

He "came around" as she released his hands, his eyes at half mast, but with a pleasant smile gracing his lips.

"Why did you stop Natasha, I could hear you loud and clear", he managed to say in a breathy whisper.

He leaned his head on his hands with his eyes closed. Just as he felt steady enough to speak without letting his emotions overcome him, he felt the approaching waitress, obviously coming to deliver their well overdue drinks. ((I forgot to mention my drink order in my previous post)).

"Hold on a moment, the waitress is coming", he relayed to Tasha in a whisper husky with pent up emotion.

Dropping his hands and wrapping a booted foot around Natasha's under the table, he managed a brief polite smile for the young woman as she came bustling up, saying quickly as she carefully delivered their glasses "Sorry it took so long, got a little caught up in the kitchen", she said giving them both a furtive smile.
"It's my first night-shift and John, the cook, well...in anycase, you're food's almost ready, I'll have it up shortly", she finished, with a helpless looking half shrug. Draven gave her a polite nod as she did so, his eyes immediately returning to Tasha's as the waitress walked quickly off without a backwards glance.

"Where were we? Ah yes, I was about to tell you how your abilities are nearly limitless..." taking a slow cleansing breath, he continued.
"As I am the first with which you attempted, and succeeded more completely that you probably expected or think, I am deeply honored to be that person", nudging her booted leg with his own, which, after a moments pause, he withdrew.

Steepling his fingers, he stared at them for a few moments in silent thought.

"I'm certain that after only a little practice, you'll be capable of making such a 'connection' with little trouble...on either part".

He flicked his grey eyes over her before returning them to his fingers.

"Judging by the initial look on your face, I'm guessing that you were a little worried what I might have...seen?...felt?...maybe 'grasped' is the best word to use. We might have to use that as a code word from now on..." he mused, trailing off before returning to the topic at hand.

"In anycase, I can assure you that I didn't 'grasp' anything more than what I had already surmised without such an...intimate experience".

He looks up, locking eyes with her and giving her a sultry smile that softens his otherwise hard features,"Next time though, try and give me a little more fore-warning before...diving in, you caught me a little off guard there.
Hopefully you didn't find that thought I had of you all tied up and naked..."his smile widens, a darkly humored chuckle emenating from deep within his chest.

On the first floor, the sound of the kitchen doors opening could heard and felt, as the waitress began her return to deliver their late night breakfasts.

OOC: OK now, this is getting juicy. I like it, I like it alot. Hopefully though, we can conclude and move on to day two, as the main thread is moving along faster than I had expected.
No rush or anything, but since you missed a day BA, we've fallen a little behind schedule...although I am, without question, thouroughly enjoying this.

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha

OOC: Ugh... Holiday work hours. Again, sorry for the slight delay in posting. It's going to be hectic for the next few weeks until after new years. For that, I apologise. :smallfrown:

You're more than welcome to move on to day two if you like hun... As I said, Tasha is going to be spending most of day two doing pretty un-heroic stuff. Of course, now that part of downtown has blown up... that may change a bit. Do you want to just agree on how the night might end, and start day two under that pretense?

Thank you. Tasha muttered softly to the waitress before she left.

I didn't realize how long it's been. She thought to herself, He's acting a lot more like a boyfriend now.... What the heck did he see? Was that the mental equivilant of third base or something?

I'm sorry... She will say, pushing a lock of hair sheepishly behind her ear, I didn't know what was going to happen when I tried it... But... it kind of ruins it if I warn you. Then most of what you're thinking about would probably be "holy crap, is she doing it now?". But... I don't really plan on doing that again, so don't worry. Ok?

She will fold her hands together on the table, and glance down... avoiding eye contact for the time being. She seems more nervous than overwhelmed... but then... she's beginning to get more used to feeling people's thoughts.

This is really complicated... Dating is awkward enough without having to be careful of what I think! Her mind raced, He felt a lot different than Heather too... A lot different from everyone else. Why did it feel so... cold?

I'll... stay out from now on, ok? I only tried it because you asked me. She will say, a slight shiver passing over her as her gaze stays locked intently on her drink. I don't want to drive you off... or anything. Maybe we can just... forget that... that happened?

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

OOC: Rage, fading...anger, subsiding...j/k! But thanks for posting, I was starting to wonder, but figured it was something like that (work or more computer issues).
Yea, I think we could wrap things up in one more post from each of us...I was kind of playing it by ear, but I think I can pull it off. Like I said, no real rush, but I'm curious what'll happen when I throw my hat into the mix.
The unfortunate part is, I was hoping that I could do exactly that with Tasha along for the ride!

IMHO, not only do they work really well together as characters RP wise, they're powers have some really interesting possibilities when used in conjunction with one another. It's like...like Wolverine and Jubilee (or Psylock once/if Tasha finally accepts her powers)! Except with less gratuitous admantium evisceration and severely underpowered "fireworks" ability, and more posession and...well, suffice it to say BAD ASSNESS :smallbiggrin:.

Oh well, guess I'll just have to wait till things slow down for you a bit for you. :smallfrown:

Draven/Oblivion

Observing Tasha's reaction, he seemed a little confused, her reaction catching him momentarily off guard.
His eyes flicked quickly to her face, his good natured smile quickly fading, slowly replaced with a look of mingled disapointment and sadness.

"Pray tell, how is it possible that you could "driving me off" when you just single handedly facilitated one of the most incredible experiences of my life?" Draven says, speaking in soft and sincere tones.

He looked down at his food and with unconscious formality took up his fork and sampled the still steaming dish.
Getting a generous bite of omlet along with a half-slice of bacon on his fork and into his mouth he chewed the lot of it thoughtfully.
It's like going to the beach, he mused, it's nice to look at, and feels good, but is entirely unnecessary to my continued survival.

He looked up from his plate at Tasha, observing the uncertainty in the way she held herself, remembering with distinct clarity feeling every involuntary spasm of her body as she shivered only moments before...

More than ever, I need her now...or someone like her. Ones that I can relate to, that...can make all this insanity seem more sane. But I know that it can deal with it, get use to it. In a way, it's everything I've ever dreamed of...in most respects anyway.

((Depending on how receptive her response was to his earlier statemen in this post, this next part will be more or less stern))

Drawing himself up in his chair, while simultaneously "folding" his fork and knife on the side of his plate, perhaps for the last time he gazed across the table at Tasha, resting his hands on the edge of the table.

His voice and eyes depthless as a storm-shrouded sea, he began."Look, I don't know what's bothering you, whether it's something you saw in me, or something about yourself, or just something about this situation. But I want you to know that, regardless of what it is, you can talk to me about it, or anything else for that matter, no matter what.

I realize all this is strange and new, but time is short and if we are to survive we have to be strong and adapt quickly.

Natasha, I know that we can get through this, and you know as well as I do that we're stronger together than we are apart. It's not going to be easy, but I refuse to accept any other possible outcome.

I will make it through this one way or another...but I would sincerely appreciate the pleasure of your company along the way".

He pushed his plate out of the way and looked deeply into Tasha's eyes as he slowly rose from his seat.

"What I'm saying is, I'll make the journey alone if I have to...but I'd rather not."

He glanced over the balcony for a moments, considering, the dull lighting casting deep shadows that no longer held any mysteries for him.

Over the low music, the sound of the old building settling could be heard, the smell of the old wood, the train far in the distance, all only serving to resurect memories buried deep in his past. Memories of the reserver...of violence and death, memories better left buried.

Snapping out of his revere, he turned his gaze back on the young woman at the table before him, her thin face so frail, yet so strong outlined beautifully by her raven hair, her skin taking on an almost opalescent luminence, bereft of any flaws, in the dim lighting of the establishment.

"It's a fair walk back to my car at the club, and I'm getting tired. The car should be fine till tommorrow, so I'm going to get a room here for the night. I'm getting a double. if you care to join me, I'll be in room...thirteen. That is, unless you're afraid of a few ghosts" he purrs, a shadow of a meloncolie smile flickering on his lips as he walks past her silently, reaching the top of the stairs within moments.

Almost without thinking, seeing the deserted ground floor below him, a new confidence flooded him, and he gracefully dove from the top step, his trench fluttering about him in his descent.

Falling the length of the stairs and landing gracefully on the tiled floor below as if only one step had actually been taken, he allowed himself a moment of exultation, feeling the newness...the Oblivion...slither just beneath the surface.

He clenched his gloved hand, reveling in the new sensations flooding his mind, the feel and sound of the creaking leather wrapped around his his hand...and body...and what it meant.

With or without her, I will become one with what I am, and when I do, nothing will ever be able to hold me back.

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha

OOC: We don't HAVE to wrap it up in two or three posts... I'm having fun. I just suggested it since you brought up missing out on "tomorrow". I'll try like hell to keep to a one-post-a-day schedule... that should be manageable. Only the week of Christmas is going to be REALLY rough for me. I'll cope... don't give up on me yet. :smallsmile:

Incredible? Wait... what?

Tasha listened in stunned silence as Draven spoke, not entirely certain what had gone wrong.

You... Incredible? Really...? She will say to him in surprise. You... liked it? I thought you would be... upset.

Tasha listened in stunned silence as Draven gave her his parting words... sounding more sincere than upset. She locked her gaze in his and felt it... under the surface. The same cold she had felt in his mind. It was fainter now, but having felt it once, she recognized it instantly.

He's afraid. At least... I think he's afraid. The thought hit her like a cinder block dropped off a roof, He's as new to this as me... and whatever happened to him is much worse than what happened to me. He can't even touch people. That must be it... That has to be it! I'm here, acting worried about him picking up some obscure memory of hooking up with Kevin Baker at a party... or whatever... That might be the only way he can really be "close" to somebody ever again... and I'm too piss-scared that he'll see something embarassing or weird? God @#$%ing damn, I'm an idiot!

Her face fell as he spoke to her... A certain level of finality to it, like he was leaving for good. He stood and walked for the stairs... and then... leapt from them. Her heart sunk. Despite how foolish a thought it was, for a moment, she feared he was trying to hurt himself.

Draven... wait! She yelled, far louder than she probably should have, and rushed to the edge of the stairs... only to see him standing unharmed on the floor below. Thankfully no one had been around to see him or hear her little outburst.

Of course! He's not suicidal... What the hell was I thinking?!

Tasha let out a long, deep sigh as he walked off to get his room... Returning to her seat and sinking into it wearily.

Strangest day of my life... She murmured to no one in particular, and poked at her food with a fork.

He barely ate... I guess he really wasn't hungry. She thought, placing one elbow on the table and leaning her head against it. What the hell am I supposed to do now? Go home? He knows who I am... and what I can do. I don't think he'd tell anyone though. If I stay... is he interested in me... or my power... thing? Damn it! It was so much easier when guys only wanted to get in my pants!

-----------------------

A mere 5 minutes later... there will be a knock at room 13, and a small, dark-haired girl at the door.

You know... There were probably less elaborate ways to get me to come to your room. She will say with a soft smile, and unless he stops her, she'll come inside.

I'm sorry I got so worried before... But... I'm here now, and I'm alright. It's been a lot to deal with and... I'm really worried that something horrible is going to happen soon. But... I'm here for you, alright? We can deal with this together.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

OOC: Ok, sounds good, and no, I haven't given up on you quite yet, although I've got pretty close at times. :smallwink: Ironic isn't it? I promise that aspect is entirely unintentional.

So yea, I probably wouldn't have put things together quite that way, hence my little "mid post" ooc comment, "more or less" meaning the degree would vary. I guess I should have written two entirely different parts, but by the time I was done with that post I was way too tired.

As I remember it, I was considering only putting the first few paragraphs in, to gauge how you responded to my unexpected response to our little "mind meld", but since it's all out there, and it was a quality post, I'll leave things as they stand.

Unfortunately, I have to get to work in a little, and don't have the time or mental energy to post anything up right now, So it'll have to wait till tonight or tommorrow morning.

Thanks for the effort to keep this going btw, it's appreciated, since I too am enjoying how things are progressing (despite my not getting ANY love on the OOC thread from you regarding "quality posts". As far as I'm concerned I'm RPing my twisted little heart!)

In any case, nice post, keep em' coming.

EDIT: Oh, but only if it were true BA. But, as it is, the "Mighty Paragon" (or rather, his player) actually mentioned none other than you!
I get the honor of being mentioned (second after you) by Evisiron. :smallamused:
Sorry BA, no happy, happy, joy, joy, jig for me tonight. I go now to brood in my dark broody darkness...I wonder if that's what Dpiii's poetry use to be like...:smallwink:

POST STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
PARDON MY BRAIN DUST...OR SOMETHING.

[BloodyAngel]

OOC as well: Awww.... Is my Draven jealous? I kind of assumed you knew you were in there with the "quality posts"... since I mentioned our thread. Also, the mighty Paragon himself mentioned you... so you should be jumping in some kind of glee-like bliss. :smallsmile:

[geez3r]

Not to break up the nice little "dialog" you two are having here, but I am in fact watching this thread, and you are in fact being rewarded just as everyone else is for good roleplaying as part of the game. The way I see it is that this thread is just a little more private than the other one. The both of you are in fact doing excellent jobs of portraying your characters. And as an added bonus I don't have to worry too much about what hi-jinx the pair of you get into :smallbiggrin:

[evisiron]

OOC:
Oh crap! geez3r found the thread. SCATTER!

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion

Using the key card, he walked in, looking it over casually. The decor hadn't changed since last he'd spent the night here. He found that somehow comforting.

With all the changes going on, I guess it makes sense that the old familiar things are such a welcome sight...

Striding into the room, the scent of the dried roses hung on the wall giving the environment a rustic, and somehow antique aroma, he took off his coat and hung it on the rack by the door.
Passing over the less comfortable wooden chair infront of the writing desk, he settled into the well stuffed armchair across from it.

It seemed like almost yesterday that he'd been in this room. His first day in Rainport, so many months ago.

Taking off his boots, he stretched out expansively on the soft but firm cushions, feeling for the first time that day the undertow of fatigue and sleep beggining it's relentless pull towards unconsciousness.

He felt something else then, the disruption of air from beneath the door, the sensation of the carpet on the other side being pressed down.

He swung his feet to the floor and stood in a blur, his mind still catching up with his body as the knock came, and realization occured.

Natasha?...I...who else would it be? But, if it wasn't her, if it isn't her, what would you do then...?

He looked through the peep hole, confirming his assumption, and opened the door a foot.

Gazing down at the young woman, she seemed almost...repentant. As though she felt she had done something wrong.



You know... There were probably less elaborate ways to get me to come to your room. She will say with a soft smile, and unless he stops her, she'll come inside.

He shrugged mildly as she made her statement, stepping aside, opening the door wide and making a welcoming gesture with his other arm.

Slipping the "do not disturb" sign onto the outside latch, he closed the door, sliding the chain lock into place.

"I suppose you're right, but in the long run, I imagine it's better that I said it now rather than later...and all of that certainly wasn't just to get you to come to my room" he smiled and extended a hand "your coat maddam?".

((provided she accepted his offer)) Hanging her coat up, he turned and invited her to sit on the loveseat.



I'm sorry I got so worried before... But... I'm here now, and I'm alright. It's been a lot to deal with and... I'm really worried that something horrible is going to happen soon. But... I'm here for you, alright? We can deal with this together.

Listening silently as she spoke, he sat down on the foot of the bed, leaning back on his elbows, watching her with his eyes and other senses.

"There's no need for apologies Natasha. I actually found your...'reaction' to my..." he pauses, looking mildly sheepish,"admittedly impulsive behaviour on the stairs...endearing actually."

His expression clouded for a moment, his eyes straying to the picture of the storm tossed ship in the elegantly framed painting above the seat that Tasha barely occupied.

"It goes without saying that it's been rather overwhelming, and I also have found myself a bit on edge of late," he sat up and leaned forward, "but regardless of what happens tommorrow, I am very glad to know that I won't have to face what's to come alone".

He stood up, starting to unbutton his shirt, then, stopping and glancing up, flashing her a sly unabashed smile, he made his way towards the small bathroom.

"I'm going to take a quick shower, we can discuss things further when I'm done..." he said, closing the bathroom door quietly behind himself.

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha


A delicate eyebrow was raised as Draven began removing his shirt. She looked visably relieved that he didn't seem upset. She smiled as he headed for the bathroom, and then leaned back in her chair comfortably.

What a strange, strange boy. She thought to herself as she looked around, I hope he isn't expecting me to try to follow him in there...

She laughed to herself, and relaxed a bit. The room was, in fact, a double... so she didn't figure she had much to worry about there. Draven seemed like a pretty nice guy. Not the type she was used to really.

Maybe this whole mutant thing isn't so bad. It is nice to have someone to talk to about it...

----------------------

When Draven emerged from the shower... Tasha was dressed a bit more comfortably. Or undressed, as the case was. She sat on one of the beds, wearing just a set of red silk panties, and Draven's discarded shirt... which was long enough to cover her like a nightshirt. Her makeup had been washed off, and her hair was down. Her skirt and corset were drapped over the desk chair, with her boots beside it.

I borrowed this... I hope you don't mind. I didn't really bring any spare clothes. I wasn't expecting to spend the night with you on the first date. She said with a coy smile, Besides... you look good without a shirt.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

OOC: Ok BloodyAngel, it's official, you are evil.

WARNING: This Next post is PG-13 (Purposely Generalized for those 13 and under).

Draven/Oblivion

Stepping around the corner of the bathroom nook with his towel wrapped around his waist, his hair still damp and lank on his shoulders, he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Tasha sitting comfortably on the edge of the bed, dressed in little more than his shirt.

"It's...absolutely alright..." he murmured, his eyes almost magnetically drawn to her exposed smooth pale legs.

Unable to completely conceal his initial shock he stood rooted in blace for a long moment, coming to grips with the situation, while it slowly became obvious that he did indeed approve of her decision.

Holding his towel, his body steaming slightly, the remaining moisture on his skin only serving to excentuate his impressive physique, a cascade of emotions flooded momentarily across his countenance.

I wasn't expecting...this. So soon, without the lights even being off. Not even trying to cover up. Is she trying to...? No, can't be...then...must be just getting comfortab...but, if so then...what a horrible tease...I think I hate her just enough to actually like her. If nothing else, it'll definitely make things more "interesting"...and I though I was having a hard time controling myself before...

Finally regaining his composure, his teeth clicking shut, he said in a playful offhand tone,"Well, despite my failing to invite you earlier to make yourself at home, it seems that you've managed well enough on your own", a sly smile staring as he begain, then ending in a rather large grin.

Noting the complement, and, walking toward the unoccupied bed, he sat down and replied,"Thank you. You look rather smashing with it on...
I suppose, in all fairness, I'm glad you're fairly immodest as it probably would have made this arrangement less comfortable than it needed to be if you weren't. After all, we've already seen the inside of each other's minds, so this is only natural right?"
Although, as an FYI, if you happen to find your current ensemble too...light...there are complementary bathrobes in the closet in the bathroom nook".

Rasing an eyebrow he eyed Tasha meaningfully, trying to discern her exact intentions, while still fully enjoying the unexpected turn of events, a half smile still on his lips.

Despite the length of his shirt on her body, it was fitted, and her natural curves stood out in sharp relief through the expensive fabric. Draven clenched his jaw momentarily as he realized his eyes were roaming yet again, and looked pointedly away.

As natural as this is, she certainly isn't trying to make this easy on me

Getting up, and walking over to the phongraph in the corner and after a moments consideration, selected a record from the neatly organized collection.

"They don't have any TV's in the rooms here. I guess it just adds to the ambiance, what with this place kind of being a couples weekend getaway destination...in anycase, I hope you like Beethoven" he said over his shoulder as he placed the record on the post, turned the player on, and positioned the needle on the edge of the record.

A haunting piano solo began as he walked back to his bed, reseating himself. Leaning over on an elbow, he played with his goatee thoughtfully.

