The X-men run missions and work together with the NYPD, striving to maintain a peaceful balance between humans and mutants. When it comes to a fight, they won't back down from protecting those who need their help.
Haven presents itself as a humanitarian organization for activists, leaders, and high society, yet mutants are the secret leaders working to protect and serve their kind. Behind the scenes they bring their goals into reality.
From the time when mutants became known to the world, SUPER was founded as a black-ops division of the CIA in an attempt to classify, observe, and learn more about this new and rising threat.
The Syndicate works to help bring mutantkind to the forefront of the world. They work from the shadows, a beacon of hope for mutants, but a bane to mankind. With their guiding hand, humanity will finally find extinction.
Since the existence of mutants was first revealed in the nineties, the world has become a changed place. Whether they're genetic misfits or the next stage in humanity's evolution, there's no denying their growing numbers, especially in hubs like New York City. The NYPD has a division devoted to mutant related crimes. Super-powered vigilantes help to maintain the peace. Those who style themselves as Homo Superior work to tear society apart for rebuilding in their own image.
MRO is an intermediate to advanced writing level original character, original plot X-Men RPG. We've been open and active since October of 2005. You can play as a mutant, human, or Adapted— one of the rare humans who nullify mutant powers by their very existence. Goodies, baddies, and neutrals are all welcome.
Short Term Plots:Are They Coming for You?
There have been whispers on the streets lately of a boogeyman... mutant and humans, young and old, all have been targets of trafficking.
The Fountain of Youth
A chemical serum has been released that's shaving a few years off of the population. In some cases, found to be temporary, and in others...?
MRO MOVES WITH CURRENT TIME: What month and year it is now in real life, it's the same for MRO, too.
Fuegogrande: "Fuegogrande" player of The Ranger, Ion, Rhia, and Null
Neopolitan: "Aly" player of Rebecca Grey, Stephanie Graves, Marisol Cervantes, Vanessa Bookman, Chrysanthemum Van Hart, Sabine Sang, Eupraxia
Ongoing Plots
Magic and Mystics
After the events of the 2020 Harvest Moon and the following Winter Solstice, magic has started manifesting in the MROvere! With the efforts of the Welldrinker Cult, people are being converted into Mystics, a species of people genetically disposed to be great conduits for magical energy.
The Welldrinker Cult
A shadowy group is gaining power, drawing in people who are curious, vulnerable, or malicious, and turning them into Mystics. They are recruiting people into their ranks to spread the influence of magic in the world, but for what end goal?
Are They Coming for You?
There have been whispers on the streets lately of a boogeyman... mutant and humans, young and old, all have been targets of trafficking.
Adapteds
What if the human race began to adapt to the mutant threat? What if the human race changed ever so subtly... without the x-gene.
Atlanteans
The lost city of Atlantis has been found! Refugees from this undersea mutant dystopia have started to filter in to New York as citizens and businessfolk. You may make one as a player character of run into one on the street.
Got a plot in mind?
MRO plots are player-created the Mods facilitate and organize the big ones, but we get the ideas from you. Do you have a plot in mind, and want to know whether it needs Mod approval? Check out our plot guidelines.
If the man wasn't obviously suffering some sort of psychically caused trauma he would have given the man a real concussion. Turns out ole asian pants mc whatever the hell his name was got cookyier then a woodpeckers house when he got his brainspace battered and beaten.
Erik managed to not to physically rip his own face off even if it was tempting. He doubted Inverse Tuxedo turned soccer dad would hardly even notice. Yes that would have been satisfying. A little meat hat for the meat man to take home to his soccer party he was no doubt way late for. Ugh he hated how he thought when he was full of adrenaline.
Oh so now it was all his fault? He was pretty sure the entirety of their planning was a whole 15 seconds. For that short amount of time they were both lucky no one died. Xmen material! That would be worth telling someone one day when his glory days were all shot and used up.
"I could pop the top of your skull off and do that if you really want me too." Perhaps just a bit too eagerly. UGH. This is why you never met anything you identified with as a hero. They always disappointed in someway. Almost as much as Erik disappointed himself on a daily basis.
"Look I will probably quote you on that, but if you hadn't been around I would have probably just tried to turn the guy into one of those mr. stretch toys and when I got bored left him in a dumpster somewhere. So if that screams Xmen material to you I got you guys all wrong." It was hard with his deep voice if he was just using the blatant violence of his idea to deflect or not, but a good guess would have been yes he was.
"Seriously though you ok? I don't want someone thinking I killed an X-man. You need some water or a protein bar I have both." Zipping open his backpack turned phanny back to show off his goods. Both were in there as well as some phones and a change of clothes.
Posted by Erik Volkov on Feb 1, 2020 0:30:41 GMT -6
Gamma Mutant
325
38
Feb 4, 2024 7:32:55 GMT -6
Ufgad
There was a throaty rumble of disagreement at her words. Not quite a growl, but very close. "Hindsight is perfect darling. More importantly then then coulda, shoulda, wouldas is the fact that you are apologizing for being a victim. Never apologise for that. You made a decision you thought best at the time and there is no taking it back. It is not like you went to kidnapme.com and asked for this whole mess. Nothing you did was wrong." His hand moving soothingly on her back even as his sad words turned a bit edged. Angry at the people who had turned her into little more then a science experiment.
A big thumb slipped into her hand and the rest closed around hers as best as they could. Smirking as she made herself comfortable on his lap, well leg rather. Sloth seemed to be exploring around for a choice comfy spot on the warm Erik 2.0 and the rest were trying to get in on the action to not miss out. He tried not to feel a tinge of guilt at the missing one. Erik figured he doubted himself as much as she questioned her own actions. What else could he have spared her from if he had been smarter, better, more connected? To his shame he knew he was impossibly dumb since he couldn't even think of any ways he could have managed the situation better.
Thankfully she provided a distraction from his dark, emotional musings. "It appears even I have my limits." She would just feel even more guilty if he mentioned the exact how it came to be even if it was to spend more time at her side in the hospital. "I am my version of normal again it appears." A moment of self consciousness wondering if she would be nearly as ok with the current situation if exhaustion hadn't held her so obviously in her grasp. Happy there was someway he could take care of her more he slowly leaned back to lay down with her in the crook of his arm and torso. Just enough space to manage doing so. "Better?"
Posted by Erik Volkov on Jan 31, 2020 23:20:18 GMT -6
Gamma Mutant
325
38
Feb 4, 2024 7:32:55 GMT -6
Ufgad
It was an unusual sensation to be touched let alone hugged when he was in his bigger form. What sort of insane person would hug a bear? Or whatever mutant giant he became? Andrea was apparently the sort to ignore the potential for danger. Feeling the warmth of her embrace managed to relieve the immediate tension of the moment. Not everyone could handle such a revelation so smoothly as she did or at the very least was careful not to let it show around him. Erik didn't feel like Andrea was capable of that sort of deception. Even the cold snoot of Sloth curiously booping into him was a welcome sensation.
Getting him to remove his big paw of a hand from his face didn't take much urging after all that. He was sitting and still as large as her standing up. Was she always so short? Being big changed perception slightly he reminded himself that almsot everyone was small in this particular form of his. Words chilled his thoughts.. scary words. More revelations, more prospects for horrible disaster. Not that he felt their connection wa so weak it couldn't handle a few bumps and bruises. They would just prompt questions that would be uncomfortable to answer. Not that he wouldn't simply uncomfortable.
One off his hands rubbed her back gently as her face disappeared into him. "What man could live without his heart? I would do anything for you." The deeper voice still managing to convey a sense of embarrassment. It wasn't something he felt comfortable accepting thanks for and it showed. He could so he did as was ever his way with the world. The vast and loathsome emptiness in the few times he thought she might be dead were too hard to handle. Beyond his limited comprehension. To have found such a wonderful, magical thing and to lose it so quickly. Erik feared, no he knew such a thing would have broken him, perhaps beyond repair. Just one more celestial joke to make his life a hell.
"Losing you would have destroyed me." The words too hurtful too keep contained. Unsure if he was able to cry, but the strange previously unheard of tremble sounded strange to the already sometimes foreign voice indicating he might find out whether he wanted to or not. Strong sniffles managing to stave off the worst of the potential flood, if barely.
Posted by Erik Volkov on Jan 31, 2020 22:22:15 GMT -6
Gamma Mutant
325
38
Feb 4, 2024 7:32:55 GMT -6
Ufgad
He had certainly wished he could say he was alright. To someone else his ok was probably somewhere at about a 12 out of 10 on the intense pain life scale. The only positive benefit of the constant transformations was it made taking a shot or stab paled in comparison. Regardless he was intensely grateful that she obeyed his wishes. Traumatizing her even further after the week she had would have made him feel incredibly sad and guilty. It also spared her the horrible sight of his body blowing itself. Aside from the obvious pain Erik found the sound to be the hardest to get used to. The enviable knowledge of what growing bones sounding like, or skin tearing and healing in equal measure as it stretched out. Sighing in relief when it was all over, the space juuuust enough for his larger form to fit laying down. A shiver of relief flushing through is body as it flooded through with endorphins.