Looking down at her beautifully sculpted knees, he said thoughtfully, "So, no shower for you I presume. Well, since my other 'experiment' would be entirely out of place in this juncture, I suppose we'll save it for tommorrow".

Pausing for a moment to look up into her eyes he gazed into them as one might peer through clouded glass; with a curiosity born of the unknown, but with a fearlessness having been a few steps witin once before.

"So shall we give it another go, with a little less doubt and impatience on your part of course, or did you have something else in mind?" he said in a low seductive voice.

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha


I usually clean up BEFORE a date... actually. Tasha will say with a smile, shifting on the bed to face Draven as she spoke. I didn't really bring anything to sleep in... and I figure at the least, now I KNOW what you'll be thinking about if I try this again. Are you sure you really want me to try this again?

(Assuming a yes... otherwise... ignore this all)

Natasha leaned back onto the bed's pillows, settling in and getting comfortable. She pushed her hair back and took a deep breath... looking to Draven and raising an eyebrow. Apparently, he planned to try this whole mess without.... pants. Her smile showed that she had no complaints.

Alright.... get ready. She will say, closing her eyes and trying to focus.

It will be like the trickle of water from a cracked dam. His surface thoughts ad feelings will filter in at first... most of them fairly obvious at this point. She smiled to herself at first... but there was that coldness from before. That deep, numbing... consuming coldness. She shuddered and tried to ignore it.... and project.

Draven? A soft wave of thought and emotion will creep over him... more restrained than before, but still bleeding through more than intended. Her attraction to him... That she's actually not a huge fan of classical music... The feel of the soft sheets under her bare skin... Can you answer me? Wow he looks nice.

An image of the two of them involved in acts best not mentioned here will slip through her mind unbidden, followed by a flash of remembering what happened last time he touched her. A twinge of fear, and then sympathy for him.

I don't think he can "speak" back at me... It's really hard to focus on just a few words... Not having pants can't be helping... He thinks I'm just being an evil tease. Maybe I should cover up more. No... I think he likes it.

Amusement will sift from her mind to his... and she will take a long, deep breath, and try to re-focus.

Draven... if you can hear this... or sense... or whatever... Put on some boxers at least. I'm not the only tease here.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

First, just to for the sake of gauging how well he can handle this:
Concentration (since he's willing but trying to focus his thoughts): [roll0]
This should give me a good gauge of how much he lets "slip", and how well he manages to focus through, and project what he wants.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Well, I guess the answer is: Amazingly well. Goooood.

Draven/Oblivion

“I’m glad to hear that. I definitely appreciate a woman who takes good care of herself,” he said with the same steady smile.

His didn’t even blink in response to her question, his simple answer coming in a calm confident statement “I’m ready whenever you are”.

Following suite, he leaned back on the soft sheets, smoothing his damp hair out of his eyes, closing them and taking a deep breath, focusing his energy and mind as his masters had taught him.

Watching Tasha as she closed her eyes and warned him go get ready, he felt his pulse quicken with anticipation and thought, as he closed his eyes, that he could feel hers racing as well.

Responding to her warning, he breathed, “I already am”, in a tone so calm and confident it was almost unsettling.

Then she was entering his mind, and despite the obvious control that was being exerted, it was shocking, nearly overwhelming him, like a jet of cool spring water rushing into his consciousness.

His upturned hands flexed on the sheets, as he focused, establishing control, the dark waters of his mind coalescing, separating from hers, as her thoughts flowed through his mind.

I’m here, the…connection…is perfect. This is amazing. I can’t imagine how she…how you ever doubted I wanted this.

Despite their intimate situation, the predominant emotion was simply an warm affection and satisfaction with event as it unfolded, like a warm late summer day in a cypress forest. The image of her small hand lovingly caressing his face appearing briefly upon the onyx surface of the still spotless waters of his thoughts.

As he allowed, and she delved, deeper within his mind, below the surface, a blur of images and emotions boiled from out of the depths.
Briefly, the realization that the landscape of his mind had changed somehow came to him. There was, a newness, a sense of drawing consuming power…then these thoughts where lost in the revelation of indistinct images from his past.
His long hours of study, and training, feelings of loneliness and isolation, laced with a glimmer of hope.
Darker, indistinct memories of the past began to take shape, then faded quickly away, momentarily appearing as only a swirling vortex before subsiding into placidity once again.

There are some things best saved for another time. Though I have nothing to truly hide, please give me the opportunity to reveal them in my own time.

Slowly, gently, returning and focusing on her feelings of attraction, their senses and desires met, their subconscious and instinctual responses intermingling and expressed in ways impossible in the physical world.

A flash of sadness and frustration echoed out in response to her recollection, momentarily disrupting the lacivious exchange, followed by a quiet confidence and the image of her hand on his face resurfacing, combined with a feeling of certainty and determination.

Seeing and feeling her amusement, like bubbles drifting down from the surface of his thoughts where their minds mingled, he chuckled mentally and audibly.

Don’t worry, I am. I decided to wear them just “incase”. I would never tease you on purpose. As far as the music goes, you’ll just have to live with it.

Withdrawing enough to regain control of his motor functions, realizing he had a satisfied smile already on his lips, he sat up and removed the towel from around his waist, revealing the black form fitting boxer-briefs that he wore.
Folding and laying it no the edge of his bed, he looked over at her calmly reclining form with something akin to wonder. The strangeness of the feeling of her seeing herself through his eyes, while he felt every sensation she experienced while she lay there fascinated and enthralled him.

Longing to touch her, to complete the circuit, his hands gripped the sheets tightly as he restrained himself. Taking a deep breath, he pulled the linen beneath him aside, and drew himself under them, laying back and closing his eyes once again.

Simply a small obstacle, soon, I will find a way to overcome it. For now, this is enough. In truth, far more than I could have ever asked for or imagined.

He goes to her again, holding her gently in his mind’s eye, his body’s call to sleep now actively competing with his desire to experience more.

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha

You... you can keep me out? How? She will say in surprise... the conection fading into the background as she ceased concentrating on it.

That makes sense... The only other person I couldn't read was also a mutant... Maybe they have some sort of natural defense? Maybe it's harder to read a mind that's altered from a normal person. If the chemical altered the brain... by being inhaled maybe... then... then that could explain why it gave me mind powers. It could even explain that nutjob that attacked the mayor. Maybe it causes mental defects too. Lovely... Now I'm going to be worried that I'm going crazy. Awesome.

Tasha took a deep breath and shook her head. Alone in a private room with a nearly naked man... Why am I obsessing over being crazy? If I am, then I won't notice... and if I'm not... then worrying about it will MAKE me crazy!

Sorry. No one has ever... um... No one ever managed to INTENTIONALLY keep me out. She will finally say, pushing her hair back from her eyes with one delicate hand. Also... you... felt tired. Would you like to get to sleep? There's always tomorrow to do whatever we decide to do.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion

Not the spooning type it would seem...probably for the best. Even though she doesn't seem like the type, I don't want her getting too curious and poking around while I'm asleep. Liike having a person you just met in your home while you were out. A difinitively bad way to find out how far you can trust an individual

He opens his eyes again, and looks over at her, propping his head on his hand.

"Don't be too suprised. I'm not your average person by any means, and you can't discount the fact that it was a willing exchange. I'm certain if you were...more insistent...it would have been a different story."

((Can't be certain if Tasha severed the link in the last post, or just "pushed" it back. If the former, just assume any mental speech is simply real speech.))
He smirked in concentration and thought.
It has been a long day. Perhaps we should call it a night. As you said, there's always tommorrow.

Getting up and turning off the light, he moved effortlessly across the room, navigating across the room effortlessly to the phonograph, and shutting it off.

Falling into bed, he crawled under the sheets, feeling the full weight of his fatigue as he settled into the feather matress under the down comforter.

What a day. Goodnight Natasha. he thought to her, waiting for her reply and release of the mental link.

As the the link was released, and he drifted off to sleep, he thought to himself, I really hope she doesn't sleepwalk... before sucumbing to his fatigue and sinking fully into a deep slumber.

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha

OOC: Nope... Link is down. Accidentally, but down.

Also... WEEEEEEE! Sleep and the like! Man, this took longer to write out than I thought. Still... I think we developed the characters amazingly, and now I have someone for Tasha to talk to that isn't essentially me!

It's late and I'm tired... so my next, final post on this thread will be here tomorrow. (I will still keep the threat open for OTHER side rp.) Then, we move on to the REAL thread! YAY!

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha

Tasha slipped under the rest of the her covers with a smile, sinking onto her side comfortably and looking over at Draven as he climbed into bed.

I'm really glad I came out here tonight. I just wanted you to know that. She purred from under the soft sheets, Good night Draven.

Maybe this whole thing isn't so bad. At least I can act normal. Poor Draven can't touch anyone. If he could... I'm sure he would have tried something by now... Tasha shook off the suggestive images in her head, I hope we can find some way to fix it... I can't imagine spending my whole life like that. I guess I got off pretty lightly. But I still don't know what I'm going to do with this. It's probably the greatest thing that's ever happened to me... It doesn't seem real. Maybe when I wake up tomorrow... it will all have been a dream.

Cue.... sleep. I will now be returning to the proper thread... but feel free to keep using this one for side-tracking and background everyone!

[blennus]

“The Man”

He was approaching his final important destination of the day, a Mr. Alexander Catham. This restaurant, Frank's Fine Dining, was new to him but it seemed classy enough, not at all a bad place to conduct a business transaction.
“May I help you Mr…”
“I am simply, ‘The Man’, and at... your service.” He flourishes a bow as his music comes to a triumphant climax. “And indeed you may help me. I’m here for an appointment with a Mr. Alexander Catham.”
“Right this way sir.”

Summary: Meet Alex.

[Raven T.]

Alex

Before The Man showed up...

Alex hated the idea of eating out at a fancy restaurant, especially the same one, twice in one day. However, lunch would be written off as a business expense and this meeting was of paramount importance.

Instead of his usual room, he requested a simple booth near the fire place. Though winter's chill had yet to take hold on the city, it provided the ambiance and class he so enjoyed about Frank's.

As The Man shows up...

"Nice outfit. What, was the costume shop closed or did you suddenly get attacked by a roving band of gay men?" Under normal circumstances, he would NEVER greet a prospective client as such, but, not only are these abnormal circumstances, The Man's choice of wardrobe was so over the top that it demanded comment. Following his comment, he jestures at the other side of the booth. "Sit." It was not a request; it was an order. "Order what you will from the menu; if you haven't been here before, you will find the cuisine most exquisite. Pleasure first; business after."

[blennus]

“The Man”

He chuckled to himself at the gay men comment. Ah, yes… a philistine. Was this a case of an attempt at masking their insecurity, or was this jealously over his obvious good looks, or perhaps they simply hadn’t had any action for a while and their pent up feelings were manifesting themselves as disdain. In any case it was apparent that this man had no flair for the dramatic. He smirked “My dear good man, you stick with your business models, and I’ll stick with my costume. We are here, after all, to discuss business, not whether I should be on the GQ’s 2014 Men Of The Year List.”

He quickly and gracefully took a seat, and pondered his menu choices. This was not his first time to be in a fancy restaurant, but it certainly was going to be the first time he could truly appreciate high class foods. “I’ll have the filet mignon with a glass of 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon.”

[Raven T.]

Alex

"And I'll have the number three." Alex had five separate standing orders at Franks. The number three happened to be tonight's chef's specialty: Chicken and rice pilaf served with a cheesy soup, light salad, and potato skins. He was not drinking tonight, only calling for water. With the chemicals regulated earlier in the day, there was no need.

His eating habits were meticulous; no grain of rice on the table, no drop of butter landed on his shirt, and he physically couldn't slurp the soup. In short, he ate like he thought: mechanically and deliberately.

As they finished, Alex leaned back and tented his fingers some. "Well, we have reached the point in which you explain why I'm buying you a meal. Of course, the rumor mill is abuzz with what COULD be possible, but I would like to know, from the man himself..." He cringed some as he said it. The play on words was intentional on The Man's part, or so he guessed. "...what you have planned. In detail, please." His mind was already made up, but he wanted to know how well The Man had thought this out.

[blennus]

“The Man”

The food was exquisite. It was a rare pleasure to be able to dine on such fare, and was made all the better by the prospect of being able to secure his vision. He politely wiped his mouth with the napkin, and proceeded. “What I propose is a bar, a gathering place where these new mutants can feel comfortable. Now this bar will not be for mutants alone. While a Mutant only room will be available for those who wish to have some privacy, there will be a larger bar area for both mutants and humans. This would be advantageous for mutant and non-mutants alike. It would be a great place to find just the right mutant to take on difficult tasks. Think of how much easier it would be to hire a hulking large mutant for a construction job if you knew exactly where to go. Now I would expect corporations to pay extra to have access to such talent, so that would be a potential source of income. Of course all investors will be able to enter free of charge.”
“As for the building itself, I plan on either constructing the building out of extra strong materials, or finding such place to buy or rent. While this will obviously cost more it is simply the safest way to insure the safety of your investment.”
“For security I intend to hire mutants to protect the bar and act as bouncers. To this end a mutant that can incapacitate without causing physical damage or undue harm would be most beneficial. In that regard. I am especially talented.”
“I have also devised a plan where mutants that aren’t ‘housebroken’ can be trained or otherwise assisted in learning to control their powers. This would take place in a large courtyard away from the main building for safety reasons, but not so far to be a hassle.”
“As for advertising, it will be easy to take advantage of the new mutant sensation that is on everyone’s mind. Think of the great publicity. I have a few connections in the media myself, that will be quite useful in that regard. I can also assure you that your contribution will be well publicized.”
“Now as I have said before, this will be a great place for mutants to not only meet and associate with other mutants, but a place for them to re-integrate with humanity. The changes wrought upon us have greatly changed us Mr. Catham, and I believe that this is the best way for us to not only serve a better place in society, but also to remove any possible contention between ourselves and human kind. We need to better our relations before more like ‘The Reaper’ are to appear. Indeed that is exactly why I want there to be many non-mutants. They will be invaluable in helping the mutant community find its place humanity. Your contribution Mr. Catahm will be lauded with great esteem and as an action with great foresight.”

Summary: Describe plans for new bar.
OoC: Tried to post yesterday, but couldn’t log onto forums. Sorry for the delay

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion

His sleek black beamer, stereo turned up loud, swung smoothly into the parking lot infront of Tasha's dorm.
Pulling into student parking, Draven paused momentarily before removing the key from the ignition, taking in the last of Bolt Thrower's ultra heavy "As Cannons Fade". It had been a long day, and this was his way of relaxing.
I wonder if Tasha's even heard of them? he wondered briefly.

After discovering through their purely mental interaction that she did not appreciate classical music, he had been curious about her musical preferences as well as her breadth of knowledge concerning modern music.

Removing the key's and stepping out of the vehicle, he thought to recover the paper upon which wrote her information, before topped short when it occured to him that he remembered.
Not only did he remember, but remembered with absolute certainty, despite having only read it once.

Whipping his hair out of his eyes, he looked up at the building and scowled slightly. Sharper memory and superhuman capacity for...well, he didn't want to think about that now.

Removing the organizer from the passenger seat containing all of his collected notes, he walked gracefully and soundlessly towards the stairs.

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha

Not bad for only ten minutes. Tasha thought to herself as she finished fussing with her hair. I don't think he'll have any complaints.

She had changed into one of her shorter skirts, and a far more revealing leather corset then the one she had worn to the club. That part had taken the longest. Lacing the thing up on her own was a pain, but she'd gotten pretty decent at it. Completing the look were a pair of black fishnet stockings, and her ever-present knee-high black boots. Feeling confident after the day's events for the first time since the accident, she swished her hair back and put on the finishing touch. A light coat of black lipstick.

Monochromatic... but damn, I make it look good! She thought with a soft laugh, and turned with a swish of dark hair, heading back into her room. If this isn't enough incentive to get that skin.... thing... under control, nothing will be.

She didn't have to wait long before there was a knock at her door. She got up from her bed, and spent a second adjusting herself one last time, before she headed to the door, unlocking it and pulling it open.

Leaning on the door frame, she gave Draven a warm smile and didn't really bother to hide looking him over. The boy looked good, that much was certain. Now if only she could get past his... "intimacy issue".

You're quiet. I can usually hear people coming from all the way down the hall. She smirked and stepped into the room, inviting Draven in as well, Heather is staying at her friend Jen's tonight, so we're all alone...

She let the last few words hang in mid-air... A promise of what might be perhaps? Or by now he just might have realized that she liked to tease. She seemed in remarkably high spirits, compared to when he last saw her... It was only this morning, but it certainly seemed like far longer. With a visible sway to her movements, she moved to sit down on her bed...

The little dorm room was a double, and not a terribly large one. The bulk of the room was two beds, set on opposite sides of the room, and two computer desks. A knee-high wardrobe chest sat at the edge of Tasha's bed. The walls were mostly concealed in a eclectic smattering of posters, most of them for bands like Korn, Godsmack, and Evanessence. As well as several posters for anime series like "Deathnote" and "Monster", and a joke poster showing a dark and deranged version of the cheshire cat... with a maniacal grin that is captioned "Fear the pu**y.".

The other half of the room seemed to lean towards fantasy art... especially dragons and faeries... along with a handful of posters of painted landscapes. The bed on that side was actually made, albeit poorly, and topped with a pile of textbooks on expressionist art, sociology, economics, and a book about Mayan/Aztec history. Several small Buddist trinkets topped the desk on that side, one of which being an incense burner.

Get comfy... Tasha said with a smile, It's been a weird day. I figured we could relax a bit... and maybe work on your... problem. Unless you had something else in mind?


OOC: Ahhhhh so much can be said about someone based on their room. Don't you think? But that's enough flavorful description for now! Prepare to deal with a slightly more confident Tasha! Now that the shock of what's happened is beginning to wear off a little, she's reverting to her "I can handle it" mode.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion

Looking down at the petite female before him, his expression remained impassive. His eyes observed her observations, seemed to notice everything in fact, but registered no perceptible response.

Nodding in aknowledgement of her invitation, he proceeded into the room.

Somehow, he seemed to have changed, to have grown, his shoulders, although physically unchanged from the morning, somehow appearing to nearly span the doorway as he passed into the room.

But it was something else, and as she looked into his eyes, she realized it was what she found there.

A lightless well, the yawning mouth of a cave, a porthole through which the deepest depths of the ocean is gazed upon.
All these, yet none, but like them, somewhere in the twining shadowed depths...something alive stirred.

He broke his gaze to glance around the room, taking in the interesting decor.

The lightest of smiles graced his lips when she mentioned her roomates absense for the night, and the less than subtle implication in her clothing, and tone.
As quickly as that, his eyes had regained their spark, appearing as Tasha remembered them from the night before.

"There are many things that we could discuss",he finally said, as he casually leaned, still standing, against the side of the desk, one hand pressed on it's edge, the other in his pocket.

His eyes snapped to her as she mentioned his "problem".

"My problem?" he looked away, smiling wryly and looking askance at her Cheshire Cat poster, "No, I believe my problem can wait. You mentioned it had been a wierd day. Please elaborate, I'm interested to hear how exactly."

"Then perhaps we can discuss taste in music..." he added with a teasing note evident in his otherwise throaty voice.

Swinging his gaze back upon her, he stroked his goatee thoughtfully as he observed her reaction.

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha

Tasha's expression shifted from playful to just plain confused at the expressionless tint to Draven's features. If her outfit hadn't elicited a response... the boy must be dead. She looked at him oddly, even after the look faded, and he started to look a bit more like himself.

Are.... you alright? She asked, playfullness aside for a moment. You look a little... um... fried.

Tasha looked at him, pondering for a moment what the hell was wrong with him. Then again, he had been just as unusual the first night she'd met him... maybe he was just like that all the time... Or perhaps drugs? He would hardly be the only student on campus who indulged. No.... he didn't seem the type. Tasha thought about looking into his head, but chastised herself.