A now much bigger toe nudged her leg gently where she was crouching. "Try not to freak or scream if you can please." Not that it would show in his current form but he felt an increased heat in his cheeks. Nothing ever seemed to pan out when it came to his mutations and trying to explain them to her. Not that he would blame her if she left the bedroom to go sleep on the couch or something. He was effectively stuck in her room unless he decided to jump off her balcony. That option was left open for now as he covered a face with a hand and sighed, steeling himself for whatever her reaction would be.
Posted by Erik Volkov on Jan 30, 2020 21:25:23 GMT -6
Gamma Mutant
325
38
Feb 4, 2024 7:32:55 GMT -6
Ufgad
"It is no big thing. It is not like you could have done it. I just figured it would be nice to come home to a clean place." The hug was reciprocated with a soft hum of pure bliss and a gentle pat on her back.
Relief flooded through him that she hadn't been so damaged as to want to disregard physical affection. Hugs were one thing, but cuddling was far more commitment and intimate then a hug. Even if some of their hugs had been pretty fluster inducing in the past. He couldn't find appropriate words that echoed how much her own meant to him and simply let them ring through to his soul.
With a childlike amount of effort he flopped back into the bed and by some force of will manage to crawl so he wasn't hanging off it like some sort of sleep deprived lunatic. Burrowing his legs under the blankets after hers had forged a path and mad it easier. Why was everything so heavy and difficult? A familiar warmth pressed against him and he desperately moved to cling to it. An arm eking out drowsily to wrap around her body in a soft but definitive manner, claiming her place at his side and pulling her in tight. A leg snaking out passively to wrap around one of hers. Emotionally and physically satisfied he lasted another half second before oblivion took him.
A few hours would pass before his own mutation and the notion of oblivion and darkness rattled him awake with a start. Eyes darting about to try and souse out what happened before a shaky breath calmed his nerves. Wincing as he felt the pain in his joints begin to take place. A few uncomfortable internal spasms attempting to urge him along. Sheer willpower forced them to the back of his mind and he regarded the lovely form of his heart made manifest practically on top of him. Unable to help himself he pushed through the impending melancholy of the ending moment by caressing her back tenderly, stealing a few more precious moments of normalcy. Given the tangle of their limbs it would be nearly impossible to get untangled without waking her even if she was a deep sleeper.
"Mechta dearest, my change is upon me." Not that he had explained the full depth of it. The abduction had stolen that opportunity to do so in a more refined way from them. Limbs disentangling from hers with a frown even as red spots started to appear randomly on his skin not unlike blood vessels rupturing and spreading under the strain. He could feel them even if they were not quite visible yet. Willpower kept his joints operating normally despite their throbbing ache as he slid out of bed and started to undress. Some of his control slipped and more ruinous red splotches of burst to the surface of his body. Clothes barely making it to the floor as he stumbled for the door to her patio. A leg seemingly locking itself as he fell to the floor with a Russian swear. It was starting without his consent. He had exhausted himself far too much in the past few days to maintain any sort of willful control. Cold sweat a dull sheen on his body.
"Love I would suggest closing your eyes and holding your hands to your ears for this next part."
Posted by Erik Volkov on Jan 30, 2020 20:50:12 GMT -6
Gamma Mutant
325
38
Feb 4, 2024 7:32:55 GMT -6
Ufgad
Atlantis? So it was a real place? This was what he got for not watching much of the news. Books were far more interesting. Or punching bad guys in the face. That was also very much therapeutic. Confusion plain to see on his face as he assimilated all the completely new information.
"Demigods and a mad king?" He really needed to get out and smell the roses more. Were their gods now too?! He would have figured some sort of theological Armageddon such as that would have had a far more profound impact on things as far as society went. Giving people weren't running around screaming bloody murder in the streets for their god to show up told him it was probably a moniker of some sort.. probably.
"It does keep me from getting sick." Confirming her suspicions as clearly as he could. It wasn't an outright lie or outright truth, but it was simple enough for a stranger and a kiddo.