You can't solve every problem that way! Just... most of them. She scolded herself internally, And not with him. No reading unless he asks.

You know what? Nevermind. She corrected herself. You just seemed a little out of it. I had a few ideas for tonight... but... I'd rather wait a bit.

Do I tell him, or don't I? Her mind went over the question over and over again... and found no answer that seemed like the "right" one. Eventually, she simply compromised.

Did you see the news today? About the explosion... and then that professor who came out and said he thought a mutant did it on purpose? It's all everyone here has been talking about. She said, leaning forward and watching to see if Draven got that odd look to him again, The guy is trying to be the mutant Malcolm X. Asking everyone to join him in this or that... Did you see it?

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion
Tasha's Dorm room 9PM

As he gazed into Tasha's eyes, he saw reflected the uncertainty he had felt only hours ago towards his neo-genisis.

I've changed more than I realized, and it must show, she must not have come quite as far in her awakening. Perhaps I'll be able to assist her in some small way.

Doing his best to relax he replied to her initial comment "No, I assure you I'm quite alright. In fact, today has been quite enlightening...But, perhaps we should develop a password, just incase...maybe something relating to our first date?"

Draven's eyebrow rose slowly as he observed Tasha's espression shift from confused to watchful, followed by her swift change of topic.

"...Yes, I saw it during "dinner". I personally don't find him anything like X though..." he considered laying his opinions out on the table, but something about the way she was acting inclined him towards taking the cautious approach...

Pushing off the desk he walked casually over to where Tasha sat on the bed, not looking directly at her, but pretending to hide a playful smirk, "I'm not sure what I think of him quite yet You could say I'm...reserving judgement for the time being.

But what I do know is that I learned a long time ago not to trust anything anyone says on TV, especially when it's spoken by a white-man with a perfect face, wearing an extremely expensive suit".

He bitter smile flitted across his lips momentarily at the small irony of the last remark.

He looked deeply into her eyes, giving her a smouldering look as he sat down next to her on the bed.

"But if that's all anyone around here is talking about, then I'd imagine you'd be tired of the subject, so why do you ask?"

He smiled nonchalantly, leaning back on the small matress and patiently awaiting her reply.

Yea, you guessed it, SENSE MOTIVE- [roll0]
Honest curiosity on her part, or is there more? Hmmmmmm....

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha

OOC: I hate to bring rolls into social situations... but if you're curious... Tasha gets a 25 if I take 10 on a bluff. I'm not sure if that's what this falls under exactly... but since her diplomacy and gather info. are the same... let's just go with it.

It... kind of matters a lot more to us, I would think. Tasha will say... shying away from Draven's touch slightly. And why do we need a password?

Weird skin problem aside... he was acting a bit oddly. Something about him when he had first showed up. It reminded her of when she had been inside his head... and the huge, cold nothing that she had seen there. She almost shivered to remember it. But she didn't want to focus on it. It seemed to have past him for now... and she would leave it at that.

I don't know if I'd shoot down a mutant-rights advocate because he's white. I thought he made a couple of points... I'm just glad it wasn't the jerk who spoke at the press conferance trying to speak for us... She said with a sigh, He was kind of skeezy... and an idiot.

She pulled a lock of hair back from her face, and looked at Draven intently... Trying to see if that dead look to his eyes was still there... in the back somewhere maybe. Green eyes locked on his, with concern and a bit of worry behind them.

I just thought that someone speaking for mutants might be a good thing. I wanted to know what you thought of the stuff he said. Maybe getting in touch with other mutants can help us... She trailed off, Well.... you. I'm... pretty sure I'm alright. But I'll be honest Draven. Some of the stuff I saw when I was... um... reading you that night... kind of scared me. Do you know what I'm talking about?

She kept her eyes locked on his. He had to know what she meant.... there couldn't be any way someone could feel that... wrong... and not notice. She hoped he could make sense of it for her.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion
Tasha's Dorm

Noticing, but choosing to ignore the subtle shift she made away from him as he settled himself next to her on the bed, he replied to her as he looked casually around the room.

"I'd think the need for a password is fairly obvious. I've already seen one shape-shifter today, so chances are, there are others. I'm not trying to make you paranoid, and I'm not that worried, but since the government has it's hand in this, the first thing they're probably going to do, if they haven't done so already, is recruit a shifter or perhaps an illusion genrator to further their goals.

Besides, there are a vast number of mundane ways to impersonate others by phone or internet. With that in mind, it makes sense to take some precautions, just to be on the safe side. It can be as easy or as complex as you'd like. Whatever's easiest for you to remember.
My apologies for bringing this up seemingly out of thin air, it's a bad habit of mine.
I have a few ideas if you don't. It might even be fun coming up with one together..."

He groaned a little and laid back on the bed slowly as she continued to press the political topic, putting one hand behind his head and tapping his lips with the index finger of his other hand, a small good natured smile appearing as he closed his eyes and replied.

"Yes, I'd agree that he's...easier to take seriously than the alternative. But in a funny way, that's what concerns me. He's almost too good.

Please forgive my allusions towards racisim, it's a throwback from my days living among the people of my tribe. What I was getting at is, everyone has an agenda. Even Malcom X did. Honest people usually make their's obvious, particularly when they're speaking on behalf of a group. He didn't, which automatically makes me suspicious.
Or rather, exposes what are probably his true motivations; unabashed self promotion.
He came out of left field, with no known political background. No supporters to speak of. The school isn't even brought up, and the main gist of his speech is something that the Mayor already addressed, and that was already understood judging by the response to the fire.
Conclusion: it would seem he's trying to put himself up as the thing that everyone looks towards in a crisis situation. The Bonaparte among the chaos of this revolution, or perhaps even, the Golden Calf of this directionless throng of "newly empowered" humanity."

He felt her eyes on him, looking at him intently, and wondered once again why this issue, this Professor Dark, concerned her so much. But she gave nothing away, her body a lithe and beautiful mystery he secretly longed to explore.
As skilled as he usually was at navigating these hazardous and muddy waters of interaction, he loathed them all the same at moments like these.

"I understand where you're coming from though, we do need someone like us, someone competent, to be speak out on the issues that are inevitably going to come up and that need to be addressed.

I could be wrong about him, and he might be just what we're looking for. I almost hope that I am, but, I sincerely doubt it.

The reason being that, even if I'm wrong about everything else, the question that no one is asking, the one that should have been asked already is; if he knew of person responsible for that explosion, and he's such an "advocate of the heroic empowered", why didn't he rally them all together then and there against the obvious threat that this criminal poses to the city? Spool that question out, and a lot more very interesting questions arise. Questions that the interviewer didn't want to ask the man who was serving up his news station the best ratings in the country on a silver platter.

I trust my instincts Natasha, and my instincts tell me something's not right. My intellect simply tells me some of the reasons why."

He opened his eyes and looked over at her, the intensity of her gaze all the more striking when seen with the benefit of color and depth. The deep and vivid green of her concerned gaze intriguing and exciting him at the same time.

What she said though struck him far more deeply, his eyes narrowing slightly as he replied "There is nothing that this Dark can help me with that I cannot, with your help preferably, overcome."

Looking away for a moment, he sighed, then sat back up, and turned to face Tasha, one leg bent, laying flat across the bed infront of him, the sole of his boot hanging over the edge with the other leg resting over it. He resisted the urge to reach out and touch her, despite his gloves remaining on.

"Undoubtedly there are things within each of us that are, and would be...disturbing...if we are to be honest with ourselves and one another.
But I suppose my case is somewhat unique...
You refer to the dark inside me...I assume?
Don't worry Natasha...I think you will find my...progress quite satisfying". he closed his eyes as he spoke, a faint smile on his lips that faded slowly before he began again.

"It hurts me that you would fear me, but I understand, and have known as much since we first met. What do you suppose we do to remedy this situation?" He looked sincere and a bit remorseful, but filled with a secret confidence.

"Natasha, I like you a lot, and I know you're asking me these things because you care about me. Please share with me your thoughts, I would very much like to hear them."

He stretched out his gloved hand to take hers, his eyes roaming her face, but occasionally straying elsewhere.

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha


And just like that, she felt a little foolish.

He's depending on me to help him deal with this... and I'm shying away from him. Way to go! She chided herself inwardly... letting out a soft sigh as she relaxed herself a little. I've been thinking too much lately... And he probably has too. There's nothing wrong with him... he just talks too much. Screw it! Go impulse!

She was quiet for a moment... looking at Draven with a fairly unreadable expresson as he lay back on her bed. Then, without much warning... she shifted on the bed and swung herself over him... slipping her legs to his sides and straddling the boy's lap, with her hands on either side of him. Her hair fell over the two of them like a dark curtain, brushing against his face as she looked down at him from above and smiled.

I'm sorry for being so stand-offish. This is all pretty new... You know? She said in a soft, silky voice... her face only a few inches from his, But the last thing you need is me being afraid of you. So I've been thinking of a way we can be close... Until you can work this out.

Tasha leaned back up... and tossed her hair back over her shoulder with one hand... leaving only a few stray locks to drift down across her face. A black-lipsticked smile spread across her face as she ran delicate fingers down his chest. It was hard to imagine that the simple bits of cloth and leather were all it took to keep whatever strange power he had in him from hurting her... but all the same... it felt like too much. A life without intimate human contact seemed terribly depressing to her. But he was right... she was just the one who might be able to make it bearable.

I've been thinking too much lately... which is odd for me. She confessed, I usually ride a lot more on impulse... So all that serious sh*t can wait. There's something I've been dying to try since last night... A few somethings actually... but I'll start slow. That is... if you trust me.

Tasha sunk back down over him... holding herself up with her hands, and speaking softly across the short distance between them. So close she could feel his breath warm against her skin. The temptation to cross those last few inches distance was pushed aside, albiet with some difficulty... and she smiled.

Do you trust me?


OOC: Dun dun DUNNNNN! :smallamused:

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion
Tasha's Dorm

As she swung herself abruptly ontop of him, allowing himself to be pinned to the bed, he paused, then laughed softly, it slowly fading into a chuckle, the sound deep and rough, but not without humor.

She seems to have beaten me to the punch before I even really thought to do as much. I guess she really is a mind reader.

"Did I bore you dear?"he asked, his tone obviously retorical and sarcastic, "I guess that's what I get for giving you what you wanted..." he concluded, putting his gloved hands on her hips and giving her a sly smile as she continued.

He listened to her carefully and watched her movements closely, like a male tiger sizing up a potential mate. His interest in the turn of events increased steadily as she spoke to him from her dominant position.

She's avoiding my questions, and teasing me horribly. How can I not like a woman that does everything I don't want her to do so incredibly well? Inversly, how can I truly trust such a devious and elusive creature? Particularly when such a one can potentially see into the darkest corners of my mind and divulge my deepest secrets?...

"Those things can wait...but not forever. Agreed?" he said, giving her a calm steady look that implied that in equal measure, he expected and hoped for, no argument.

((Assuming she agrees))

With that covered, his smile returned, as he pondered her question for a moment.

These chaste college girls, I've known her less than forty-eight hours and she would have given her body to me twice, if not for her healthy...concern...about the effects of direct physical contact. If only she knew the truth.
But, I have a feeling that she'll be pleasantly suprised when I finally reveal it.

He reflected briefly that, if this had occured their first night together, he probably would have turned her down. But since then, she had expressed enough sincerity and sensitivity that he trusted her...as far as he could throw her at least, which, all things considered, was rather far.

He reached up and traced her jawline with his fingertip, still amazed by the sensation of seeing, touching, and feeling it in three dimensions. His gloved fingers sliding along the nape of her neck, he sunk them into her hair before withdrawing them through her beautiful mane, enjoying the whispering noise the action elicited as he pondered and formulated his response.

"To answer your question, my answer is, "enough"." He replied, with a rumbling purr, his face expressing an intermingled look of simple sincerity, predatory watchfulness and reserved but deep curiosity and excitement.

How's that for brevity? :smallbiggrin: You ready to roll initiative?

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha

Natasha smiled like a cat with a new toy... looking down at Draven as she rose back up again. She didn't want to worry about having to hold herself up for what she had planned. Resting her unimpressive weight on his hips, she pushed her hair back a second time... inwardly wishing she'd tied it back... closed her eyes... and focused.

It was like a sudden dive into cold water. Until you first crack the surface, you remember how it will feel... but the actuality of it is never quite the same. A flood of thoughts, feelings and images rushed into her head, as she opened her mind to receive them. As always, they were jumble of chaotic, free-flowing thought. Difficult to understand,, and easy to get lost in. Without actually trying to delve deeper, she merely picked up surface musings, feelings... thoughts. Perhaps not surprisingly considering the circumstances, many of them were about her.

Rather than focus on hearing and understanding... she let it all flow over her like a stream. An endless cacophony of thought and sensation. For a moment, she really understood what it was like for a guy to have a girl sitting atop you... and it amused the hell out of her. This was going to be fun.

Your power has something to do with your senses, doesn't it? She focused on sending the words to him... I'm not even trying to feel what you do, and it's overwhelming.

There was a slight pause as she shifted over him slightly... intentionally... just to feel how it felt to be him... feeling her move. Then she smiled again.

I know what you're thinking you know... and not even because I'm looking. I know because I can feel what you do... and I know what I'd be thinking.

Her hand traced it's way along his chest slowly... her eyes still shut to focus entirely on her thoughts... and his.

I'm not afraid of what you'll see anymore Draven. I'm tired of being afraid. I never used to care what people thought of me until I could really tell. But I don't like worrying... I know who I am and what I like... I like music... I like black clothes... I like skinny boys with dark hair... I like dancing and drinking and sex... and I'm not going to be embarrassed about any of it. I could look and see if any of that bothers you... but I'd rather you be honest and tell me yourself.

The slender girl atop him took a long, deep breath. Whatever he said, she felt better. Somehow, not having to say the words out loud made it all seem so much easier to say. But that wasn't all... and the next part was the part that worried her.

I like you. You're too smart for your own good, and you speak like an old english professor... but I like you. I don't know you that well really... but I'd like to. A lot of things are changing... and after today... I think I know what I'm going to do about it. There was literally a brief pause in her head... along with a faint wave of nervousness that projected across the link between them unintentionally. I've had really bad luck with boys... And I'm still not sure what I really want from one. But I don't want to do this alone.

She shifted again... this time more a gesture of anticipation and worry than anything intentional. She put a hand to his chest to hold herself steady... suddenly feeling very much like she was about to fall.

And even if I still can't touch you... That doesn't mean we can't be close... like this.

Even in her head, the words sounded soft and far away... and were followed... with a rush of sensation... as she opened the floodgates... and let all the things she was feeling burst forth. The feel of her body against him... the tingling of her skin contacting his with less than an inch of cloth between them. Sights... Smells... sounds... all from her perspective, mingled with images, urges and fantasies that would be impossible to describe with words. She didn't hold any back... letting the whole of what it was to be her right now fill his mind. And amidst it all... she strained to make one image stand out... to feel as real as possible in his mind.

Her body trembled, as if she were cold... eyes still shut tight. Her skin flush and her breathing fast. As somewhere in the back of her mind... she was kissing him... in a place that was almost real.


OOC: :smallbiggrin: I am very pleased with myself. Would that I can write like this more often...

Also for some reason... mid-way through writing this, "It's not over" by chris daughtry came on... and now everytime I imagine the scene... it's what I hear in my head. I think the lyrics fit in a way that's almost scary.

Or maybe it's just me...

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion
Tasha's Dorm room

As he watched her rise up, straddling him, he was glad to see she was smiling also, despite it being a rather predatory smile of a definitively feline-esque nature. He was glad because, they shared the same expression, and she liked it.

While she pushed her hair back and settled herself atop him, he undid a few more buttons of his form fitting jacket, his chest covered underneath only by his black designer tank-top.

Despite having an idea of what she was about to do, and having a strong mind, he was still caught off guard by the suddeness and force of the connection. His body stiffened momentarily under her small frame.

For a moment, a indistinct darkness rose up, twisiting out of the corners of his mind defensively, but as they came together, her mind openly accepting his, not trying to take or control, his defenses receeded, his body relaxing as she swam through his mind.

Doing his best to keep focused, he still struggled to not lose himself in the moment. Stray thougths entered unbidden, as he gained his bearings.

Incredible, even better than the first time...did she lock the door?...relax, no one could see what's really going on...tame to the unenlightened actually...a gorgeous outfit...amazing contours...does she plan on going out...?...OK, focus Daniel-San...hard to though, when she's sitting on my...

No, Natasha. Not with my just my senses. With my whole body. With everything. We are all connected with the life energy of the world. I am simply connected to a greater degree...But with a catch.
Brief images from memory of charts describing the energy lines of the human body flitted momentarily though his thougths, the image of silver needles piercing his skin for the first time, the strong smell of incense closely interwoven.

He uttered a soft noise somewhere between a sigh and a groan as she moved, an expression descriptive of his frustration as well as appreciation.
His thoughts shifted with her, his hands tightening unconsciously upon her taught hips.

This is torture and you know it...not that I mind though.
Thoughts of some of his "behind the scenes" experiences at Club Umbral surfaced unbidden, but, sensing her disintrest, faded from mind without objection or offense.

Interesting...and good to know.

As she spoke to him, sharing her deeper thougths, he was touched by the depth he sensed and saw. He could not help but rethink some of his suppositions regarding her supposed devious nature, as he realized that much of what he had percieved before was in fact the armor, forged of fear that she wore to protect the sensitive creature that hid beneath.
He watched in awe as she began to shed it, slowly emerging aknew.

A multitude of thoughts and wordstwisted through his mind as he considered her words, a dozen different ways to express what he thought and how he felt, finally coaleasing into a single phrase.

You don't have to be afraid anymore.

A hint of humor coloring his thoughts as he added I like girls who like all those things.

A combination of emotions sifted through him as he listened to her thoughts, first self depricating humor, mingled and followed by satisfaction, finally settling on pure unabashed curiosity bordering on frustration, put aside with a sense of resignation and a feeling of patient waiting.

I can't wait to hear more...but for now, I can wait.

His hand, half consciously, slid slowly upwards from her hip, tracing the hourglass contours of her figure beneath the leather of the corset.

As she spoke of her former experiences, guessing at the deeper meaning her projected thougths implied, and what he had already guessed upon their very first meeting, his heart opened to her. He could not help but be touched by the bravery of her struggle, the way in which she fought to free herself from her fears...risking so much, and with him no less...

Natasha, I'm far from perfect, and have my fair share of skeletons, but I can promise that I'm not anything like them. Like him. I won't ever hurt you, and as long as you...as long as our trust remains unbroken, I won't ever leave you.

He grasped her arm, steading her as she rested her had upon his chest, his other hand grasping her back, the unconscious pressure applied mirrored by the clear desire, resisted, to pull her into his arms.

The sudden silence caught him off guard, and he opened his eyes for a moment, only to be caught in the deluge of sensations as they shared the others experiences simultaneously, the wave of thought and fantasy threatening to overwhelm him, his eyes rolling back and his back arching beneath her, the desire to be with her nearly unbearable.

But what amazed him most, and what touched him most deeply was the sensitivity with which she reached out to him with, sharing a part of herself he suspected had been long buried...or perhaps long dead.

Thank you Natasha.

He felt his chest tighten with emotion, suprising him. He had thought himself incapable of...this...for so long, but she had disarmed him with ease. For the briefest of moments, he doubted it all, myrad suspicions flitting within the dark recesses of thought, but where quickly dismissed.

This will decide much.

You've asked me, and by what you've shared you've demonstrated beyond words that you do, but I want to hear you say it. Do you trust me?
If not yet, I promise I will understand. But, if so, I'm ready to share what I've discovered. I'm ready to share my secret.