"Nose-holes huh? That is pretty close. Nothing to do with whatever evil cow your afraid of I hope?" He considered her offer and shrugged. "I do not see how it could hurt. The choices I make never seem to turn out the way I intend them too. Even when they are difficult as you say to do. I would be honored to learn what you are willing to share."
Erik munched on the poofs he had been allowed to get and tried ot think of what a kid could teach him on the subject. The mystery was half the fun!
Posted by Erik Volkov on Jan 30, 2020 20:39:39 GMT -6
Gamma Mutant
325
38
Feb 4, 2024 7:32:55 GMT -6
Ufgad
Ah! She was one of those exhuberant happy people that would have gotten him killed in his former profession. Now he could just be envious of the obvious confident way she could be almost irritatingly chipper to total strangers. Still the statement warrented some sort of response and he went with an almost neutral statement. "What you mean 9-5's and suits aren't your thing?"
Thenkfully he hadn't just unintentionally insulted someone in need and his blush evaporated. "Well you know what they say even paranoiacs have real enemies.." Shrugging and attempting to relax and smile more in the face of the incorrigable woman. Relaxing was easier then a genuine smile, but the attempt had been made.
The reassurance worked to some degree. She certainly wasn't a reporter, she had spent most of her time looking at him instead trying to peer into every nook and cranny. Spy or Assassin were still both eligible potential assessments. The bulky winter clothing could hold a blade and he was pretty sure he had made out the faint outline of one regardless. Not that he begrudged anyone the need to feel safe in a town as crazy as New York. At her own self observation he scrutinized her form more closely as if for the first time really noticing. "Ah, yes you are very pretty. Are you a model of some kind?" It was a fair conclusion he thought.
Eyebrows perking at the purr. 'Some kind of cat mutant?' He thought to himself before smiling and nodding more genuinely. "Thank you. I try to be as personable as I can. It helps when volunteering." Gesturing a bit around him before shrugging. "Day job leaves me seeing too much of the preening rich privileged sort. Nice to help people who actually need it then demand it, you know?"
Posted by Erik Volkov on Jan 29, 2020 16:41:53 GMT -6
Gamma Mutant
325
38
Feb 4, 2024 7:32:55 GMT -6
Ufgad
Erik had squeezed in as much time as he could with Andrea. Taking only the bare minimum of time required for his transformations the abduction hadn't even giving him time to explain to her about. It was more then he probably should have if how he felt was any indication. Now for the first time in.. forever he simply felt tired. The cops hadn't asked him too many questions, thankfully so he hadn't needed to lie too much. Despite his upbringing that always made him feel guilty. They were just doing their jobs after all.
Her nightmares hadn't been unexpected and he had supported her the only way he knew how. Holding her hand gently and reassuring her once he noticed she was awake being little else he could do. Knowing she was as healthy as she was going to be had been an enormous amount of tension lifted from his body. Some of which he had been apparently feeding off of to keep himself going. Now he just wanted to find somewhere comfortable and quiet to collapse until whenever the lingering malaise that was leeching away his energy subsided. Erik hoped there weren't huge bags under his eyes or something else equally unsightly.
At her joke he chuckled and gave her back a gentle rub. "I could have endured the food if the beds were wide enough for two." He joked back and equally teased. Pulling her into a warm hug now that he couldn't embarrass her too much and simply the face he could get a full bodied one. It was a selfish desire sure, but one he was sure she shared.
"Let us get you somewhere more comfortable shall we?" Taking her home in his van and stopping somewhere for some very non hospital like food to enjoy on the ride home.
--
It probably wasn't strictly a requirement to hold her to his side with one arm wrapped around her, but he wasn't going to stop until she mentioned it. He took the liberty of letting them in. "Here we are love." He had tidied up what had needed tiding on his run to get her own clothing. Gently helping her to the bedroom with a completely uncharacteristic yawn that made him blink. Blushing gently at its unexpected arrival and his attempt to be strong for her foiled somewhat. Easing her to take a seat on the edge of the bed with her. "Did you want to cuddle?" it felt weird asking, but with the week she had just endured he wasn't about to take anything for face value. A hand idly reaching up to rub at an eye. Body posture well enough destroyed to be considered sagging and exhausted. A stiff breeze looking like it could knock him over.