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha

Amidst a sea of swirling sensation and countless fantasies... each seeming as real as the last... Tasha pulled her self free to higher ground. It was too difficult to communicate while she was immersed.... there were too many pleasant little distractions. Sinking back to the real world a little felt odd after experiencing so many different things all at once... and she decided against it. Instead slowing the rush of things between them so that it would be easier to concentrate on what he was trying to say.

With a much clearer state of mind... it occurred to her that he kept mentioning some kind of secret. Had he managed to correct his problem with touch? It made sense. He didn't seem wary to be close to her... he kept speaking about a secret. If she had gotten so much control over how her powers worked in such a short time... maybe he had too? That had to be it! Of course, if she was wrong, and jumped the gun... things went from good to bad pretty quickly. If she was right... he would probably think that she only knew because she was in his head. She decided instead to let him reveal his surprise on his own... and simply hoped it was the one she suspected.

I trust you Draven... She said... the words echoing in his head even as she spoke them, Enough.

She let out a soft laugh, and dropped over him, on her hands again. She tossed her hair to one side, so that she could still see him... and look him in the eye. Her presence in his mind fading away to nothing without her realizing it. All those fantasies in her head now were her own. She smiled down at him... their faces only a few inches apart.

Show me. She asked softly, and silently hoped that she was right.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion
Tasha's Dorm room

Looking into her eyes, he saw her expectation, and no trace of trepidation.

Once again he was amazed, and his fear of hurting her, or being hurt, was washed away by her bravery.

"Of course" he answered.

Closing his rapidly darkening eyes in concentration, for a moment the light around his body seemed to tremble and dim, his skin shivered, and as he breathed deeply inward, the air seemed to be be robbed of it's warmth.

Then everything was as before.

He opened his eyes. Piercing clear grey, he looked up at her, and smiled.

He pulled her face towards his own, his eyes closing naturally, his lips gently grazing hers...with no ill effect.

"I want more", he whispered in her ear.

He pushed himself up, holding her against himself by the small of her back.

He realized then that he could no longer feel her inside his mind.

Pulling back momentarily, he looked at her, his eyes dark with desire "Where did you go? Come back to me..." he said, the strangeness of that statement spoken aloud registering to him even as he voiced it.

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha

OOC: Got rid of that flaw as quick as you could, eh? :smalltongue:

Part One: Bliss

Tasha looked at Draven, in much the same way one would look at their cat, if it just sat up and asked you to get it a soda.

Did you...? You kissed me? She said, almost without a voice, before again finding volume. You kissed me!

She will smile, the excitement clear in her voice... and then dive onto him. Her lips will find his passionately, and her hands will finally wander to bare skin... The wave of sensations will flow between them again... this time not all of them the products of her mind, and mixed with very real physical contact. The images now were not fleeting scenes of fantasy.... but very real intentions.

How? Her thoughts in his head rose above the flurry of image and sensation, her lips unwilling to part from his long enough to speak.

Her hands shook slightly as she pulled open his shirt, an oddity that even she noticed. She did not bother spending time wondering why knowing you cannot have something made you want it that much more. Instead, she indulged in the feeling of bare skin at her fingertips, and his warm breath against her pale, soft skin as she leaned to kiss his neck. Each new sensation felt twice over, as she drank in his thoughts, and felt what he was feeling. The feedback she gave him was no less intoxicating... though momentarily odd to feel as if he were kissing his own neck.

Later. Explain... Later. Was the last coherent thought she managed to project, before she kissed him again.

What followed was a blur of physical and emotional bliss. Without a single word between them, they each knew exactly what the other liked and wanted... even needed. Each felt what the other felt... in an overwhelming surge of doubled pleasure that was truly impossible to compare to anything else that she had ever experienced. Time became a blur.

(The remaining details of said encounter are not truly appropriate for the forums, and have thus been omitted, for the sake of the children. We humbly and sincerely apologize. -the editor)

--------------------------

Part Two: Pillow Talk

Tasha clung onto Draven's side... her head resting on his chest, one leg curled up over his, and her breath just finally beginning to return to her. She basked in his emotions, even after the fact... and smiled as she traced a shapeless pattern across his chest.

Holy @#$% Draven... that was amazing. She said breathlessly, using her voice for actual words for the first time since they began. Even better than I thought it would be... I felt... everything.

She shifted a bit to kiss his neck again, playfully nipping at it before settling back down beside him.

Alright... I suppose NOW you can tell me how you were able to do that. She purred, closing her eyes contently, Have you been off practicing all day?

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion
Tasha's Dorm Room

Part 1

Draven took a moment to enjoy the unabashed suprise and happiness elicited by his efforts.

Happiness brought about by powerlessness, how truly ironic.

"Well, I'm glad you like it", he said with mild sarcasm tinting his voice.

As she undressed him, her feelings of anticipation and relief beginning aparent among her other thoughts as their telepathic link was once again rekindled, he heard her question faintly in his mind, and the thought quickly following after.

All will be explained soon enough...

As their bodies tangled together, her lips and hands going to work on his bare flesh, through the conduite reestablished between them, he joined in without restraint, testing the limits of their connection, both mental and emotional, and the limits of his newfound freedom. Physical exploration blended with mental fantasy to creat an experience that approached perfect bliss, deep into the night.

Part 2 to...coming soon!

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion
Tasha's Dorm Room

"As soon as I could" huh? In this game, soon is a relative term, as you well know.

Don't flatter yourself though, there were definitely alterior motives to his gaining this capability...:smalltongue:

Exulting in post coital bliss, the beautiful girl he had met only a few short days ago, but with whom he now shared a deeper connection than he would have guessed possible, he was content for the first time in what seemed like an eternity.

He looked over at Tasha, sifting his fingers through her dark silky hair, enjoying her gently affectionate touch.

"It was, wasn't it..."he said in response to her rather retorical statement, but feeling obliged to express his...appreciation.

Accepting her necking with a faint smile and her nip without flinching, he considered her question for a long moment, a thoughtful, somber expression appearing on his face.

"I suppose, I had what some people call a 'moment of clarity'. I didn't learn it...it just came to me. But, it's not the way you think, control will always be a concern for me, but deeper levels of control always have and always will be a priority on my path of enlightenment.
I know it probably doesn't all make sense right now. But don't worry, I'll explain it all before the nights out. Suffice it to say, it'll be a while before we can spoon while we sleep...I hope your not too disapointed" he said, a wry smile on his face as he trailed off.

"But first, since I've already said more than my fair share this eveing..." he says, gently sliding away from her and proping him head on his hand as he lay on his side facing her with a curious look on his face "why don't you tell me why you're so curious to hear my opinions on this Dark fellow?

I imagine that the Aryan look isn't your cup of tea, nor the older gentleman thing, but there is no accounting for a girls taste sometimes", he concludes, his voice laced with sarcasm as he smirked at her.

"But, on the off chance that this is about something else entirely, something more important, I would hope that you would choose to trust me to understand" his expression slowly turned serious as he spoke, but remained calm and relaxed, a simple look of sincerity softening his angular features as he searched her eyes.

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha

Tasha smirked and listened to Draven intently... too content to pick on him for being so damned long-winded. She just lay close and let him speak... trying to throw him off with the occasional kiss to his neck, or a light, touch to a sensative spot or two.

How does he have that much breath left in him? She mused to herself as he went, more amused than anything,I need to try harder next time, I guess. He's supposed to be a quivering mass of awe-struck goo by now.

I just wanted to know what you think. She finally spoke up, one Draven had said his piece, I've been thinking... and I really think there is a lot more to what's going on then it being said. I don't think that this is an accident, I don't think it's something that people can ajust to... and I don't think I want to just hide away and hope nothing bad comes to pass. You could tell what I was... right? If someone else can... then hiding won't help for long. I want to find out what's going on... and the professor on the news said he knew something about the bomb downtown. I thought he might be worth getting in contact with and comparing notes.

She'll place one last kiss on Draven's chest before moving to the side of the bed to sit up and stretch. She didn't particularly care about being undressed around him... To be shy about that now would just be rediculious. She was however... a bit cold.

So I did... Sort of. She'll admit, as she got up to gather her wayward clothes from... wherever the heck they had landed, Technically, as far as he knows... a man who claims to be a mutant called him from an unlisted, disposable cell phone.

She'll laugh to herself as she picks up her corset, and looks at it disapprovingly. That thing was a pain to get on. She instead opted for a T-shirt from her clothes-chest, and began getting re-dressed, for the most part... before re-joining Draven on the bed (or wherever he's wandered by then), and slipping her arms around him to steal one more kiss.

I still don't want anyone to know what I am... but I want to do something... you know? What do you think?

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion
Tasha's Dorm Room

He returned her kiss, and watched as she streched, the perfect curve of her back reminding him of what it felt like when he finally was able to touch it for the first time.
Maintaining his position, wearing nothing but the blanket he listened as she casually responded to his question.

She seemed a little miffed, and he didn't entirely blame her. For a moment he felt the faintest twinge of guilt for bringing up the subject so soon, but the evasive way she had acted had aroused his curiosity...and suspicion...too much for him to simply not know for very much longer.

As she nonchalantly slipped in the fact that she had, although using precautions, contacted Dark, his eyes widened ever so slightly.

Does she even comprehend what a potential risk she took I wonder?

Draven rolled onto his back, composing himself as he looked up at the ceiling and put his hands behind his head.

Taking a moment as he considered the situation from all angles, he finally replied.

"What do I think? Ironic hearing that question coming from you..." he said, glancing over at her as she curled up next to him, now half dressed, sharing a kiss with her before continuing "What I think is that what you did was make a decision with an acceptable level of risk for a sufficiently good reason and that we need to proceed carefully from this point on, letting each other know what move we're going to make before we make any big ones.
I think what you did makes sense, I understand why you did it, and I'm glad you let me know",

With an devious smirk on his face, he streched out and turned off the light, then took his time straddling her as she lay there.

"What I really think though is that I should have just waited to ask you, as that question seemed to have almost ruined the mood".

He leaned into her, his mouth coming so close to her neck that she could feel his breath.

"I recall you mentioning that you had 'several' ideas. I'm game...that is, unless you'd rather hear about how my day went, since, as we both know, you just love to listen to me talk..." his lips grazed her neck, smiling into the cleft of her jaw, his chuckle audible only because of their intimate proximity.

He paused a moment for her reply.

((and unless it's entirely different than I expect))

"Natasha, I want to play a game" he purred softly into her ear, his hands...elsewhere.

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha

Tasha laughed. The boy did ramble... but at least he had a sense of humor about it. Tasha smiled up at him as he slipped over her. He was energetic, she'd give him that.

You should have said something before I got dressed. She purred up at him from her back, Are we playing that game again... or did you have something else in mind?


Apologies for the short post... I didn't know exactly where else to take it... and had to throw the thing together at 1 in the morning prior to work the next day. I promise the next post will contain a bit more content.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion
Tasha's Dorm Room

"You refer to it as if it were a bad thing", he says in a sly sarcastic voice, as he ran his hands under her shirt.

He reveled in the sensation of his hands on her smooth taught stomach and hips.

"As to the game, you my dear, were the one who said earlier that you had a few 'ideas' you wanted to try out", he said, lowering his face to her exposed stomach and grazing his lips over her hips and navel, his fingers tracing light circles on her skin as he looked up at her.

With a rakish grin he added "but after what we just shared, I don't blame you for not remembering...or, perhaps what we just shared was all of your 'ideas'?"

He sat up, sliding his hands from beneath her shirt and both coming to rest on her hands, he held them still for a moment.

"No big deal either way though, I actually have a few ideas of my own, some of which actually require your clothes to remain on".

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha

Giving you sexy thoughts *was* my idea. Tasha said with a soft laugh and a smile, The rest was just... sort of... improv.

She reached down to muss Draven's hair and placed one last kiss on his neck before she squirmed out from under him to sit on the bed beside him and bask for a bit in the thrill of being close to somebody... intimately. She let her hand glide over Draven's chest for a second, pushing her hair back from her face with her free hand. Sure, it might not last... but for the moment... she was relaxed, and she was happy. Plus... something told her that Draven was sticking around.

I have been thinking though... about what I'm going to do now. You know? It feels like I should be doing something with this... but I don't know what. She will confess, laying back across him with a soft sigh, But I'm afraid people are going to go nuts over this and start rounding up everyone who's like us... and throwing us in a cell, or a lab... or who knows what. And human nature being what it is... there will be people who run amok now that they think they can get away with it. And when they do... it's going to make things that much worse for us. Plus... I still really, really think this entire accident wasn't as much of an accident as everyone wants people to think.

Tasha will let out another sigh and roll over beside Draven... sliding on arm around him and resting her head on his shoulder. Just having someone to talk to made her feel better... Now how to approach the next part?

I'm going to try and do something to figure out what's going on... And I'd feel better if I knew you were with me. I haven't figured out exactly what I'm going to do yet. But I have a start... And don't worry... you're not going to lose me if you don't want in. She'll close her eyes, her voice getting low... as if she is a little wary of what he may say, You're just the only person who can really help me... So... What do you think?

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion
Tasha's Dorm Room

"Ah" he replied as she repositioned herself on the edge of the bed.

Listening quietly and intently to Tasha as she spoke, he watched her in the near perfect dark, the moonlight filtering through the window's muted by the drawn blinds.

It was so odd, he realized as he observed her movements with all his senses both new and familiar, being beside her so nearly powerless, without her even knowing how vulnerable he was.
How vulnerable he had made himself, for the chance to be close to her.

He couldn't be sure of this of course, but he was confident she hadn't done any obvious snooping around in his head, and with how distracted they had both been, he doubted she had even thought to do as much.
Plus, as strange as it seemed, with both of them barely knowing each other, he trusted her.

How hard would this be for most guys? Being with a girl who they knew could rip the truth right out of their head whenever she felt the need or desire? A girl who might be able to do even more than just that to their mind...or body.
Yet, I feel strangely calm. Like standing on this razor's edge is where I've always wanted to be; what I've always sought after. The refining balance between a carefully maintained innocent-bravery, and potential destruction.

Wrapping an arm protectively and affectionately around her, he noted the hesitation in her voice as she concluded and fell silent, leaving the air full of a quiet that begged his response.

After a long pause, he responded, looking down at her as she lay beside him.

"I sense that there are a lot of unspoken questions between us Natasha, on both sides. None that I think we would be afraid to hear the answers to, but ones that I think need to be asked before any real planning can be done.
Afterward, I suspect, we'll find that we can help each other a lot more than either of us imagined".

He paused, stroking her hair thoughtfully.

"But perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself. Although, you should know by now, that anything you're planning I'm more than willing to hear out, and more than likely willing to go along with", he said, smiling down at her in the dim blue white moonlight.

"So, do tell, what did you have in mind?" he inquired, kissing her forehead lightly as he did.

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha

It wasn't until he slipped an arm around her, that Tasha realized she'd been holding her breath. Releasing it in a deep, relieved sigh, she scootched closer against him. What was it about being held that made her feel safer? It was like being a kid again... when the warm comfort of the blankets would magically protect you from the monsters that you were sure were in the room. Just like back then, the threat was (for now) all in her head.

I guess you don't ever really grow out of some things. She thought to herself as he stroked her hair, Now... instead of a blanket and Mr. Bun... I just need someone a little larger to make me feel better.

I haven't planned weeks in advance, or anything like that... She finally spoke, leaning her head against him and closing her eyes, Everything I have in mind seems risky... and I'm a bit nervous. First... I want to test out my new... contact? I guess that's what you'd call him. I want to see if he does plan to do what he claims to do. He asked me to find out about whatever it was that blew up that building downtown. He might be just trying to see if I can do it, hoping I'll give myself away to him somehow while I'm in the process. Or he might be honest... Who knows?

She paused for a second to take a deep breath and entwined her fingers with Draven's... opening her eyes to look up at him. As odd as it seemed to be saying so much to someone she had just begun to know... she felt comfortable with him. Maybe it was just knowing that she had someone else in the same position as herself to talk to...

Either way... I figure he can't do much harm with the information. And I want to know if he'll do as he says he will. Because if we find out anything important... We're going to need some way to make it public, that doesn't give away who we are. And since Professor Mc Aryan alrready went public, AND said he want's to get to the bottom of what's going on... I figured I'd call his bluff.

She smirked at him, as if she took some sort of devilish glee from the idea of the professor taking all the public heat, risk, and scrutiny of being the spokesman for whatever unpleasant truths they could dig up. Let the people who don't want this stuff to go public go after him instead. He's a big boy... he can handle himself... or he wouldn't have gone public.

With a slight bit of movement, Tasha wiggled just enough to brush a soft kiss against his neck. (And if the by hasn't figured out by now that the neck is one of her... let's say "favorite places", then he hasn't been paying attention.)

I think I can pull it off. And I'm even pretty damn sure I can do it without giving myself away. I don't even know what you can do...but it feels better to know I have help. Do I... have help?

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

I've finally got enough of a break in the work/eat/sleep routine to get another post in. Many thanks for your unending patience BA.

Draven/Oblivion
Tasha's Dorm Room

Chuckling softly as he looked down at her, the feeling of her lips lingering on his neck, he replied "There's a very good reason that you don't know what I can do yet..."
He resumed stroking her hair thoughtfully "But if you really want to find out, we can go for a walk, and I can do a little...demonstration. But I'll warn you now, it's not pretty...but I'm sure you'd already guessed that much?"

Rolling onto his side, he put his face in her hair, pushing it aside to reveal her neck as he spoke.

"You have some interesting points and you know I'm with you on this, so I'll refrain from reassuring you of such yet again. I'm sure whatever we can find out will be useful. Whether to the Professor, or other interested parties, is yet to be determined."

Moving his mouth so close she could feel his breath as he spoke, he said "You can take your time telling me what else you can do".

He pressed his lips gently, with sensuous slowness, to the now exposed alabaster flesh.

"But I think it would be best if we were honest with each other from here on out."

He pulled casually back for a moment to observe her expression, adding with a mild smirk "I'd very much hope that you agree".

Although his tone was serious, it remained undemanding, calmly expressed as if he were simply stating well known, but nonetheless interesting, facts.

His face half hidden by his raven hair, he held her close in the muted light, hoping that she would understand, despite the tenuous newness their relationship still contained.

[BloodyAngel]

OOC: Yay! I was afraid you were missing as well! I'm glad you didn't forget about me! :smallsmile: Short post, I apologize... but I kind of needed your input on this one. Wherever he chooses, we can just kinda assume that she'll go, (Unless it's someplace that they'll get caught) and the demonstration can begin!

Natasha Verraine

Tasha cooed and squirmed a bit to move in closer to Draven... the pleasant distractions making her feel a lot better about the strangely serious matter they were discussing. Or maybe it was just having someone else with her that made her feel better. Something to ponder another time.

If you know what you can do... I could know what you can do. She said playfully, turning to face him and slide her arms up around his neck, But seeing it sounds like a lot more fun. Provided we don't get caught. Where did you have in mind to go for this little... demonstration?

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion
Tasha's Dorm Room

He kissed her fully as she wrapped her arm around his neck, luxuriating in the sensation of her soft lips and warm skin.

Pulling back, he listened attentively as she spoke.

Despite her playful tone, his body stiffened momentarily and his eyes narrowed ever so slightly when she alluded to already knowing what he was capable of.

Did she look without my knowing? No, she's just teasing...as usual...and still evading my questions, but with such tact and grace. A wily creature indeed.

Chuckling darkly as she fell silent, he squeezed her against himself for a moment before pulling away, rolling off the bed, and facing towards the bathroom door.

Pausing, he looked back over his shoulder, his well muscled body silouetted in the dim light of the small room.

Perhaps it was a trick of the light, but his eyes seemed to darken for a moment, his pupils seeming to swallow up his entire eye.

In a low voice he said "I'm very glad that you accept me the way I am Natasha, because I'm not so sure a lot of other people will. Even some of those just like us.
I've thought about it very carefully, and I've come to the conclusion, no matter what anyone wants to think, we're not just human anymore. We're more human than human". He paused for a moment, smirking privately to himself before continuing.
"But at the same time, we, New-Humans I mean, have the potential to be so much less than...human. It's those types that we'll have to watch out for, and who we'll have to deal with, if we're going to have any hope of peace between us and Humans".

"So, get your game face on, and if you've got anything with a hood, I'd suggest you wear it...just in case".

Swiveling his gaze forward again he glided lithly and silently into the bathroom.
"I'll be out in a few...we can discuss location then", he said out of the gloom, before closing the door quietly behind him.

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha Verraine

Why do I get the feeling he has something planned that could get us in trouble? She wondered to herself, watching Draven's rear as he slipped off into the bathroom.

She sat on her bed and looked through her clothes-chest for something concealing... eventually settling on a baggy, navy-blue hoodie that she had borrowed from a friend back home, and forgotten to return before she had moved to Rainport. She also snagged a scarf from her pile of random clothes... figuring if she desperately needed to cover her face, it was the best she could do. What's more, it was brisk enough outside that it didn't seem too out of place.

Not human? She thought to herself as she got ready, I don't know about that. I feel human. I look human... Sure, there's the mind... thing. But I wouldn't say I'm INhuman. But... I guess most people would.

Tasha let out a soft sigh... leaning her back against the wall and pulling her knees up against her chest as she waited. Now that things were calm and quiet, it was time for her brain to ramble about things that she didn't really want to think about. That train was never late.

Does he really think we're not people anymore? If we're not human... then we don't get treated like humans. No human rights... no human failings... No humanity. That... doesn't seem right. We can just do... more than people. We weren't even born different. We changed. Why are so many people so eager to make us into some new race?

She looked at her computer screen... seeing her reflection in it's dark screen. In it, she seems faded, dark and distorted... Just a pale face behind a curtain of long, dark hair... her features hard to pick out. She sighed again and looked away. The reflection seemed a bit too symbolic for her tastes at the moment.

Stop being stupid. She scolded herself internally, You're no different than you ever were. You're safe, and healthy... Probably set for life if you can figure out how to make this power-thing work for you... AND... you just got some. You should be happy... Not looking at your reflection like some sad little teenager writting depressing poetry.

She smiled softly. More in amusement at the realization that she was thinking in third person than anything else... but it was enough. She felt good. It had been like this since she was young. If things went well... she immediately began to worry that the other shoe was going to drop. Cursing her cynical nature, she got up off of the bed and stretched.

To hell with it. The world is insane... and it's only getting worse. I'm not going to just sit on my butt and be afraid. You only live once.

(Summary... internal monolouging and awaiting the return of Draven from the bathroom!)

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion
Tasha's Dorm Room

Stepping out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist, Draven looked over at Tasha smiling to herself and raised an eyebrow inquisitively, but kept his peace.

Without a hint of reservation, he pulled his clothes back on, flipping his damp hair out of his eyes as he walked barefoot and shirtless over to the lightswitch, but paused as he reached for it.

"It doesn't really matter to me, one way or another, but I'm suprised to find you out here still sitting in the dark".

Leaving the lights off, he turned around, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, smirking.

"Nice disguise, I almost didn't recognize you at all" , he said, visibly supressing a chuckle.

Walking across the room, he picked up and pulled on his tank top in one movement, swiping his jacket from the floor and throwing it over his shoulder before walking across the room and crouching in front of Tasha.

"Now things really get interesting", he said with a mischevious grin.

Looking over at her, he cocked his head to one side with a thoughtful and amused look on his face.
He paused, appearing to carefully consider the wording of his next statement "After giving things a bit more thought, why don't you put something...casual on, and take the hoodie with you just in case".

Pulling on his socks and boots, he contined, "I know this nice place downtown. How does a friendly card game sound to start things off?"

Extending his hand, he took Tasha's and pulled her to her feet.

"You want to drive or shall I?"

I'm not exactly sure how much longer we can keep this going without it going to the main Thread, but I've come up with some ideas that will definitely make things interesting.

[BloodyAngel]

Agreed. From here on, I say we wait for Geez3r. Plus... my days have become irritatingly lacking in free time, I'm afraid. It may be a while before I can post again as regularly as I used to.

I'm giving it a few more days before I post... at least. I really... REALLY hope Geez3r gets back!

[blennus]

"The Man"

Dances the flamenco takes another sip of wine after finishing his long winded speech, while waiting for Alex to respond.

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha Verraine

Alright... here I am at an impass, as I have no idea what Draven has planned, but with my new, crap-tastic schedule making my posting days fewer, I feel compelled to post as much as I can in the few posts I can make...

I'll do my best with this one, and we'll see how it turns out... and if in the future, you want to squeeze in some extra things or summarize a bit, I trust you not to go nuts. If for some reason something implied via summary goes against what Tasha would do, we can always correct it. With that said... here we go! It's good to be back after such a long absence.

Why don't you drive? You're the one who knows where we're going. Tasha said with a smile as she pulled off her hoodie.

Draven seemed to think that a disguise and a quick get-away weren't needed... which made her feel much better about the trip. The T-shirt and jeans should be enough, she reasoned... but took the hoodie and scarf with her just in case. For all she knew, it could get cold... at the very least.

Tasha left her room with Draven... keeping close to him despite the looks of the students in the halls and commons room. The news was on still, and a trio of girls from the dorm were watching it intently... to see it some new and horrible or amazing thing was going to happen.

Can you imagine if they knew? She said to Draven without words... her thoughts tinged with a burst of amusement, irony and under it all... a bit of fear. What do you think they would do about us if they knew?

She smiled at one of them as she looked over. Just another girl and her boyfriend headed out. She knew all of them in passing... but not well. Just other girls who lived on her floor. They didn't so much as pay her a second glance, and returned to their program and talking amongst themselves.

The television switched to a genetics "expert" and a physicist, as they tried to debate and discuss the exact manner in which so called "mutants" seemed to regularly break the laws of nature. Explanations of muscle tissue perforated with almost 10 times the number of nerves of a normal person, to spread out shock and stress... making it easier for the body to absorb kinetic energy, or strike with almost inhuman force all sounded plausable to her. But there was no explanation for the man of sharpened shadow... or the "vampire" who could fly... And she KNEW they would never be able to explain what she could do.

Come on Draven... Let's go. She said with a soft smile, and stepped out with him to the parking lot...

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion

Night on the town
Part 1

Smiling faintly, he nodded, patting the keys in his jacket pocket.

"Sounds reasonable", he said, as he turned smoothly on his heel, opening and holding the door open for her, inclining his head and gesturing with his hand, casually smirking at her as though he was thinking of a secret joke that we wasn't sharing.

Striding down the halls casually, he took note of the looks they were getting, and Tasha's brave front.

He couldn't help but respect the nearly seemless manner in which she managed to appear totally at ease in front of others.

He heard then purposely blocked out the frightened drivvel spilling from the TV's in the common room. The all too common fear of the unknown disguised as "scientific curiosity". The frightened animals seeking vainly to vanquish their unnecessary and growing unease.
Meanwhile spreading it like a disease, serving it up for mass consumption to all those who cared to listen who were unwilling or simply unable to think for themselves.

Noticing as she exchanged glances with the other night-owls who resided in her dorm, he wondered briefly what she was thinking. He imagined that if it were not for the singular connection that they shared, he would be just as unaware as everyone else.

What kind of experiences could possibly have necessitated such impregnable social armor I wonder?...

Her thoughts formed in his mind then, surfacing in his consciousness, cutting his musings short.

Despite his suprise, the only outward sign expressed were his darting glance toward her face, attempting to judge unsucessfully what he found there.

He stroked his goatee once, glancing at the other girls then back at her meaninfully, a single image rising in his minds eye.

A woodcut of a witchburning straight out of the Malius Malificarum, first appearing in two dimsions, then slowly evolving into three, becoming a possible reality.

The flames danced and rose, the mob screamed and cursed, the priest screamed verse after misquoted verse over the rabble, and the petite pale woman tied to the stake released a bloodcurdling wail of agony as the flames ignited began to consume her naked body and turned her long raven black hair into a torch upon her head.

The thought was cut abruptly short.

"Indeed..." he replied, and walked her to his car, and again holding the door for her before getting in beside her and starting the engine.

He paused a moment before pulling out, looking intently at the steering wheel as he spoke.

"I apologize for that...my imagination can run away with me at times..."

Emerging from the lot, his mood brightened a little and he looked over at Tasha as they waited at a light.

"So, you ever play any poker? Because if not, we're going to need to brush up on the rules before we get to CJ's..." he said, smiling a devious grin that seemed to promise that the night would be anything but dull.

"Although, I suppose alternatives could be arranged..." he said thoughtfully "but I believe in covering all my bases whenever possible" he added as he returned his attention to the road and they headed into downtown.

Heh, that was fun, hope you liked it. I suppose that we keep going here until Geez3r elects that we bring it over, but we might want to ask him soon, as my plans may require his intervention...:smallbiggrin:
I'm excited, aren't you?

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha Verraine

More surprising than the image was the vivid detail of it... The burning flesh... woman's scream... the village yelling obscenities and decreeing a woman as a blasphemer. The fact that the "witch" bore a strikingly similar appearance to her.

A hell of a vivid imagination you have, babe. She said in his mind... with no real repulsion, in particular, just a wave of cynicism towards humanity and faint agreement. Thou shall not kill my @#%.

She headed with him to his car, smiling as he held the door for her. For a boy with such dark thoughts... he was certainly one of the most polite and chivalrous people she had met. Being a telepath was turning into an "interesting" new understanding of psychology. She briefly mused on revolutionizing the field one day, when this whole "mutant paranoia" thing was no longer an issue. A brief, meaningful thought about a way to perhaps turn her odd new gift towards helping people, and make herself set for life in the process. Opportunistic thoughts like that had been running through her head since she found out what she could do, but she had yet to truly act on one yet...

And then he brought up poker.

Had she been drinking something, it would have shot out her nose. She laughed out loudly, wondering if her her thoughts had somehow bled through the link again to give him that idea... She disregarded the idea. It hadn't been too hard to filter her thoughts once she got the hang of it.

Poker? She said, her laugh fading to a soft chuckle and her smile obvious, After what you said, I was expecting something a lot more... You know what? I have no idea what I was expecting.

She leaned onto his shoulder and smiled, letting the last few laughs out... more at herself for her bizarre assumptions than anything else.

One little world-altering super-power and I just start assuming that everything is going to be some sort of epic adventure with lives at stake. She thought to herself as she smiled at him, Brilliant. And I'll wear a spandex suit and everything.

I know poker. It's been forever since I played, but I know the basics. She said softly, musing his hair playfully, Unless you mean texas-whatever on TV. That I've never been able to follow.... And you'll need to remind me if a straight beats a flush, or the other way around. I can never remember that.

And with the purr of an engine, and some light-hearted talk on the rules of poker.... they were off to bilk some card games. :smallamused:

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion
Night on the town
Part 2

Glancing at Tasha as she processed, responded to, and reacted to idea, he found himself a little surprised, and more than a little bemused.

What did she think I was planning? Hmmmmm….I guess I’m glad I suggested this as the first activity….

“Glad you like the idea. Some people would be opposed to the idea of gambling altogether. I’m not even going to ask what you thought, or should I say didn’t think, I had planned. Really Natasha, give me a little credit”, he said in playful tones, a matching grin gracing his lips.

Glaring at Natasha while maintaining his rakish grin, he bore her hair mussing with poise, looking back at the road as he smoothed it back into place.

So…irreverent. I’m definitely not use to that from a woman. It’ll take some getting use to, but I should be able to adjust…honestly, after all the recent “adjusting” I’ve had to do, it should be almost no hassle at all…

“Generally speaking, very few places play five card anymore, so you’ll have to learn hold’em if you want to be any use”.

Draven took a minute to gloss over the differences, briefly explaining some terminology and basic betting rules and strategy.

“Of course, you’re not going to be playing; I will. There’s kind of an unspoken rule that you generally don’t bring unfamiliar players to a private game, and as sexist as it sounds, bringing an unfamiliar woman is even worse. I don’t make or agree with these rules, I just know them”.

“With that said though, and in light of what I know of your abilities, we could make this a lot more interesting for you…even though you do make for some exquisite eye-candy if I do say so myself”.

Flashing her his most winsome mischievous smile, he waited for her reply.

Heading into the historic district of downtown, he slowed down even further, the cobblestone street lit only by the occasional street-lamp.

No need to reply to all of this in detail if you'd prefer to just cut to the next scene, I just felt like stating things ICly, despite my picking up on your fairly blatant condoning of such "bilking".
So, if you simply want to have me describe the next scene, just let me know.

[BloodyAngel]

Sorry for the lag in posts.... you may as well move on ToA.... You're running this show. Set us up the scene. Either in here, or in the main channel. Both are fine with me. :smallbiggrin:

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion
Night on the town
Part 3

Turning a corner, they entered a dark culdesac, the only signs of life coming from a rundown old fashioned looking wooden building complete with a wooden sign hung over the door, the night's deep shadows rendering it unreadable.

A portable markee, a relatively new additon, positioned infront of the parking lot along the edge of the street, displayed in lights the name of the establishment in large letters.


CJ's

The sign also provided enough ilumination to make the entrance and exit to the small parking lot visible in the gloom of the late evening.

Pulling into the lot and parking decicively, he removed and pocketed the keys, and looked over at Tasha for a moment before exiting.

"Watch yourself, it's kind of a rough neighborhood", he mentioned before exiting the vehicle and heading around the car to open her door, help her out, and nonchalantly put his arm around her waist, drawing her along with him towards the door.

In the gloom, he could see the dully glowing forms of a few indigents emerging from behind the back corner of the building, drinking what he could only guess was some of CJ's "finest" malt liquor. He noted their presence and continued on without pause.

Downtown's very own "Hell's Kitchen".

***

Pausing before entering only long enough to "adjust" his eyes, he rapped three times on the door.

After a moment, The peephole darkened momentarily, after which the door was unlocked, then opened, Marco the bouncer gesturing generously with one of his mitt like hands towards the door in the back of the now deserted and dimly lit Taproom.

He was wearing his patented smirk, usually worn when playing poker, but which occasionally made an appearance whenever he happened to win a bet on the side.

How goes it friend? Long time no see...who's your friend here? She here to show us how to play the game for real?" he said amiably but with undeniable sarcasm, the slightest hint of a New York accent evident in his voice.

"No, she's just here to keep me company. I thought some time off from the Campus scene to pick up some local color would be good for her. Natasha, this is Marco the door-janitor at CJ's".

Chuckling at his little joke, Draven proceeded into the back without further adue, ignoring the way Marco stared at Natasha's body as soon as he thougth he wasn't being observed.

He always was such a gentleman

Opening the door casually, but as quietly as he could, he looked around the small gym.

Dominating the center of the room was a boxing ring, and in the middle of the ring was a card table surrounded by a motely assortment of players.

CJ always had a flair for the dramatic, and a soft spot for the movies he thought at Natasha, hoping she was listening.

A massive bald black man, wearing an equally massive black suite, the jacket draped casually over the back of his chair, stood up and smiled, revealing a mouth full of gold.

"Hey, Draven, wu-sup? Get in here and join the party. We got one mo' spot open..." he said in his deep barritone, his eyes hidden behind his dark designer shades.

Inclining his head minutely in Tasha's direction his smile turned into grin.

"Guess you jus might have ta share", he concluded, sitting back down slowly and steepling his fingers infront of him, the gold rope around his neck gleaming as the table waited for Draven and Natasha to join the game.

Geez3r, if you have any NPC's or local color that you'd like to add, feel free to do so (PM me them, or make a IC or OOC post).
Although I considered moving this to the main page, I think it might end up being a little confusing until my "current" plot line/situation is wrapped up.
BA, please respond to this as you like. No need to bring everything up do date (as in respond to everything I wrote about) all at once as I know you're time is limited. I just thought I'd get as much out as I can since I've been and will continue to be fairly busy for a while.
Remember, since this is so free form, if you don't like something I write, just tell me and I'll change it. I readily accept that everything I write doesn't automatically turn out golden.

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha Verraine


It was the sort of place she would have avoided like the plague before the chemical blast. There are just some places that a tiny girl.... or any girl for that matter.... should go. She was the only one there, and the fact was obvious. It was like a gazelle walking into a lion pride with a smile on it's face. Or at least... that was how she used to think. Something about the last few days had her feeling a lot more confident. Far from being scared, she felt almost excited. She curled her arm around Draven's as they entered and smiled at the letch holding the door.

Keep dreaming. She thought to herself as she drifted through the wave of pornographic images filling his head as he watched her walk past. She was suddenly very glad she was dressed in a simple t-shirt and jeans rather than her club outfit.

The place was seedy in a way usually only imagined in movies, and the thought that Draven apparently came here on his own, prior to his newfound powers... whatever they were... amused the hell out of her. The boy's confidence was no new thing, apparently. Full of mysteries, that one....

Tasha smiled at CJ as he spoke to them both. He reminded her of a bear in a suit... the man could probably pick her up with one hand. Oddly, that didn't worry her as much as she expected it would. A quick glimpse in his head made him seem far less frightening than he looked. He was no lurking predator... he was a divorced father of two who liked old movies, old hip-hop, and old comedians like Richard Pryor.

Tasha let Draven take his seat and slipped behind his chair... weaving her arms around his shoulders lightly as she looked over the other players. Most weren't as pleasant seeming as CJ... and she was suddenly very aware that she was a lone, skinny white girl in a rough place. Time to put on the act.

This is pretty exciting. She said to Draven, her voice hushed, but still intentionally loud enough for the others to hear, Will you show me how to play as you go? It looks like fun.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion
Night on the Town
Part 4

Stepping confidently into the ring, he obtusely looked over the other players, taking his seat in an unhurried manner.

Thanks CJ, glad I could make it in time for this...it's been pretty crazy as of late. A nice relaxing game of Poker is just what the doctor ordered" he said amiably, as he leaned back, letting Natasha weave her arms around his neck, a smile brifly playing upon his lips.

Taking Natasha's wrist as she spoke he responded in a humoring tone "I'd love to babe, but I wouldn't want anyone to end up claiming there was some kind of unfair advantage. After all, you're distracting enough as it is". Pausing a moment, his looked around with a generous smile on his face that he hoped looked as condescending as possible, but was meant to mask his assessment of the other players as he tried to determine if they were at all suspicious. Or, of course, if any happened to be Neo-Sapiens themselves.

"But don't worry, you're a smart girl, I'm sure you'll pick things up real quick".

She's good though. If I didn't already know better, I would probably write her off as just another clueless pretty face that was gliding through college on her daddy's money.


Patting her hand reassuringly, he said smoothly to CJ,"Deal me in".

This was going to be an interesting game.

After careful deliberation, I've decided it's probably best if we keep where it is. I'll fill in the local color (the other players, background elements) as it comes up and comes to me.
BA,
FYI, one small little detail about CJ you may or may not have gleaned, he rent's out his basement to an anonymous group for rather large..."donations".
Oh, and he DOES have a rap sheet and has done a little time. He's older and wiser now though, and has "put all that behind him"...at least that's what he says.

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha Verraine


It would be cool if we had geez3r running the npcs here for us, but I think he has enough on his plate. To be honest, with all the crazy, crazy stuff going on in the main thread, I'm looking forward to starting us a new day. :smallbiggrin:

But yeah, so long as we're here... feel free to ad-lib the local color. I'll be ad-libbing as well, so no worries. Since telepathy only works towards the specific things she intentionally tries to hear, and the rest is drowned out amidst a wave of rambling thoughts, feelings and unspoken desires... it wouldn't be THAT unusual if she missed something in someone's head. Especially since she's new to the mutant thing... and there is more than one person here to read.