Posted by Erik Volkov on Jan 29, 2020 13:57:36 GMT -6
Gamma Mutant
325
38
Feb 4, 2024 7:32:55 GMT -6
Ufgad
Idly, Erik wondered what it was like to get the post adrenaline jitters. The adrenaline he certainly felt and rather enjoyed most times. There were few enough things to prompt such a reaction from him given his particular powers. Fighting was certainly one of them. The most primal of responses that often determined who died or survived blended with hours of training. Now the effect was waning and in its place a steel resolve locked itself in.
A brief moment was spent throwing open the doors to the unmarked black van he had commandeered for his little task. Duffle Bags thrown hastily tossed into the back. Gunfire that sailed wide barked from behind him and he turned, raising his own pistol with a silenced rapport taking the gun wielding assailant just above the knee. Hacking and moaning as he was Erik lowered the man's threat level. Eyes and weapon tracking to the double doors smoke was pouring out from, but no further gang bangers looking to get back at him quite yet. Stepping backwards into the van without looking, his pistol tracking on the community center door as long as he could before he slammed the back doors of the van shut. Rolling over the backs hastily to take the driver's seat and made his hasty escape.
A few blocks away he had finally shed the gas mask and goggles that had allowed him to see and infiltrate the stash house tossed into the passenger seat. Only half paying attention to where he was going as he checked over his ensemble for holes. Aside from a colorful palette of blood and drywall his trenchcoat didn't seem any worse for wear. Finally he checked the time and swore. If he wanted to make his meeting in time he would have to break a few more laws. The engine revved up louder and he was a black streak in the night.
~~~
Nightclubs were a cliched underworld hotspot for a variety of reasons. Economically gray, could be used as a cash sink to offset taxes. The amounts of money they made were variable and still cash based enough you could launder funds through them. They were also generally loud enough where if one had to conduct 'business' in an office. Legitimately excused soundproofing made sure no one could hear the screams or gunshots... whichever the case may be.
It probably said a lot about Erik's taste in music and freetime when a distasteful look crossed his face as he threw a duffel bag over his shoulder from the parking lot upon hearing the pervasive rhythm of the thumping base. His appearance after bypassing the line earned a suitably unimpressed look from the bouncer.
"The goth club is down the street kid." Erik just barely managed to refrain from rolling his eyes before responding. "I have an appointment with Mr. French. Mr. Brown is here to see him." It was a stupid line, but most passphrases were like that in a way. The bouncer turned to consult his earbud for a few moments before regarding Erik with a more scrutinizing gaze.
"I will need to check the bag." With a shrug Erik dropped the bag into the awaiting hand waiting for the inevitable outcome as the people in the front of line gasped seeing so much cash in one place. Unsurprisingly it snapped back up in short order and Erik was lead into the eardrum loosening sound with a wince. Someone in a suit was waiting for him.
Once through a side door and up some stairs the deep sound was felt more then heard for which Erik was eternally grateful. Hopefully Andrea wasn't into such a loathsome racket.. assuming she was alive. The dark thought set his features into a stone neutrality that had at one time been the only face he wore in public. Devoid of any tell or feeling, jaw set and ready to do what must be done.
Eyeballs threatened to roll back into his head again at the scene before him. It was so cliche'd it almost hurt his soul. A large man smoking a cigar in a tracksuit sat at the end of a conference table. Everyone else was in suits, but the man to his side had the nicest one. Erik would bet all the money in his bag that he was second in command of the room and everything outside of it. After an intense moment off staring between himself and El Hefe he finally spoke in Russian.
"Mr. Volkov I do not appreciate my time being wasted or meetings being demanded of me. So what is it that you want?" Posture and demeanor all clearly indicative of the man comfortable with his authority and looking down on an inferior. Erik's eyes holding only razors for the man across from him. A true businessman would lull an opponent into a comfortable manner to talk shop. Familial connections obviously let this one in charge and away from the prying eyes of the motherland where he couldn't screw up too badly.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am indeed Mr. Volkov, but you my given name is Erik Yahontov. You may be far more familiar with my uncle Dimitri Yahontov and his boss Vasili Turgenev. There is a matter I would like your assistance on and am willing to pay graciously for." The slow steps he took towards the table were more to allow for his far more competent Lieutenant to fact check his claims then any dramatic attempt on his part. Slowly laying the bag down on the table and unzipping it before tilting it towards the man to reveal the green ocean of its contents.
Long moments passed as the man pretended to mull it over, waiting for his lieutenant to give him the information he needed to do his job. The man to his right leaning to whisper in his ears with a brief raises of his eyebrows before a shark like grin spread across his face. A carnivorous child that found it had finally one some game beyond its true comprehension. "Everything you said does appear to be true Mr. Whoever-you-are. Dimitri did have a nephew, but it seems he has been dead for some time. I see no reason not to take your money and make sure he does not come back to life." Erik hoped the clench of Fancy Suit's jaw meant he had at least one ally in the room. Tracksuit boss snapped his fingers and the two men behind Erik that were flanking the door came forward unsheathing their pistols.
Erik froze in a manner that was quickly mistaken for fear. Instead fury flared from deep within his core. Thin patience snapping in the face of being all but laughed at and dismissed as impotent. He only became consciously aware of breaking bones and screaming. Detachedly remarking at least a knee, nose and several fingers had been broken. The red faded and he was holding to pistols and aiming them at Tracksuit. Many more were pointed at him, most glancing towards Fancy Suit for what to do. "Here is my counteroffer." Erik's voice sliced through the tension. "I help your boss retire and Fancy Suit who runs everything anyway takes over for your incompetent carcass. Either that or I work my way from the top down until I find someone who will. Any objections?" Fancy suit hesitated for all of a second before he waved everyone down. Erik fired.
Posted by Erik Volkov on Jan 26, 2020 21:34:04 GMT -6
Gamma Mutant
325
38
Feb 4, 2024 7:32:55 GMT -6
Ufgad
It was a strange and wonderful position to be in. Lost in the throes of what looked to be a wonderfully budding relationship. Andrea was simply the person for him in every way that matters and a multitude that most people wouldn't even consider. Some would even say every new relationship felt that way, but not to Erik. There was a special unnamed something between the two of him he was too terrified to sous out the exact source of. Instead simply content to let it be a part of the attracting force that brought them colliding together.
That same attraction also made being seperated an exercise of will that Erik hadn't developed. Seeing as how she said she was meeting with a friend and had some errands to run he was conent to leave her be for a few hours and wait till she called or texted saying she was done. When the window was up he found himself calling on the top of the hour, frowning when she didn't answer. Fumbling with the accursed piece of technology he checked the calander to confirm she didn't have work straight after. Sanity confirmed after the long minutes,he redialed. The lack of response dserved its own sort of action and he threw on his 'work' clothes.
Now some might say having your girlfriend's phone tapped with GPS was paranoia to the extreme. Erik wouldn't know how to respond to say she wasn't his girl at the time of doing so without sounding like an insane creeper. Other's people girlfriends also hadn't been kidnapped after taking a double tap to the chest either. Cursing in Russian as he fumbled with the options on his phone to get it activated and waiting for her location to update before taking off.
~~~
Erik's heart was beating fast and he could feel his skin start to itch. The GPS had lead him to an alleyway and he parked to cover one direction from view. Mentally steeling himself to find his girlfriend or pieces of her. After a controlled breathing exercise a professional numbness has asserted itself and he was ready to face whatever he was going to find. Clambering out with nerveless limbs. The coordinates getting him within a few feet. Eyes glazed and darting quickly among st the detritus of society. Semidetached noting a lack of anywhere a body could be. A few trashcans here or there and downgraded her condition to pieces. His trained eye saved him from begging to rummage through garbage as his sharp eyes picked out her phone. Scuffed and barely still together after it's protective after market case took the deadly blow meant for the phone it slid far up against the wall. Too dirty for fingerprints now he simply pocketed the phone and surveyed the scene.
Walking to the mouth of the alley and noting the surroundings buildings and their features. It wasn't much to go on. Erik's best guess being someone chucked it out the window as they drove after grabbing her. A picture formed and no other clues forthcoming he climbed back into his van and thought out his plan.
Cops were useless. People had to be missing for a stupid amount of time in regards to trafficking people. 24 hours? Erik could be on the other side of the world with even live human cargo in that time frame. The flip side was his only option. Ignoring the future consequences he started to make some calls. "Yeah it's me. Need to meet with your boss. No tonight. It has to be tonight. Well if you can't do it I will just use your head as a invitation to the table after telling them what you did. That's what I thought. Give me a time and place you have 2 hours. I will bring cash to cover."