For instance, in CJ's head... if the information she looked for was "would he likely hurt a woman". She felt a rush of protectiveness towards them... probably with several images of his daughter. Following that, the next thing she saught might be "who was that girl?" followed by "why is he so protective of her?". The end result being, she'd have a vague idea that his wife left him and took the kids when he went up the river, and it ruined his family. Since he actually loved his kids, that upset him enough that now the man is TRYING to go straight. Or at least, straight enough to keep his freedom. Old habits die hard. It doesn't mean he'll jump in to help us if things go wrong... but that's impossible to know, as it depends on the situation. At best, she's guessing it means he won't cause her harm or hurt her without a good reason, and then he'd probably feel bad about it.

I'm kind of taking liberties with telepathy to make it more interesting than a simple voice in someone's head that answers their questions. The human mind is flat-out crazy and not terribly well understood, even by experts. Tasha could become the greatest shrink EVER!

phew! Longer rant than I thought.

That's it boys... I'm just some dumb girl who's hear because I'm sleeping with one of the players. She though to herself as she flipped through the men at the table.

The ploy seemed to be working well enough already. She stuck to Draven, not roaming in the least. She didn't want there to be any chance that someone could accuse her to seeing their cards. The more canny players at the table suspected a shill... here to help him fleece them. They would never be able to catch her doing it. The rest were split equally between thinking she was here to distract them with her looks and some teasing, and thinking that Draven was just some dumb college kid who just wanted to show off the pretty thing he had landed. Those two assumptions suited her just fine.

Better to throw them of by letting them think they know my game, than to avoid it and have them keep guessing. she thought to herself, feeling a rush of excitement at her own trickery, Once they think they've nailed why I'm here... they won't think on it much more... they'll just try to think of ways to deal with it. That's how people work. Let a person think he's right, and he'll never even consider the possibility that he could have been wrong.

As the antes were made and the cards were dealt, she watched everything with a smile... leaning on Draven from her spot behind him and looking around the table. The boys were getting their cards, and gazing around with their best poker faces.. while she just looked about and played up the idea that she was some dumb eye-candy who was just excited to be at some big, secret poker game.

Guy on the left has a pair of queens... the guy with the cigarette has nothing, but he's thinking of trying for a flush, CJ has a pair of fours... and the last guy has an ace high. She slipped into Draven's head as she leaned down to kiss his head, and looked at his cards. Unless he gets that flush, you might have this one...

Wow... you guys play for a lot of money. You must be really good. She said to Draven hushed just enough that she could still be heard in the silence of the room, My mom would kill me if I blew my money on gambling.

That's right boys... I'm some dumb college girl who's impressed by money and bad-boys. He just brought me here hoping a girl at the table would throw you all off. She thought in playful glee, looking to see who bought the act.

Next, to make sure that she and Draven were the only ones who were planning to cheat this friendly little game.


Putting on a convincing act! Bluff:[roll0]
And for no real reason... using her "Reassuring Presence" ability to give Draven +1 to his will save for as long as Tasha is by his side.), and her Tactical Genius to give him +1 to all his skills and attacks (which we hopefully won't need) while she's nearby talking into his brain.

And yes, I realize that knowing everyones cars = pure win, so the +1 to gamble is excessive... but I've never used her abilities, and I felt like doing so. :smallbiggrin:

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion
Night on the Town
Part 5

Draven did his part and pretended to ignore Tasha as she continued with her incredibly convincing "ignorant broad" banter.

She better watch out, or I might start to really like her...hmmm...I wonder if she could hear that?

He looked at his cards for a measured moment, revealing an off suit pair of aces. Hmmmm...

Focusing a bit he thought back to her as her words describing the other players hands surfaced in his mind, painting something of a mental picture for him and effectively ensuring that he won the first round.

I was going to play the first round "natural", just to play it safe...no matter...now I'll just have to improvise...

Betting agressively, throwing down a Benjamine alongside his ten dollar ante without blinking , his face an unreadable stony mask, he forced the ever grinning CJ to fold gracefully and smokey to put his cards down with more than a little irritation, leaving the other players to match his bet and wait for the dealer's flop.

He allowed a look of slight frustration to flicker upon his face as he looked it over.

A Ten and a Seven, both out of suite...ok, unless the river is really sweet, this hand is mine. No one else is cheating I presume? he thought to Tasha.

Despite his his mounting feelings of exultation and unshakable confidence that continued to build as the game progressed, he managed to remain something akin to a gargoyle outwardly, staring at the deck without looking around, his grey eyes like pinpoints of steel.

He considered ejoying her presence more, but thought better of it. He didn't want to have them suspecting that they were passing some kind of cues back and forth...although we are...

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Rolls, because we can (and just in case)

Bluff-[roll0] +1 from Tasha's t.genius added
Gambling skill (profession I presume) untrained (did I mention he usually lost when he played?) [roll1] again with +1 added (thankfully)

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha Verraine

Everyone is playing legit for now, it looks like. A few of them think I'm here to help YOU cheat... but they can't figure out how. She spoke into his mind... mixed with a wave of excitement and mischievous glee, CJ is the only one who seems to think you just brought me here to show me off.

She mussed Draven's hair as the river was dealt.

Look at you, all serious. She said with a playful smile, You're like those guys who play cards on TV.

Distracting him was a moot-point by now. The first two cards in the river had destroyed any chance at the blonde man's flush. When another ace hit the river, it was all but assured. Draven had the first hand. She smiled and looked at the table.

So now... everyone uses the cards in the middle? That's so weird. I thought you all drew more, or something. She feigned whispering to him, then looked embarassed, I'm sorry... am I distracting you? I can go and sit down for a while over there, if you'd like. I brought my ipod.

Let's see them accuse me of cheating from across the room. She thought to herself, Confusing them is almost as fun as winning.

Tasha kissed Draven on the forehead and left him and the boys to play, and while Draven pulled in his chips, she took a seat off to the side, much too far away to see anyone's cards. She only needed to see them, and she was fine. Putting in her earphones, she called up a playlist and blew Draven a kiss as the first notes of Crazy Train filled her ears.

And the game was played...

--------------------------

The whole game was exciting. She had a hard time feigning disinterest when three hands in, she realized that she was actually better at this than Draven was... Though not by much. They won a few... they folded a few... and they lost a hand or two to maintain the appearance of playing fairly. And just to make the whole thing that much more fun, she played games in Draven's head to mess with him.

Her playful mood was obvious... to him at least. Images of him taking her out to eat with the money they won mixed with one of the two of them wrestling in jello.. which in turn turned into one of him with a huge afro in a disco suit. The last, accompanied by a wave of amusement. She sent him images of CJ dressed as a sad clown... or of the very serious-looking blonde man pulling a literal stick out of his rear and letting out a sigh of relief. By now, it was getting fairly easy.

Then something she saw while she was flitting through minds worried her...

The blonde guy just slipped an ace into his sleeve. She sent at Draven suddenly, I didn't see him do it... He must be good. He's down now, and he's convinced you're cheating somehow... so he's cheating right back. Do you think we should out him?

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion
Night on the Town
Part 6

Taking just a moment to glare at Tasha after her touseling of his hair, he returned his undivided attention to the game.

As she settled down apart from him, he could tell that she was enjoying this, and somewhat suprisingly, more than he had anticipated.

A smile again flickered upon his lips.
He briefly considered if the other more experienced players thought this was his tell. If they only knew.

****** ****** ******

Maintaining his stoic expression as he played, though with some difficulty at points as Tasha's sometimes bizzar, sometimes humorous, but always distracting, thoughts filtered through to him, he settled into an almost natural rythm.

At times, despite Tasha's abilities, he was forced to make a call, since even she, as far as he knew, couldn't see which cards were coming next, but in truth, he anticipated those hands more than the others, as it came down to sheer luck of the draw.

...I wonder exactly how much of an advantage her ability gives me...I'm sure one of RIT stat. students could probably calculate it...he mused, smiling inwardly.

Although he managed to ignore most of Tasha's random, and, he suspected, purposely odd stray thoughts, he couldn't help but help but imagine her, in a state of partial undress, wearing card suite themed clothing and body paint, dancing on the table they were playing on.

That of course ended abruptly when she, without warning, warned him of the cheater at the table.

For a moment, cold like that of a New England grave opened in the frozen heart of winter wafted out from the infathomable depths of his thougths, but then, gradually warmed again, his thoughts were hidden in shadow, the only evidence of his psychic existence the sound of a ticking grandfather clock.

His turn came up, and he did not react.

A moment passed, and CJ appeared to be about to say something when, simultaneously he thought and said "Like the penguine in Fight Club said... he paused for dramatic effect 'Slide'..." and pushed all in.

Either way, we win


I hope at least CJ appreciates the reference

[BloodyAngel]

I'm having trouble writing for CJ... in fact... for most of the scene. I assumed that you would be the one writing out the events of the game. Apparently, I'm just going to go with it.

Also, forgive my ignorance... but I've never watched fight club all the way through, or played poker aside from 5 card draw so I'm not sure what exactly you're doing? Passing?

[geez3r]

With Tasha scooting around in their heads, I'd say its fair that you guys win quite often, and are quite possible cheesing off everyone in the room.

To add some color:

The man sitting to Draven's right is an old hand at poker, and old in general, he's pushing 60 at the earliest. He's the only one at the table not wearing a pair of sunglasses, he's got his poker face down. He's dressed semi-casually, and puffs away on an expensive looking cigar. If it wasn't for Tasha, he's probably be the one winning. He really knows what he's doing, but he bets recklessly. Tasha gleans from his mind that he's pretty damn wealthy and only really plays these games for kicks, not the money. He's quite amused by Draven's winning streak, and he's got a bit of nostalgia for "young love".

On the old codger's right is Mr. cheater pants.

On his right is CJ, who is trying to figure out how Draven has gotten better, but has more or less dismissed Tasha at this point.

On the next right is a middle aged man with dark hair and eyes that looks like he's ready to go to a rodeo. He'd be a much more dangerous player if he wasn't being so distracted by Tasha's appearance. He's currently torn between asking Tasha to leave so he can concentrate and not saying anything so she'll stay and add to the scenery.

The others will remain unknown at this point, should any other situations arise.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Thanks Geez3r, that helps a lot. :smallsmile:

I send BA a PM already, hopefully we're on the same page at this point.

Now it's just a matter of me getting enough time and gumption up to actually sit down and write a decent post out on how this whole thing should/will go down.

Please stand by...

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Random roll to see if "Mr. Cheater Pants" decides to...well, you know. [roll0]

He focused on the deck.

He could see all their faces anyway, there was no need to look around.

The saddest part is, they'd already lost the moment I bought in. They just didn't know it yet.

He imagined each senario, watched them play out in his head as the betting circled the table, players dropping out left and right, slowly making it's way to the only other player that mattered in this hand.

His musings remained vague, as he was still unsure what exactly he would do, win or lose. Although, lose, in this case, was nearly out of the question.

If that guy was that good, he had picked the wrong table, on the wrong night, to try and win like that.

He wondered for a moment, if the guy could only know exactly how much he was putting on the line, if he'd have done the same thing.

He focused on the deck.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion
Night on the Town part 7

The game was over. He had lost...at least, the game of cards.

He was glad that Tasha, despite her eyes widening minutely as the cheater revealed his winning hand, and began raking in the chips, had followed his lead.

It didn't take long for the rest of the players, despite the old hat holding out for several hands longer than expected, to also lose all their chips as well.

He stood, a smile on his face, circled around the table to CJ as he stood up, shook his hand and said "Thanks for having me man, it was a good time, as always. Don't doubt I'll be hittin you up real soon alright?".

Walking over to Tasha, he gently took her by the hand and walked with her towards the door, thinking hard at her and hoping she was listening.

Keep a lock on the cheaters mind. I don't want him getting away.

I guess this is when we find out just how far her telepathy can reach

Walking past Marco with a curt wave, he unlocked and opened the car door for Tasha, before getting inside himself, looking over at her expectantly.

"Do you still have him? I know he's probably a creep and not at all one who's mind you'd prefer to be reading, but it's the only definite way I can think of to track him.
It seems our night has taken an interesting turn. It's time we recover what's rightfully ours.
And for the record Natasha, I was planning on giving CJ a decent chunk of what I won from that game. I'm not one to cheat my friends.
So, you ready to play a little "simon says" with Mr. Soon to-be-very Sore Loser?".

I apologize for the long time in response. As you might know, I was kind of hoping that the main thread would have gotten farther than it has by now. I suppose though, with Geez3r keeping an eye on things here, and showing his support with his inaugural post above, that if mediation is necessary, he'll jump in.
Kinda makes you realize that how freeform and self regulated both threads really are...

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha Verraine


Not hard to win when you're hiding an ace. Tasha mused to herself.

Draven lost the last hand... but he knew he would. He was a smart boy. He knew losing the last big hand would take suspicion off of him and place it squarely on the cheater. Well...the OTHER cheater. She wasn't really upset about the loss. Draven had been winning all night... they were still well into the green. Not that it had really been about the money.

I've never tried to hold onto someone once they were out of sight. I'll try. She thought into Draven's head... feeling a little light headed. Using her powers so much was beginning to get to her.

As the two left, she waved and smiled to the other players... taking Draven's arm as they headed out. Unfortunately, it wasn't long before...

Crap. I lost him. She told him out loud... pulling back from his mind and rubbing her temples a bit, once they were out of sight of the other players. And I'm feeling kind of... dizzy. I did the last time I used my power this much. I don't need to see him... but he need to be pretty close. Maybe it's just because I've been doing it for so long... but I lost him when he went for his car in the parking lot.

Tasha slumped into the passenger seat of Draven's car and smiled at him.

What I DID see before I lost him... is that he's going to take his nice, fair winnings to some strip club called the Safari. Apparently, he thinks some girl who works there likes him... Tasha told him with a playful smirk. We can find out where it is and follow if you like. But I'm curious... What's your plan?

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion
Night on the Town 8

Looking over at Tasha slumped in his passenger seat, he remembered briefly how late it was actually getting, but pushed it aside for the time being.

"The Safari huh?...It figures..."

His eyes narrowed at the mention of her question and looking over at her with a raised eyebrow, he says sarcastically, "Oh, you know, shake his hand, give him a pat on the back, maybe congratulate him on a great game and top it off by buying him a drink...what do you think I was planning on doing?"

"If you're having a hard time keeping up though, it should be good news for you, as I would expect that I'll be putting forth the majority of effort from here on in".

He sat silently for a long moment, obviously lost in thought as he stared through the windshield into the darkness.

"We'll have to be smart about it, there are a lot of angles to consider, but it's a managable proposition.
I'm open to suggestions though, you have any ideas? Or are you suggesting we just let this go"?

He put the keys in the ignition, he started the car and looked at Tasha, a expectant, but patient and strangely receptive look in his dark eyes.

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha Verraine

Buy him a drink, huh?

Tasha smiled and looked over at Draven... her fatigue showing only slightly. She pushed a lock of hair from her face and took a long, deep breath.

I'm alright. Reading people for long periods makes me kind of... light headed. I get dizzy and my head hurts a little. I'm alright for whatever you like to do. She said with a playful smile, It would be nice to see what YOU can do for a little bit. I still have no idea.

]Sorry for the short post... I threw it together at 3am before bed. I'm leaving where we take this up to you TOA... I'd like to get back to the main game room... but it seems to be moving pretty slow. So we can take this wherever you like. Adlib to your heart's content! :smallbiggrin:

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Yea, yea, I know what you're thinking: "It's about damn time!", but hey, YOU'RE the one that just HAD to throw a wrench in things, push my limits, and see if Draven would rip the life out of that A. hole right in front of everyone!...*pant*...*pant*...:smallbiggrin:

Ok, I'm better now. Really. So, adlib. Tasha huh? This should be fun...(it's time's like these that I really wish there was an evilly grinning smiley. Oh well, this will have to do). :smallamused:

Draven/Oblivion
Night on the Town, Part 9

"Yea, I know", he said, a flicker of a smile on his face as he considered his next move. A long moment passed as he sat with the engine running, then looking over at Tasha he asked "So, did you catch what kind of car he was driving?"

A slightly suprised look appeared as the question took her slightly off guard, the expression slowly melting into amusement as she guessed at his intentions.

"As a matter of fact, I did..."

***

About ten minutes later, they were tailing his vehicle, sufficiently far enough behind that Draven hoped he did not arouse suspicion.

With the streets as deserted as they were, they were less than five minutes away from the club.

Tasha leaned over, considered mussing his hair once more, but after a moment of consideration, tenterdly kissed him on the cleft of his jaw instead.

"What's going on in that head of yours Draven? The suspense is killing me", she whispered playfully, flashing that smile he was already starting to get attached to.

As the light ahead of the car she had identified as the cheaters turned red, and his vehicle rolled to a stop, followed soon after by his own, Draven replied without looking at her "You just might get a chance to find out sooner than you expected".

Unbuckling his seatbelt, a fairly ridiculous concept he realized as he was now virtually immune to anything but the ugliest of accidents, he turned and looked at Tasha with that not unfamiliar sincerely serious look.

"Natasha, I give you permission to read my mind as I do this. I only ask that you try to keep an objective perspective as you can, and remember that the man you know me to be right now, and the man you are about to know are the same...but perhaps you'll soon know that better than I could have hoped", he said, a sad smile blooming then withiering on his lips as he turned up his collar and buttoned the top button.

"But, if you're not here when I get back, I'll understand...verify that as well if you wish", he said, looking out the front glass, as the skin of his face started to...move.

"The lights going to change soon, I have to go now", were his last words as he pulled on his gloves and tucked his hair into his collar, his eyes seeming to dissapear into his face as the very darkness that surrounded them seemed to fill them.

Getting out casually, he dissapeared into the sky without a sound, the door slamming shut behind him.

A moment later, a dark shape, discernable by the headlights, but cast in shadow, landed lithly on the roof of the car ahead.

It turned, and it's face, for if she had not just been looking at it a moment before, could only be described as an "it", was covered in dark pulsing tendrils, and the form hidden beneath the dark clothing it wore seemed...bigger.

The light turned green, and the car ahead began to roll away, accelerating quickly.

Ok, here's a little pause for breath. Here's your opportunity to correct me and basically say "Tasha would never say THAT!".

Well, that, and add any little flourishes that you'd like.

(Yea, I could have just saved it until I was done, but I'd rather post something at this point, rather than nothing)

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Oblivion
Part 9 cont.

The night wind blew around his lithe form as he gripped the roof of the vehicle.

He welcomed the intruding presence of Tasha's mind into his own. He could sense her trepidation and excitement, both quite strong and both equally felt.

He considered for a moment how best to go about accomplishing his goal.

He felt heard and felt his car trailing behind.

Good girl...

He leaned over the side of the car, smashing his fist through the window, and gripping the frame, ripped the door off.

He heard the small cry of horror from within before it was ripped away by the fast moving night air.

The vehicle rapidly accelerated. Oblivion ignored it.

Swinging down to crouch in the now empty doorframe, hanging on by one arm, the other whipping out to grab the drivers neck, he roared over the wind,"You have something that doesn't belong to you. Stop the car now or...you'll regret it!"

Instinctively looking at his assailant, and greeted only by reflectionless black pits and writhing strands of darkness, a moan of utter horror escaped his throat, which was quickly cut short by rapidly tightening hand around his throat.

For a moment, the vehicle continued forward, then came to a screeching halt in the middle of the road.

A strong survival instinct. Even a scumb-bag like this has appreciable traits.

Following the momentum of the vehicle as it came to a violent stop, he slid his hand down to grip the mans shirt as he leaped from the side of the vehicle, carried forward through the air, spinning, landing on his feet, and sliding several feet before coming to a stop, the now terrified man howling and clawing at his arm the entire time.