Posted by Erik Volkov on Jan 21, 2020 14:29:47 GMT -6
Gamma Mutant
325
38
Feb 4, 2024 7:32:55 GMT -6
Ufgad
Erik's insides had begun to feel like an overstretched balloon filled to almost bursting. Holding her gaze felt so difficult for its simple purity of purpose and thought. Souls currently bare for the other to see. Words tumbling directly into him without reserve or scrutiny. Listening quietly as the words seemed to flow from her so easily with a bit of visible envy plain on his face. Thankfully he could find no fault to her words. It was a debate he hadn't really wanted to win in any sort of fashion. A shotgun of loathsome insecurities interfering with what was otherwise a remarkably wonderful moment. The intimate discussion made tolerable by her very presence.
He found he didn't care either. Loving the woman in front of him without reserve and if he was honest with himself, had done so from afar for some time already. Knowing she could feel his heart beat fast as he looked her over once their intimate gaze had been broken made him flush somewhat, more so a she noticed the hem of her short dress had edged upwards giving his heart a rapid one two as his eyes quickly moved back to her face. A shiver propagated through his form as the emotional tension from within himself deflated slowly.
Suddenly feeling raw and exposed he slipped his hands free from their perspective grasps and made shy little grabby hands at her before pulling her gently onto his lap so she was straddling him face to face. With a delicate reverence his hands snaked themselves around her to pull her into a much needed and desired, tight loving hug. His face nuzzling against hers cheek to cheek with a choppy breath before his face found its way to the crook of her neck. Simply holding her like that for a long moment.
Some time later his face slid gently along the crook of her neck. His lips touching her ear with feathery softness only to utter. "Words." The tone clearly indicated his complete disdain for them and conveying he was more interested in simply being in the moment, here, with her. Soft dry kisses trailed their way back into the crook of her neck so the hot heat of his face could be visibly obscured even as he continued to half nibble half kiss her neck.
Posted by Erik Volkov on Jan 20, 2020 23:14:46 GMT -6
Gamma Mutant
325
38
Feb 4, 2024 7:32:55 GMT -6
Ufgad
If she would give him a day he could have had a whole list of reasons why she should be disappointed in him. Never in the realms of all the worlds could he ever conceive of anyone calling him a good person. His solutions to problems were far too pragmatic and based on skewed reasoning to ever let that title pan out to full fruition. In this moment he could only see the concern slip onto her face and her snake friends and swallowed again to keep some semblance of order in his heart and mind.
He clutched at the hand on his chest. A lifeline in the strange stormy waters he was traversing. Their was honesty and then there was pure unvarnished truth. Knowing beyond all semblance of physicality she would never lie to him. Pain stabbed at his heart. He had forbidden himself deep friendship or intimacy. Too many reasons to keep people safe and at arms length and not enough to pull them in and hold them close. A little sniffle forced him to concentrate on the now and not zone out on all the ways this was a horrible idea, but it was overpowered by the sense of need and longing he felt.
"That is the most terrifying thought of it all." Squeezing her hand to keep her from retreating before he could finish. "What if I have become so good at hiding who I am and guarding my feelings and my heart I have fooled even you Mechta? To think that I might be lying to you without meaning to hurts more then you can imagine. I never want to lie to you about anything. I love you. I know that with every ounce of my heart that I do. I would never forgive myself if I hurt you in anyway. To think of me to be one person when I am really another would do that." He took a deep breath to steady his rising nerves. Not even noticing his thumb caressing against her absently. "You see someone perfect and my heart soars to hear you say that. When I look in the mirror I see someone who is neither great or good. A person who does terrible things so others may live in happiness. I do not wish to become your terrible thing to deal with. Above all things I want you to be happy, Andrea."
It was all so grand and new. The good feelings couldn't be felt without the bad ones he had a poor reign on bubbling to the surface. He knew without a doubt he was his own worst enemy when it came to the complex and almost alien emotions he usually kept firmly stuffed away. Worst of all he felt like he couldn't trust himself with the person he longed to be closest to and it hurt immensely. What if he had simply become so good at hiding the terrible parts of himself he had everyone around him fooled? If he had to sleep he knew that would be the essence of his nightmares. That his feelings weren't really his own, just another adaption to better blend in and make himself feel like less of a monster.
Posted by Erik Volkov on Jan 20, 2020 21:49:14 GMT -6
Gamma Mutant
325
38
Feb 4, 2024 7:32:55 GMT -6
Ufgad
"I can settle for cozy. Never really had my own space before I moved in here. Wasn't really sure what to do with it at first and then it sort of just gradually turned into this." Shooting a dazzling grin at her than mimicking her chuckle with one of his own. Eyes held fast to her as she spoke about herself. Looking around a bit at his most humble abode and shrugging softly. Now that it was the way it was he couldn't imagine it another way.
She seemed to freeze at the strangest of times he realized, but was glad when he pushed on and just came out and said it once again. The sentiment was sincerely returned and his heart felt several sizes too big suddenly. The emotionally challenged man felt exhilarated and scared all at the same time at the powerful words. The torrent once set free raged like a wild storm. Smiling at her his eyes sparkled some with a fresh shine.
"I will say it often enough I am afraid you will get tired of it." Squeezing her hand in his softly as if it was made of china. "Mechta you are such a wonderful person. You are so caring and intelligent. Strong of heart and mind. A good soul and the most gorgeous woman I have ever laid eyes on. I never thought a time would come where I could say these things to you." Fingertips reaching up to caress her face gently. "As you learn more about me I am.. afraid I will be a disappointment to you." It was an extraordinarily difficult thing to admit made only possible by his uncanny attraction to her. Throat swallowing hard to stave of more of the annoying emotions he usually kept safely tucked away.
Posted by Erik Volkov on Jan 19, 2020 22:37:18 GMT -6
Gamma Mutant
325
38
Feb 4, 2024 7:32:55 GMT -6
Ufgad
It was pure bliss to have someone that could relate to the simple enjoyment holding a book and turning its pages could bring. Sure his weren't fantastical tales of dragons and knights, but to him they held a certain reverence all the same. Just one more item to add to the list of reasons he adored her so. He made a mental note to have their next outing be a book signing or something similarly more isolated then a crowd full of near strangers he had to attempt to not lose his mind over. In that regard he figured he had failed spectacularly this particular night. He adjusted his thinking to more pleasant things after he had finished enjoying the moment with her snakes and hair.
After sitting enjoying a bit more of the luxurious desert he blinked as he finally noticed the grand blush on her face. Momentarily giving her a quizzical look and wondering if he had done something too... too much. Afraid to ask he smiled and gave a little laugh.
"It is more an issue of availability then favoritism. Fruit punch it is." Grinning at her even as that darn blush of hers reappeared and made one of his own join in. It was hard to fight off the creeping sense of being overly self conscious with her around. He got back up and trailed the fingertips of a hand across her shoulder tenderly before he hastened back down the stairs to grab the jug of fruit punch and a pair of glasses. Practically running he came back to pour them both a large glass and sat back down. Thoughtful consternation evident in his face before he looked at her again and a smile flourished to soften its edge. He took a hasty drink of the fruit punch before he looked at her.
"I hope my place is alright. I haven't ever brought anyone here before. Wasn't really sure how it would be received, but I wanted you to see it." Too much self doubt had situated itself in his head the last few moments and he took a deep breath before taking her free hand to give it a squeeze. "I really do love you. The party hadn't been the way I would have wanted to say it, but I wasn't about to let Carol hear it first." Damn, why was his heart beating fast all over again?! Ah there it was, his own blush was back full force.
Being of the delicate age of under 21 he wasn't 'in the know' about New York's dive bar scene or any sort of over 21 establishment for that matter, but he felt like he should remember something about the Shady Tap when it was mentioned other than where it was. "Well I could certainly tell you how to get there at least. Don't know much about it otherwise." A tiny smile edging out momentarily as he was dedicated to playing at a good host.
Her snort made him chuckle a bit. "If you have that figured out. That makes us one of us." The little smile edged out to more of a grin before he shrugged. "People have kids for all sorts of messed up reasons. Propagating fanatical religious beliefs just happens to be one of them. Parents always expect their kids to turn out just like them for some reason." The tone in his voice indicating it wasn't at all a hypothetical discussion. He had seen it and had dealt with it personally. "I agree with you though. Kids should be born of love and into it." He had at least managed half of that equation and felt like he came out ahead in that regard if only just.
Mental Test? Rosy pigment blossomed lightly on his cheeks. "Uh, I didn't mean to imply you were dumb or anything. Is that what is sounded like?" Nervously he scratched a cheek and tried not to let too much of his sudden anxiety show. "Just making sure I could help however I could and that you weren't some undercover reporter. We get the occasional jerk reporter trying to snoop on the 'freakshow' we have going on or worse." Even adding air quotes to freak show even as the anger burned away a bit of the embarrassment he felt.
"That sounds like the best possible outcome that could have happened. Not sure why anyone would do to you what they did. If you need anything you could always give me a call? I do all sort of odd jobs, but I think helping someone piece together eight years of their life would be new even for me."