"Where is the money?"he growled inhumanly through clenched teeth, the dark psi-strands languidly emerging from beneath the cuff of his jacket.

Well, isn't this familiar...except last time it was only about principle...

I..I..uh, what the hell are you? What do you...*urk*"

Pulling the man so his face was only inches away, the dark strands emerging more rapidly, twinging together, he purred in a voice that could only be described as darkly inhuman, "I won't ask again...and I promise you wouldn't like the way I'd answer your questions..."

The now fully formed serrated tendril caressed his cheeck, a dark weal like ink injected beneath his skin appearing.

Oblivion growl-purred as he tasted the wane energy.

Like taking a sip of tap water after eating at a five star restaurant all day...

"It..it's..s...in the glove box..mu..ma..man. Puh..please don't ki..*urghh!*"

Draven's fist shot out, but at the last second, opened and only backhanded the man lightly in his stomach.

Damn, I think I winded him a bit more than I had meant to...don't know my own strength.

"You wouldn't lie to me would you?"

"Nu..no..o..way ma*ahh!*"

Shaking him Oblivion replied with a disgusted look "Of course you wouldn't. Now pay attention. Leave the city and never come back, and next time you play a hand of less than honest cards...think of me", he hissed, leaping upwards with the man still in tow, landing on the roof of the nearest single story building, the limp, sweat soaked, whimpering, cheat still in his grasp.

Standing perfectly balanced on the buildings edge, he turned around, hanging the mans twitching feet over the empty space.

"Now give me the Ace".

The man stiffened for a moment, his damp dirty blonde hair plastered to his skull, before, slowly, with a shaking hand, he put his hand in his pocket and withdrew the card, safely encased in a hard plastic sleeve.

Snatching the card and, as an after thought, yanking the man's wallet from his back pocket, he swung around, tossing the nameless punk bodily onto the deserted rooftop in a tangle of limbs.

Opening his arms, his back to the ledge, he swan dived blindly into the dark expanse beneath, enjoying the sensation of the cool night wind caressing his body, the sidewalk rushing up to meet him, depositing the card and wallet into his own jacket mid-descent.

Rolling in the air and landing in a crouch, he paused for only a moment, relishing the power his form posessed, the broken concrete beneath his closed fist, the beconing darkness...

Then, moving in a blurr to the passengerside of the man's vehicle and once again wrenching the door from it's hinges, ripping the locket glove box open with a screech of metal giving way, he slipped the bag carefully out.

Walked calmly down the steet to the drivers side of his car, crossing in front of the headlights, and, he paused thoughtfully as his tendril swathed hand extended towards the door.

Hell of a second date, wouldn't you say Natasha? he thought purposefully as the oblivion slowly receeded back within him, quickly entering the vehicle as he did so and flipping the switch that would make his license plate unreadable.

He looked over at her, his eyes returning to their naturally expressive dark grey, and waited patiently for her response.

This light and cheery post brought to you in part by the musical stylings of: Rammstein (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdCJzfi3dY4), Killswitch Engage (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hWYMQRNTuQ) and Static-X (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3F3xqc6wJY), among other fantastic and engaging acts.

Thanks for joining us! We'll see you next tomorrow, same time, same station! (not really)

PS If you get offended easily, or simply an ignorant idiot, don't click the links. Thanks. Oh, and BA, your up.

[BloodyAngel]

Natasha Verraine

Holy @#$%.

Yeah, that just about covered it. Tasha watched from the car as Draven.... or the thing that Draven had turned into. The dank pit in the back of his mind swelled to consume the rest of it, before he leapt forward out of the range of her mind-link... or maybe the shock had just stripped of her of her concentration.

In either case she watched the shadowy thing menace the man and rip him from his car. Carrying him off out of sight. She did not see much after that, save that in short time, Draven returned to her as more... himself...

Tasha turned to him with wide eyes as he re-joined her in the car... silent for a few moments in a manner that was hard to read, before finally speaking.

That... was... AWESOME! She said with a sudden smile, and reached over to poke Draven's arm. Just never do it in bed...

She laughed and slid back in her seat with an excited, but exhausted, sigh of air.

Man, it's been a crazy night... She remarked with a soft sigh, As fun as it's been babe... think we can swing back to the dorms? All this reading people has given me kind of a headache. But you HAVE to tell me what else you can do!

We can just do the rest in summary if you like. Well done though hun!

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven/Oblivion
Night on the Town
Part 10-Conclusion

A look of pure and utter shock immediately appeared on his face as he unconsciously rocked back in suprise, not even noticing the love tap she gave him.

But, at her sly comment, he broke in to a rare and genuine grin...

This woman never ceases to amaze me. If it wasn't for the fact that she now knows that I could literally snap her in half, I'd think she was putting me on...and she still wants to know more!

..."Glad you liked the show...but I think I'll save the full exhibition for another time if you don't mind", he said slowly, eyeing her carefully, but still smiling, as he removed the man's wallet and the card from inside his coat.

"Look at what I found? A souvenire!", he said, the irritatation in his voice blending with the wryly humourous tone nicely.

He opened the wallet without further adue, he removed the drivers license and placed both it and the well protected card in the midconsole recess.

Then, suprisingly, he opened the bag containing the winnings, counted out and removed five, one hundred dollar bills, and placed them inside the open wallet.

"Only fair", he said off handedly.

Starting the car, lowering his window, and driving by the man's doorless vehicle, barely slowing, he expertly tossed the leather bill fold into the open glove box.

***

Making sure to walk her to her back to her dorm room, just to be on the safe side, he waited as she unlocked the door with her back to him.

Quite an enigma this one. Beautiful but strange, slight but strong, extroverted, yet so damnably secretive...

She turned around, flashing one of her most winning smiles, despite the pain she professed to be in.

"Call me ok? I'd hate to find out.." she began before Draven, smiling slyly leaned in and silenced her with a deep kiss, his fingers pressing into the soft silky strands of her hair for a moment before pulling reluctantly away.

"I will", he purred in her ear, and at that, turned and walked swiftly away.

Thanks for the complement on the work. You're not so bad yourself. If you want to add any last little bits, now's the time.
Now, to finish my last post on the main thread before Day 3 officially begins!

[BloodyAngel]

Nah... that covers it pretty well. To be honest, I'm eager to start day three. Nothing against you... but this date has taken months! :smalleek:

I have infiltrations to do and secrets to find!

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

OOC:
No offense taken.

It's true that this "date" has taken a long time, but it sure beats the alternative: sitting on your hands for the last few months, waiting for everyone else to catch up!

In fact, you should be thanking me for keeping you company all this time! :smallbiggrin:

J/k, I can understand your impatience, it definitely has been a long "day".

[harmonictempest]

*Threadcromancy*

We're likely to still need this thread, for the odd bit of RP.

[MountainKing]

OOC: O', how mine feet doth tremble, for I dare walk where ancients tread. :smallbiggrin:

Jack

"Huh? Oh, no, not a bad time at all... Just, working my way through Atlas Shrugged. It's not bad, just... I think I tossed back that last Scotch a little too quickly. Must've dozed off," Jack half frowned, half looked thoughtful, "Y'know Draven, I'm glad you called back. Not that I thought you wouldn't, just... had a hell of an afternoon. I'm good'n awake now, and you know I hate being on the phone, so... name the place. It's on me."

Even as he spoke, Jack was up and moving around the apartment. He made a quick stop in his room, putting his phone on speaker so that he could change back into his street clothes from earlier, tossing all but his pajama pants into the bin by the wall (those, he tossed onto his bed). The whole process only took a few minutes; Jack didn't mind looking like he'd gotten ready in a hurry... it's not like he was asking Draven out on a date... Turning off the speaker mode, he picked up his phone as he began to walk toward the door, Draven's response beginning to come through the line...

Now isn't that just the perfect mechanic for getting this going? Jack hates being on the phone. :smallbiggrin: Your move, holy man. Choose wisely.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Oblivion

Being caught slightly off guard by the rather proactive response from his unusual friend, he looked down the street as he considered his response.

"Busy afternoon huh? I can relate. Now, I don't want to contribute to your drinking habits, but perhaps a nightcap would be nice.
Thing is, I'm away from my car at the moment so it'll take me a bit to get anywhere.
I hate leaving it in a garage overnight and hate cabs even more so, give me an hour and a half and meet me at Club Umbral. You've heard of it right?
Tell the bartender you're a friend of mine and he should set you up nicely."

Giving Jack directions to the club as necessary, he said goodbye and hung up a few blocks from the parking garage.

Whether we'll be toasting the close of an eventful day or welcoming in the first momentus enterprises of the new day is yet to be seen. But first I must deal with Natasha.
It wouldn't do to leave her unattended to for a variety of reasons, even if she probably wouldn't care if I did. She seems suprisingly low maintenance, even after getting a head injury no less. I suppose it's not fair of me to be suspicious, but I can't help but wonder...

[MountainKing]

Jack

Jack frowned a little at Draven's choice as he made his way down the hall to the elevator.

"Umbral? You never were one for a cheerful, welcoming atmosphere. I'll see you when you get there, Draven." With that, Jack closed out the phonecall, pocketing it inside his coat, opposite his wallet. He'd learned to never keep your wallet in your pants... and to never let women into your coat. Sure, once the coat was someplace *safe*, it was fine... but until then... Jack sighed a little, staring at the elevator walls through his mirrored shades. With any luck, he'd be just fine, and wouldn't have any mishaps... he was lucky as it was, that he hadn't blown up Atlas Shrugged while he was asleep.

Stopping at the sidewalk, Jack pondered for a moment whether or not he ought to call some company to join him, but decided against it. As he hailed a cab, he figured there was a slim chance that Draven'd be bringing anyone with him. Jack smirked at that; surely Draven remembered what had happened last time somebody (not Draven, sure, but he was at the table that night) had brought a companion around Jack.

Too bad she'd been far too drunk by the time they'd left...

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Oblivion

"Well, I would have suggested meeting in the park. But, I wanted to do a little catching up and you and I both know how supervillians just love to interrupt a good conversation," he said, the corner of his mouth twitching up wryly.

"I can assure you Club Umbral is a mugging free establishment. Plus I hear the drinks help with the catching up. I'll see you there."

I hate to keep you waiting, but, as you might have guessed, how things resolve with BA do heavily reflect upon how things go in our scene.
Those dark haired beauties can be so very unpredictable. :smallamused:

[MountainKing]

Jack Pretto

Jack sighed as he watched Club Umbral slide into view; the cab driver had *intentionally* taken the long way; Jack knew it. Idly, he raised his eyebrows as the driver looked over his shoulder, tapping the meter idly and speaking in the same broken English he'd spoken in the entire trip.

"Hey, we here now. You owe $13.50."

"Yeah, fine, here," Jack slapped a twenty into the man's hand, "How about next time, you *turn* at 4th, instead of rolling this cab all over downtown before getting here, huh? Thanks for the ride." Jack opened the door, not amused, as the man continued to speak to him.

"Hey, for you, I skip fourth entirely, yeah? Next time, I make cab fly, we get here much quicker!" The cabby pulled away, leaving Jack to marvel at how well sarcasm translated across languages, even when the translation itself wasn't so smooth. Humorlessly, Jack lit a cigarette as he observed the bouncer, and the scattering of patrons waiting to get inside; they had an especially ape-like behemoth of a man standing at the door tonight. Jack hadn't seen a bouncer so large in so long, he'd figured they'd discontinued that model. He figured, after the cabby, it would probably be better to wait for Draven.

After all, this was his joint. It'd be bad form to be seen going in without him.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven
Late night, Downtown, Club Umbral

Taking the long way to arrive at the club so as to avoid having to drive past it, he parked his vehicle a block down the street and observed the scene before emerging from his vehicle.

The club's logo pulsed blood red in its heavily stylized long-hand cursive high above the lone mans head. The sight made him feel briefly nostalgic and just a little bit irritated. He forced himself not to feel anything more even as he chose to continue to keep an open mind about the situation.

Although the club was recessed from the main thoroughfair enough to provide it with an air of seclusion, due to the sparse foot traffic, it was easy, even from this distance, to pick out the sharply dressed man who could only be the man he knew simply as "Jack".

Standing alone and smoking a cigarette, casually checking his expensive watch periodically it could have been no other. Draven noted how relaxed he seemed, despite the obvious stress and frustration evident in his voice during their earlier phone conversation.

But, it sounded like he got himself under control, judging by our last conversation. Less than twenty hours to reach full control, an ongoing process, or a recently discovered control mechanism I wonder?
Or perhaps he's just putting up a front...he mused as he absently pulled on his gloves, flexing his fingers into the leather with barely a thought.

Considering his options for a long minute, carefully weighing each before discarding each undesirable aspect, he arranged the appreciable aspects into a satisfactory composite and reached for the door latch with his gloved hand.

Emerging quietly from his vehicle, he took the precaution of crossing the street and using back alleys to emerge from the intersection of the next block, approaching Club Umbral from an entirely different direction.

No need to risk getting my property tangled up in this if things end up getting messy...

He mentally chided himself for not suggesting the alternative entrance, but decided after a moments consideration that it was for the best.

At this point, the less he knows the better, and as far as I know, that's just about zip.
Something like matching Ace & King of Club's in the pocket I imagine, he thought with a relaxed smile as he approached within sight of Jack and Maurice, the bouncer on duty for the evening.

Pulling a twenty out of his jacket's inner pocket, he placed it neatly into Maurice's with a smile, a singular look, and a pat on the shoulder as he gestured to Jack, making a sweeping gesture towards the Clubs double doors, even as he and the bouncer collaborated to swing them wide, opening onto what first appeared to be nothing but a yawning apeture of darkness.

"Jack, welcome to Club Umbral. Please step inside, I think you'll really be able to appreciate the atmosphere and I promise the patrons won't bite...much."

The "darkness" is just a mesh curtain. There's a foyer after that with another bouncer with a metal detector and a set of lockers, stylized to appear like a honeycomb.

[MountainKing]

Jack Pretto

"Heeeey, look who it is! The dreary one," Jack grinned a familiar looking grin as Draven swept the doors open wide. Jack's cigarette glowed in the darkness of the foyer, and casually, Jack set foot in Umbral for the first time in easily four years. He didn't much care for the place... it wasn't his flavor... and half the time, the music was too damn loud. Jack paused in front of the second bouncer, lifting his arms as the man brandished his metal detector. The only thing that Jack had on him that had an appreciable amount of metal in it was his flask, and he'd already emptied that. He smirked casually at the man who was scanning him, attempting to make light of things.

"Oh man, it's a hell of a day and age when the half Irish guy gets checked for guns walking into the bar," Jack continued smirking, even if the bouncer wasn't amused (his kind were typically humorless); Jack was no comedian, but he amused himself. Pausing only long enough for Draven to catch up, Jack deferred the leading position to his dark acquaintance. Jack couldn't quite put his finger on it, but... there was something different about Draven. The way he moved maybe? His smile? Jack absent mindedly snapped his fingers, pointing to nobody, or nothing, in particular. That had been it.

...S**t. I got a feeling I'm about to lose a lot of money...

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven

Draven only smiles a little more widely and imperceptibly more coldly at Jacks comment, bypassing the door man and heading straight into the bar proper.

Although he'd been here only a few days ago, he still couldn't quite help but once again appreciate the seamless blend of gothic archetecture, with the modern and morbid lighting system.
With strips of ultra-light, the new neon lighting that was not only nearly unbreakable and unlimited in length but would never give you cancer, coating the walls and running under the clear surface of the dancefloor, the club took on the appearance of the inner working of a living organism.

The lights pulsing red in time to the music like so many veins, arteries and capilaries, he led Jack to the bar, skirting the dancefloor.

Sitting down casually on one of the stylised foe-wrought iron bar stools, he nodded to the bartender and while they waited for him to make his rounds, Draven turned to Jack.

"So, how have things been? No need for specifics for now of course," giving a knowing wink a knowing wink as he said so, "but you did call me..."

Once again reaching into an inner pocket of his jacket, Draven pulled out another twenty, placing it on the bar preemtively, even as he leaned his elbow on the bar and inclined his attention to his old acquaintance.

This had better be good.

[ChronicLunacy]

Kid Zeus

2am - The Scott Household

Sleep was a fickle thing for Hadyn that night, flittering in and out, taunting him, giving him no rest. He’d been constantly dreaming. That alone wouldn’t have caused such distress, but these were such dreams as he had never before experienced. They trickled into his subconscious mind, becoming so real before hitting him right between the eyes like a hammer. Now he had just come back from relieving himself and having a glass of water, trying to calm his nerves and remind himself they were just dreams. Turning over in his bed, Hadyn sighed and forced his body to relax one muscle at a time, starting with the muscles in his forehead clenching his brows together, then working his jaw until the straining in his neck stopped. He worked slowly down to his toes, waiting for sleep to find him again.

The sky was a maddening blackish green, the color of a beetle’s carapace, struck through with bouts of red lightning that shrieked across the sky, producing a thunder unlike anything Hadyn had ever heard. He found himself on a familiar street, not far from Rainport’s most popular movie theatre. He’d been there thousands of times before. It was on the way home to his house. Yet, it wasn’t the street he recalled. Cars were abandoned. Tanks and police cars were burnt out husks dotting the asphalt, overturned, or charred and melted into the surface of the road. Bleached, white skeletons turned their macabre grins toward him from family minivans as well as military vehicles. He could see what remained of a toddler in a car seat flash-burned into the leather behind it.

Hadyn turned away from the horrifying sight so fast he tripped over his own feet, falling and scraping his knees on the pavement. He could feel tears of horror filling his eyes and he ripped away his mask, dimly realizing that he was now in costume. He dry heaved for a few moments, producing nothing but a burning, acidic taste in his mouth. He focused on his gloved fingers spread out on the cracked asphalt and discovered to his ever increasing panic that his arms past the elbows were absolutely painted in dark, clotted blood. Dead blood. It was on his face from when he’d taken his mask off, in his mouth. He could taste it.

“Gratifying, isn’t it?” a voice sounded above him, “Knowing that the pathetic animals that tried to kill you and your new brothers, who killed your father and raped your sister are melted into their little machines. They’re nothing now but shadows and reminders that their time has ended and that gods walk the earth again.”

The teenager turned his view skyward just as a figure silhouetted in red lightning, a being of incredible, radiant energy and enormous evil, touched down not ten feet from him. He was a younger man, but broad across his powerful shoulders, with a jutting jaw and a contemptuous, regal sneer. He went without a mask, but Hadyn recognized the costume…his own done in expensive, futuristic material in red rather than blue, complete with a cape and futuristic-looking armor. The face that mocked him was framed with the same black hair that fell over his own forehead and tickled his ears, set with the same nose inherited from his father and high cheekbones from his mother. The man was leaking energy from his eyes and with every breath constantly, radiating it around him in an aura that felt like a million ants marching up his skin, putting every hair on end.

“Yeah, there it is! The moment of recognition! I tell you, Hadyn, that look is absolutely priceless. Almost beats turning the governor into a lightbulb filament that one time.” The other Kid Zeus; no…just Zeus, arrogant and powerful God of Thunder and Lightning; chuckled, clenching both of his fists and raising them in a gesture of victory. “To think I used to be just like that...just a teenager losing my mind trying to get a grip on the future. I was so damn cute. Hey, come ‘ere a minute I’ve got something to show you.”

Zeus raised his finger and made a beckoning gesture and suddenly red lightning sprung up in a sort of forcefield around his younger self, lifting him effortlessly into the air. Hadyn fought to free himself by trying to overload it with his own power, but the effort was futile. The red lightning just absorbed his impotent blasts and channeled them into the forcefield itself, making it stronger. “Didn’t know you could do this, huh?” Zeus smirked. “You’ll find you can do lots of things once you get a little practice, kiddo. Your control isn’t so limited so pathetic little lightning bolts like the ones you’re still throwing now. Our power isn’t just electricity. It extends to the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Light,” his eyes flashed red, “magnetism,” a stream of metal debris flew up from the ground and began to orbit the two of them like a ring of asteroids. “Hell, I can even listen in on the new radio stations Pulse set up,” he explained conversationally as they rose high into the air, Hadyn on his hands and knees at the bottom of his crackling, spherical prison, looking down.

As they rose, Hadyn began to sort out just how much had changed from the Rainport he knew. Far off in the distance an imposing, black tower shot up into the sky, ringed with clouds, dominating the landscape. A looming, shadowed figure, as tall as a skyscraper but less than a quarter of the tower’s height, stood guard near the citadel’s doors. Closer to Hadyn the ground was dotted with craters or ripped apart, shot through with lava like veins through flesh. He could see the tiny forms of people toiling away at construction projects or being led to processing centers belching black, foul-smelling smoke by twenty-foot tall robots. A field of twisted, black trees covered about ten square blocks, grown out from where the park used to be, with thorned vines as thick as a traffic light pole waving at the sky. A cloud of darkness rolled over another portion of the city after a herd of fleeing humans, leaving gashed and dismembered corpses in its wake. Hadyn threaded both of his gloved hands into his hair and pulled at his scalp, trying to keep his sanity.

“Welcome to the future, our future, kiddo. What’s with the fetal position thing? This is something to look forward to! This world no longer belongs to Homo sapiens, but to us. We’re better than them, Hadyn. They’re chaotic, warlike. They’re much better off as pets, slaves, or cattle. Have you ever tasted a human? It’s sort of like chicken, but with a little more gristle.” Zeus remarked, looking down at his younger self.

“You’re s-sick! What the hell have you done?! This is wrong!” Hadyn said, finally bringing his own glowing blue eyes up to meet the menacing godlike creature’s. “I will never become like this! I AM human! Dad taught me to be better than this! I’m not a killer! YOU’RE NOT ME!! YOU’RE NOT!!”

“Little Hadyn…always with the teenage angst and misdirected anger. You’ll grow out of it. Eventually you’ll meet Him. Then He will give you real purpose. These archaic human morals are something you’ll move past. Gods need not follow the laws of men, nor words written on stone tablets by a fairy tale. You need to realize that you have the power to have everything you could ever want, or anyone. Your mother and sister will be treated like royalty just for having a genetic tie to you. Soon, you’ll wake up…and the future will be waiting. He will teach you.” The forcefield disappeared and Hadyn went plummeting down towards the ground, struggling to gather his wits enough to fly. Just as he felt his fall slowing…

BAM!

Hadyn smacked his head hard on his bedroom ceiling, waking him up with a start. In his nightmare he’d frantically flown into the ceiling, causing a sizeable dent in the plaster and leaving him with a ringing ache between his ears. He fell back onto the bed and bounced twice, then rolled onto the ground covered in sweat. God…what was that? Had it all been just a dream? Thank heavens it hadn’t been real…it could never be real… Hadyn struggled onto his feet and opened the nearest window, letting the air cool him and soothe his panicked heart rate. Closing his eyes, he slumped onto the sill, head buried in his hands, and tried to lock away the images of a future full of horror and death that still ran rampant through his mind’s eye.

[MountainKing]

Jack

Jack broke out his silver cigarette case, lighting one without paying any real attention to whether or not this was one of those new fangled "No smoking" bars. Sighing, he exhaled slowly and gave Draven a sidelong look. From the side, Draven could see the dark, unhappy circles under Jack's eyes; he hadn't been sleeping well. At least, not like he was used to.

"Like I said earlier, things've been hectic the last couple days," Jack started out quietly, "Nothin' major, except losing that bottle of Scotch. I'm not sure what upsets me more; losing the momento, or losing my cool badly enough that I was ready to drink it," Jack breathed in another lungful of smoke, exhaling the re-lived frustration through his nostrils as he gave a moment of silence to the bottle of Scotch.

"Today started out alright; no accidents, nothing crazy... until I got downtown. Just after buying a new pair of shades, I lose my focus a little bit, then lose the purity of my branding f***ing new shades. Upside of the deal, it made for interesting conversation. Had lunch with a lovely blond, we chatted a little bit, parted ways... that was after I called you," Jack added.

"Anyway, I head outside..." Jack took a third breath of smoke, exhaling as he spoke, "...and this, had to be some college girl. Cute looking, but man did she have an attitude... I dunno, I guess, wrong place, wrong person, or something. She was chewing out that guy who's always on fire, and I mean really laying it on 'im. Just... bein' real b****y to him, giving him all kinds of crap because he was just trying to be normal, you know? So I went up to talk to her," Jack sighed, either tapping his ashes into a convenient ashtray, or into the palm of his hand to be politely dashed on the thigh of his trousers.

"I went up to her, told her to lay off the guy, 'cause he couldn't help the fact that he was on fire. She told me he was gonna burn the whole block down, by sittin' on a frigging park bench," Jack smirked and shook his head, "Those damn things have been there since I was a kid, Draven... I've seen a car bounce *off* of one before. They're made outta the kind of wood you only find in really old houses, the kind that were built way back before wood was mass produced like it is today... he wasn't gonna do any harm... so I told her that," Jack sighed.

"Then, there was the name drop. I was trying to be civil, and she just had this tongue made of barbed wire, man... just, not a good scene. But she slipped up," Jack pointed at Draven in that "Believe you me" fashion, the kind most often seen while watching old Italians arguing about the weather, "She was a stalker. She dropped my name, Draven. You tell me, somebody who's starting to show on globally televised events, that I need to deal with a stalker." Jack shook his head, "I told her to lay off the name, and to quit following me around; I'd seen her in the sushi bar I went to lunch in. She hadn't even eaten her food, just bought it to look at it... or look like she was busy eatin' it." Jack sighed, inhaling and exhaling slowly.

"She got pissed off... said she was gonna ruin my life... I still haven't figured that s**t out yet... then, there's this shout. Some guy workin' a crew above us had slipped and dropped a pane of glass... came down outta the air like the f***in' sword of God, Draven," rubbed his eyes behind his shades, "I coulda died... but I didn't... I guess I was lucky or something, the glass hit the girl instead. I was just... floored, man..." Jack shook his head, staring at the wall for a good five minutes.

"What the Hell was I supposed to do? Rescue the dumb broad who just threatened to wreck my life?!" A dark look flickered across Jack's face; he was losing his temper just thinking about it, "I didn't do a damn thing, Draven. Not a thing. I didn't do crap to deserve any of today, but there it was, shoved into my f***ing lap. I've got a crazy stalker, who's decided to make my life miserable because I called her out on it... on top of the other problem." Jack ran a hand through his hair, repeating his gesture from earlier, "And you know what, man? She had the *nerve*, the brass, bouncing, BALLS, to send the cops after me! ME! How is that, not truly messed up, huh? I get stalked, so the cops come to question ME, because she got hurt, 'cause either I was lucky as Hell, or she was too dumb to step out of the way... God..." Draven took another long, slow drag on his cigarette. He needed to calm down; he'd been calm earlier, he'd found it, now he needed to refocus on that. Exhaling slowly, Jack rubbed his temples with his thumb and index finger.

"God, Draven, I'm sorry to just... break down like that. Really, just rude of me. How've you been since we last met, huh? Keeping things together?"

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven

And Natasha thinks I'm verbose...

Draven did his best to summon some semblance of sympathy.

He failed.

Listening with his hands steepled before him on the bar, his eyes locked on the bartender, Megan I think, new but she's got it where it counts. All of his other senses on the smooth cool bar top, the rough stone gargoyles above, the sensation of Megans hair as she moved towards them.
Truly, he did everything to focus his attention on everything but Jack. He could still hear him talking, caught his general drift, but Draven knew better than to focus on the guy more than that.
Instead, he focused on controling his expression, on looking calm and considerate, on...being the bigger man.

I can only imagine how this would have played out if he was in my shoes. Hopefully though, he'll learn. Let's just hope, for his sake, he'll choose the least painful method.

Draven said nothing for a long beat after Jack had fallen silent, his question hanging on the air as Deftones "MX" remix version, began rolling through the speakers.

Finally looking sideways at the man he said, "I guess I can't complain. If there's one thing we definitely have in common Jack, it's that for us, there's never a dull moment."

As Megan finally arrived at their end of the bar, Draven dropped a hand to the twenty on the bar and pushed it across, giving her a pointed look and inclining his head slightly towards Jack before saying in a even dry tone "Vampire. Easy on the blood."

Turning to Jack he said "First thing's first though sir. What'll you be having this evening?"

[MountainKing]

Jack

Jack nodded at the bartender, tossing her a friendly smile.

"Whiskey, on the rocks," He held up his index and middle finger, mouthing the words "two fingers", before curling his hand into a fist and rapping his knuckles on the bar. When they hit the bar, his fingers splayed wide, and he began drumming his fingers in time to the music.

"It's good to hear you're doing alright, Draven," Jack said quietly, waiting in relative stillness for his drink, "Things've been pretty crazy for everyone lately, not just people like us. It's a lot to take in, you know?" Jack rolled his shoulders and sighed; it was nights like this, that he wished he and Yolanna hadn't broken up so badly. It'd been her parents' fault, but... Jack'd been hurt by what happened, which wasn't something he could genuinely say about many women. Yolanna'd been special, and not just because she was Swedish... she'd had a great sense of humor, she was almost as good at gambling as Jack was, and she had quite easily the most beautiful laugh Jack'd heard any woman utter.

Jack sighed again as his tumbler arrived in front of him; without thought, he tossed it back, pulling a face and gritting his teeth as he forced the first drink down the hatch. Half grimacing, half grinning, he looked at Draven.

"Dad always said, drink the first one quick, so the rest can go down slow."

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven

With a slight effort of will, he resisted the urge to look at Jack when he said "people like us", instead focusing on his inner self, or rather, lack there of.
He needed to know more and couldn't afford to wait any longer.

With poise even he had not posessed until a few short days ago, he picked up his now readied drink, took a practiced swallow, and turned Jack.

"You make an interesting point. But, I hate having to talk over the music. Why don't we take this somewhere we can hear each other?"

Standing and gesturing in one sinuous motion, his open hand sweeping dramatically towards the back of the dance floor and the heavily curtained booths located there.

The song transitoned smoothly into a Nine Inch Nails club remix track, managing to pull a few wall-flowers out onto the dance floor.

Dj Dex does it again. Survivalism I do believe. How apropos.

Draven waits as Jack replied and led the way, willing his expression to remain unchanged as he began to really take in the room.

For those who are interested in, curious about, listening to my "inspiration" music.
I couldn't decide which I liked more. What do you think?
1. Megatron Mix (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fr8uMm8tJw&feature=related) (more danceable, less "Goth")
2. NIN Mix (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wse0iewhg5E&feature=related) (a little too slow and sparse to be really danceable, but certainly more appropriate. Reminds me of a certain very popular soundtrack.)

[MountainKing]

Jack

Jack shrugged; the music wasn't *as* loud seeming by the bar, but, if Draven was having trouble hearing him, who was he to say no? Leaving his empty glass on the bar, Jack got up and followed Draven to a booth, grinning at Draven for a second, before shaking his head, as if he'd thought of something funny, and decided to keep it to himself. Sagging into the leather seat, Jack looked about for an ashtray, tapping his cigarette idly. He sat parallel to the booth, leaning back and kicking up his legs to rest more easily.

"So..." Jack said, letting the word hang in the air like an awkward boulder. He wasn't quite sure where to take the conversation from here; Draven was being awfully quiet. Jack's bachelor's degree was tingling; something was on the bastard's mind, and he wasn't telling.

Note to self... first one went fast... all drinks go very slow... *very* slow.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven

Gesturing to Meg for another round as they walked away from the bar, he continued to draw on the ambient energy around him, doing his best to narrow his focus on Jack.
Slowly, he could percieve a the chaotic, jarring and random fluxes of violent energy that expressed his unique expression of ultra-reality.

Interesting...

Choosing to remain standing just inside the door, he leaned back on the jam casually, the red tinged lighting making the drink he cradled in both his gloved hands truly look dark enough to be more than just red alcohol.

"I know I've been a bit tight liped tonight," he said casually, but with a serious look in his eye.

He paused and took another swallow before continuing.

"I don't apologise for that, but if you're wondering why, there is good reason. I'm trying to protect both our interests, plain and simple. Times like these you simply can't be too careful."

Looking at the burgundy liquid in his glass thoughtfully, he continued.

"You see, this is something of a delicate situation I'm in. You see, I've got this guy that owes me big, and I'm trying to decide how he's going to pay up...
But, there is opportunity to be had, as in any game of chance. Thus is life my friend and hence, thus is our mutual conundrum.

First though, I must ask, what did you mean by 'people like us'?" he said, chuckling darkly.

"I seem to recall your problems being far more complicated that mine."

Although he kept his tone light, there was no denying the pointed nature of his statements and the subtle undercurrent of irritation...and perhaps even menace.

As he continued to strategically stand in the dimmer light of the doorway, his perception of Jacks aura sharpened, individual energy signatures beggining to take shape.

On the flop. Unsuited low numbers but with an Ace of hearts...second round of betting and I'm still sandbagging. The question is, does he have what it takes to make it work to his advantage?

[MountainKing]

Jack Pretto

Jack sipped his whiskey, studying Draven for a good minute before answering, a slight smile on his face.

"My life may have gotten real screwed up over the last several days, Draven... but unless you've suddenly stopped bleeding red, we're no different on the most basic level. No matter what," Jack took a drag on his cigarette, letting the sentence hang for a few seconds before exhaling slowly, "People like us, once we've got our head back in the game, are in it to play the game. Naturally, winning's always good... but it's more important to be able to leave the table with a smile on your face." Jack didn't like the way Draven sounded; it made the hairs on the back of his neck start to tingle. Thank God for mirrored shades... pretty sure he can't read my eyes... Despite the unease he felt, he buried it under an avalanche of professional calm, his voice the entire time he spoke an *almost* soothing foil to Draven's subtle attempts at intimidation. Jack took another sip of his whiskey and shook his head a little.

"Now, I've got a question for you, if that's alright," Jack's smile faded just a hair, only barely perceptible, "Why're you bringing business to a table set for pleasure?" Smoke flowed idly out of Jack's nostrils as he put out the cigarette, "As I recall, I'm the one who called you for help... so if that's what it's gonna take to get you to sit down and enjoy yourself, then please, lay it on me. What's on your mind?"

"Somebody" owes him big? Hmmph. Worst. River. Ever.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven

Taking a quick step forward, he decicively placed his glass on the interposing table.
He leaned forward heavily on the table, his expression even, but serious.

"Basic level? That's my point exactly Jacko'. There is no more basic level.
The stakes have changed midgame my friend, and now, for all I know, you could bleed petrol.
My point is, we're playing in Vegas now, have been for the last three days, and you're acting like we're still grinding things out at McKillians for hundred dollar pots."

Pointing two fingers at Jack he continued, "Don't try to kid yourself, because you're certainly not kidding me. Your situation is all about business. The sooner you recognize that, the better off we'll all be.
Because no one smiles coming away from a game they knew they could have won. So, you should ask yourself, do you have your head in game?"

Unexpectedly, Draven leaned back, smiled briefly and sat down on the edge of the booth, one foot up with his arm rested on his knee.

"You know me Jack. I play it straight. I also play to win, even if I have to lose a couple of hands, or even games, to do so. If you're smart, and I think you are, you'll do the same."

He reached out and picked up his glass, saluted, and neatly swallowed the remainder, calmly replacing the emply vessel on the table top.

"So, what's on my mind is whether you're going take the windfall you've just picked up, step away from your penny ante game, and join me at the real players table...cause I'm telling you now and I'll only tell you once, the alternative is a helluva lot less pretty."

Everyone ante's up, dealer turns the river, Blind Jack of hearts shows his face. I hope it's just a wink though, because the next card decides the game.

[MountainKing]

Jack Pretto

Jack's expression never twitched, as he listened to Draven, and as he listened, the hairs on the back of his neck tingled more and more. Jack didn't like this; whatever had happened to Draven, this wasn't the man he remembered. Calmly, Jack lit another cigarette, rolling his head about his shoulders for a second as he sighed.

"You know, Draven... I really don't like your tone. It's not like you, at least, not like the you I remember," Jack's calm, soothing expression and voice continued, though behind the mirrored shades, his eyes flashed, "If playing at the so-called "real players" table has to stick little insults onto its invitation, is it really a table worth playing?" Jack exhaled slowly, studying Draven's face, "I don't think so. Let's try to keep a straight perspective here, Draven. One of us has played in nationally televised events... while the other, is in fact the one still grinding out hundred dollar pots at McKillian's. No, I don't like your tone at all, Draven; it's hardly conducive to constructive conversation... and you're ducking the question." Jack tossed back his own drink before he stood, fishing his wallet out of his coat and tossing a fifty on the table.

"I'm really sorry to trouble you, Draven. Should've let it be, I guess." Idly, Jack sipped his drink, taking a moment to smoke and collect his thoughts behind his mirrored shades.

[Thrall_Of_Ao]

Draven

Pompous, self-absorbed, thick headed, a...

As the sense of de-ja-vu swelled over him, images of the former afternoon, recollection of the the inhuman hunger that was not hunger, the emptiness that no natural source could satisfy, he bared his teeth under the strain.

Closing his eyes, he lowered his head, rubbing his temples in an effort to focus.

Hearing Jack move, he was on his feet in an instant, blocking the exit, checking himself at the last second from moving with speed greater than an individual with trained reflexes. At this point, he barely cared.

Looking Jack squarely in the eye, he took a deep breath, one eye narrowing as he appraised Jacks mannerisms.

Is he bluffing?

I've been answering your question all evening Jack, you just haven't been listening. Now, listen.
I know the last few days have been rough. They've been trying for all of us, myself included. I'm your friend Jack. I'm talking to you straight because this is important, and I know you're smart enough to realize it.

We both know you're a good player. That's why I'm asking you, as your friend, to go with your gut.
I can answer your question, but it's not the question you should be asking. It's not the question you want to ask.

Draven smirked, a look of fleeting frustrated compassion on his face, one eyebrow raised.

I don't think he is. Just too proud, stubborn and scared to know who to trust.

The answers to the questions that you should be asking are only ones that can be revealed to those with open eyes.
Some of those answers I have. Finding the rest...that's up to you.

When you get tired of playing solo, give me a call. Good night Jack, till next we meet.

Turning on his heel, Draven left without looking back. He was glad the night was almost over.

That could have gone worse. Could have gone better as well though. Guess I'll have to wait a while to see how that hand turned out, but I have a feeling that there's a Jack coming up next.

[MountainKing]

Jack

When Jack stood up, he wasn't entirely surprised when Draven blocked his exit, even only momentarily. This whole thing was starting to feel like a powder keg, and the gambler couldn't quite figure out if it was set to go off at his feet, or if Draven was asking him to kick it. Either way, Draven spoke his piece, and left, leaving Jack in an unfamiliar bar. The gambler didn't even glance back at his money; he just headed out the door, smoking his cigarette. He didn't think he'd chance having to ride with Viktor again tonight; he lived literally straight up the street. Sure, it was something like ten blocks, but... Jack had a lot to think about. Striding confidently past the apes at the door, Jack started his journey home.

[MountainKing]

Jack Pretto

So this is what it feels like, huh?

...to help somebody who isn't yourself? Jack cradled his throbbing hand; the initial shock of the crushing hand shake was fading away, awash in a sea of endorphines. Jack paused and sat on a bench, taking a moment to clear his head a little before he went back to the nurse's office.

Everything had changed so fast.

...can I really catch up?

Not intended as threadcromancy; we still have uses for the thread! Honest!

That said, just a moment of introspect I wanted to jot down while it was on my mind; a bit of a teaser, if anyone from ANC happens to be tuned in. :smallwink: