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 Pharoah Dynasty
An ancient sorceress is on a quest to bring her long-lost warrior-king to the modern era in a bid for global domination. Can the heroes of the modern world stop her before all is lost?
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.
Kristoph hated the tech and genetic side of things. He understood what the hire ups were going for when they started the Weapon S program but it always felt like a sell out to him. May as well just pump their field agents full of Ambrosia (a proposal that has crossed his desk lately). The whole point of SUPER was to try and draw that line between human and mutants, to show humanity that they still had the biggest, brassiest set, despite what evolution was trying to say. It was frustrating enough that they were black bagging mutants off the street and making them work for them, but creating submissive mutants? That was something that even Kristoph Karlson was having trouble with.
But, being one of the newest heads of this world’s department, he knew that there were things he was going to have to accept. This world’s SUPER had been amputated from the main body and now was struggling to survive on its own. It could be worse, they could be starting from scratch, but as it would appear they had some resources to still live off of until they could find their own feet. A hard, uphill battle was waiting for them and that meant some lines and morals on questionable practices needed to be sacrificed.
This was a war, as his own bosses constantly reminded them, and that meant needing to do what was necessary for ensure survival.
Kristoph sighed as he adjusted the cufflinks of his suit. Descending down into the depths of SUPER’s Weapon S facility, he eyed himself in the reflection of the chrome plated panels. A small smirk tugged at his lips; he never thought he would have to trade in his comfy sweaters for these types of monkey suits, but life makes fools of us all, as they say.
A telltale *DING* drew the ginger’s attention to the floor numbers. His hand slipped into his pockets, pulling out his phone where he started to fill in some details that were needed for his report. Stepping out, he followed the sounds of working and training. Through the frost glass walls that surrounded him, he could hear the sounds of recruits being put their limits. The sounds used to make Kristoph stop and take a look, but these days he just accepted it and moved on.
Following a memorized path, Kristoph did not once need to look up from his phone and instead carried on for the exact lab he was looking for. He didn’t even bother to knock as he walked in. The familiar voice of Dr. Weber chastising him came to his right but the new important agent didn’t bother to lift his gaze from his phone. Rather he simply continued to reply to a new text message from a higher up, tapped “SEND”, then returned his phone to his pocket and raised his eyes to her.
”Dr. Weber! Thanks for making time to see me.”
The scientist ground her teeth, mumbling under her breath before she simply nodded her head in reply.
Kristoph sighed as he looked around her lab. He really didn’t know how any of it worked but that wasn’t his job to. It was his job to ensure that the results matched what was promised -- hence his reason for being here. As head of this branch, the viking arched a brow.
”Come on, Weber, you know why I’m here. Upper Management is getting a little...antsy. Your Weapon S project promised a lot of return and, unfortunately, they’re not seeing results. Sure your little test tube babies are bringing in a dangerous mutant or two, but little else. They’re not allowing people to feel safe. I’m telling you, if you don’t produce, your funding is going to be cut and given to Dr. Downey’s proposal.”
Weber looked incredulous at the idea. “What? You mean that stupid Steel Legion? You really thing that army field agents with mechs is going to raise awareness of our ‘good intentions’?”
Kristoph shrugged. ”Boys upstairs like it. As a matter of fact, with the proper branding, it could certainly…”
“Wait. Just...wait…’ Weber sighed. Another deep breath and she beckoned Kristoph to follow her. Heading towards the farthest corner of the room, she pulled aside a curtain to show her latest project. “I know Weapon S is less than stellar...but...I have something different in mind…”
Kristoph arched a brow at her before looking up at the wall, the schematics, and the live video feed of another, isolated pod, that is being carefully tended to by lab staff. For a second the Viking didn’t understand and kept shifting his gaze at the monitor and the paperwork, but as it finally came into focus he smirked. He shook his head as he turned to eye her.
”Are you serious? This is what you’ve been working on?”
Weber nodded. “That was what Weapon S was for. Not a ends to a means, but a testing ground for this.”
Kristoph continued to look at the monitor and breathed a deep breath. ”Do you think this will benefit SUPER?”
For the first time Dr. Weber smiled, her overconfidence gleaming like a flare from a star. “I know it will.” Pulling a flashdrive from a computer she handed it off to him. “Take that to the board. Trust me, Mr. Karlson, after watching it, the higher ups will be begging to move forward with Project Champions.”
For everyone else, their world ended. He wasn’t the only one caught on the other side of the rift when it closed. He had been on special assignment, meeting with local law enforcement, meeting with interested parties and people who wanted to learn more about SUPER’s ideals and methodologies. He wasn’t the best person for the job but he was far from being the worst. And now that the tear in spacetime closed and he was essentially separated from the more intelligent and well-versed men and women of SUPER, any agents, scientists, and high officials left were scrambling to plug the holes before SUPER sank beneath the waves. Of course, any organization like this wasn’t going to go quietly into the night.
Having been one of those people who spent the majority of the time the rip was open on the other side, Kristoph was naturally offered as a sacrifice to the HR gods for advancement. He knew a bit more about this world than most, found a few of those differences that would be important for them to know. They were essentially starting from scratch so all that mattered was that they made the right steps.
This was especially true now that they were standing on a road covered in eggshells. Anyone else would have crumbled under the weight but Kristoph knew a thing or two about bad and recuperating PR. Maybe he was an idiot savant, or maybe he just missed his calling as an ad man, but any case, it seemed that for as unconventional as his idea was, the panicking council knew that he was right. The only way to step forward and plant their flag into this world was by shaking off the dust of the other.
It was time to burn the effigy of SUPER along with the rest of the world; how else would they rise from the ashes?
Watching the event on the television from his swanky room, Kristoph grinned as he watched Sabine step up to the podium. Was he being mean by making her do it? No. Did he get a small crumb of joy knowing how much she was squirming? Definitely. But again it wasn’t because he was mean spirited. He knew that he was right. Sabine was a goddamn ghost on the job. She could do whatever she wanted and become whoever she wanted. If SUPER wanted someone who was dedicated to the organization but still convincingly toss it under the bus, it was her.
By the time she had finished, he was practically believing her as well. ”That’s the way, kiddo,” he smirked. Moments later his phone chimed and he smirked. ”Joe’s Cryogenics. You kill ‘em, we chill ‘em.”
>>”It’s done. We will obviously have to tread more carefully on this side, at least initially. Also, off the record, you’re a dick for making me a glorified PR girl, and you know it.”
Another shit-eating grin. It was worth it even if she couldn’t see it. ”You’re lucky you said ‘off-record’, or you’d be in for a harsh reprimand.” Shaking his head he sighed. ”On the record, you did a great job. I knew you could do it.”
The woman really was a mystery to him. As much as Kristoph lauded himself as a reader of people, it was proving to be damn near impossible to break through the sleet of ice that seemed to encapsulate the woman in front of him. He found her intriguing and interesting but she was giving him very little in the way of a good back-and-forth. As a matter of fact, she seemed a little distant ever since they sat at the table. He did know when someone was actively listening to him as it was the agent’s job to read others, but Natalie was seeming off to somewhere else in her mind. Interesting.
Casually he mentioned about his last experience with caviar. He didn’t touch on too many details, which was a shame as it was rather interesting. He had been sent to France on assignment for some international mutant terrorist. While mingling in with a high class ball at a museum, Kristoph had barely managed to taste the toast point smeared with salty fish eggs before the commotion erupted. Honestly that was the only time he had seen a mutant turn into and manipulated melted cheese and it was the last time he wanted to square off against one.
>>”Mm...I suppose it’s a good thing that you’ll get the chance to try it today,”
He gave her a small smile, looking up and watch her. ”I suppose so.” Setting his menu down, he quietly watched the other woman who was watching him. Again, he could see her having difficulty trying to zone in on him. Therefore he opted for the quiet approaching, wondering if that would be a shock enough to her system to bring her out of it. Seeming it was...until the waiter approached their table and dropped off the first course -- oysters and pearls.
Looking down at his plate, Kristoph eyed the strange looking dish. The twin globs of oysters with caviar, swimming in sauce. Honestly it probably would have turned off just about anyone else, but Kristoph seemed to have nerves, and a stomach, of steel. But his focus wasn’t entirely upon the dish and, instead, lifted up to eye Natalie until she had his attention. He gave her a smile in return.
”You alright there, Ms. Ross?” he asked. ”You seem to have other things on your mind. If you have concerns, feel free to voice them.”
To be fair, Kristoph knew that there was something a little different about Sabine. Nothing bad, mind you. If anything she just appeared extremely dedicated to her job and rarely allowed herself to reveal anything about her personal life. However, being her partner meant that he had a glimpse into her own life. He knew that she lived alone, that she had a bird, and that she had a certain misguided appreciation for show tunes. However, aside from all that, she really didn’t reveal much about herself. Except for her love affair with mushrooms on her burgers, he really didn’t see any other romantic attachments. Of course he always wondered...why?
A variety of theories that both been presented and thought up. Was she lesbian? Was she straight? Was she closeted? Was she in a relationship but was just that expert at keeping her life a secret? She wasn’t Kristoph, after all, a man who would openingly talk about all affairs from dawn until dusk and beyond. She could simply be reserved but the agent knew better than to pry too deeply.
After her inquiry, something which Kristoph thought little of, he commented on what he found most attractive. He went over the usuals but really did make sure to pay careful attention to the eyes. It was the eyes that were the most revealing of a person. They could entrance the senses, drive a man wild, convey exactly what was wanted from each party; Kristoph was only too happy to share his opinion.
>>”You don’t say? Do my eyes hold much?”
He smirked a little as he turned his head to look at her. Watching her closely he just sighed and shook his head. ”A mystery as always, Agent Sang.” He rested his head back against his seat. ”Though I’m sure that’s how you prefer it.”
It was a light, teasing tone that he took with Sabine and in no way did he mean to offend her. However, he knew the woman enjoyed her privacy and her silence so he was not in the least bit surprised that he could tell nothing from her eyes. Sometimes people just preferred their solitude and he wasn’t going to judge her.
Silence filled the air as his partner looked through the binoculars. Really she was staring for an awful long time. What was she looking at?
>>”You know, not everyone has a type. Physically, I mean.”
He shrugged his shoulders briefly. ”Possibly. Or maybe they just haven’t found what their type is yet.” He just sighed a little. ”It takes more than physical stuff to bring people together. Sometimes the emotional is enough. Sometimes the intellectual. You just never know.” He just smiled a little through his closed eyes. ”We’re social animals, Sabine. We need other people, whether we know it or not.”
Kristoph had to admit that he was a little off his game at the beginning of this but he had every confidence that he would manage to find his balance again. He was in an apartment with a beautiful woman who strictly wanted something with no strings attached. Such an arrangement was not lost upon Kristoph as they tended to be his favorite relationships (if the could be called that). It just struck him as interesting that Gemma was seemingly of the same state of mind.
But he would regain his footing. Already he could feel himself slipping into his more comfortable persona, one that was up for wild nights of passion with no need to attach any strings to it. They were two adults in need of stress relief, that was all.
As he milled about the woman’s kitchen, Kristoph found the glasses, popped the cork, and proceeded to pour them both some wine. Not too much nor too little, just the right amount that could have only been learned through practice and trial-and-error.
>>"You are a man of strange tastes, Karlson...You don't need to charm me, you know. Although I am curious now about your idea of what it would take to do so..."
He smirked a little, tilted his head to give her a slightly mischievous look. ”I know I don’t have to charm you.” He said, handing the glass over to her. ”But I can at least entertain the idea of trying. Besides, that’s half the fun of it.” He said, taking small sip of the wine. He smiled in appreciation. ”This has always been my favorite.” He sighed as he turned to face her, looking her over. Again, she was a breathtaking woman. ”Are you so confident that I can’t charm you, Taylor? You should know that I’m a competitive man. I don’t usually let challenges go unanswered.”
While Kristoph was a man who loved to love, he also learned that a steady thing was seemingly impossible with his line of work. much like what Sabine had already said, this lifestyle requires a lot of secrets and secrets are, essentially, the downfall of any relationship. Two people can only continue on together for so long when truths are hidden; at least in Kristoph’s experience.
However, on that same vein, he had to comment about Stalker and his own husband, that guy, Bruce, from analytics. They seemed like a perfectly happy couple, even if Stalker wasn’t the cuddliest of people. The fact that he was married, and seemingly successfully, should have shown that not every relationship in the agency was the same. Of course, that didn’t meant that rumors didn’t swirl of Stalker’s infidelity. That seemed almost par for the course for SUPER agents.
>>”Right. I can’t remember the names, but they seem cute. Though it must be a challenge keeping things secret. There’s no way analytics boy has the kind of clearance a field agent Iota has.”
”Hah. Probably not,” he responded, munching on more fries. As he did so, he glanced down to his phone, tapping and saving the photo that he had been sent. ”Oh well. Either they’ll be able to handle it or we’ll have a new member in the Divorced Club.”
He sighed, leaning back against his seat and closing his eyes as he munched on another fry. He was beginning to wear out after the long day again and, while the trip the Six Chicks and the meeting with the very accommodating waitress was fun, sitting in alone in the car overnight with Sabine was definitely going to summon the sandman to tired eyes. Still, he didn’t sleep, instead just chewed on the remains of his fries and letting his mind wander through the dark void, simply to rest.
His journeys, however, would be interrupted when Sabine’s familiar voice cut through the din.
>>”Hey, do you have a type? Like, bodywise? Or is it just anybody kind enough to remove its clothing for you?”
Without opening his eyes, Kristoph scoffed a bit. He knew that he was a bit of a player, that he dated and flirted a lot with women. It was just his way. And if his targets happened to be accepting enough of his charm, who he was to deny time and bliss from them? Still, from an outsider’s perspective, it probably did look as if the man would hump absolute anything that would pay him the slightest bit of attention.
Still smirking, he answered. ”Everyone has a type,” he said. ”For me it can vary from person-to-person. But I like the basics: pleasing appearance, long hair, etc. But, what always gets me, is the eyes,” he punctuated his statement, lifting his hand and pointing in the general direction of Sabine’s eyes (he couldn’t really see since his eyes were still closed). ”The eyes hold everything you need to know about someone, including whether or not they are your time.”
Kristoph was going to have to get over just how forward Agent Taylor was. The truth was that Kristoph had had purely physical relationships before but they tended to be mutual and explosive. Ms. Taylor, while more than accepting, was a bit different. Maybe it was because he had flirted with her on and off over the years, maybe because this was not a state he figured he would ever achieve with her, but either way, he was still a bit thrown off. He shouldn’t be, though, she was beautiful, she knew what she wanted, and she still invited him over; all that was any man’s dream.
When the ball was put in his court, he suggested the first thing that came to mind. After all, he did bring wine (good wine too, in his opinion) so why not take the free moment to enjoy it. She did inform him he would be staying the night so there would be plenty of time.
>>"Wine sounds good."
He nodded. ”Great.” He grinned towards her, turning and taking up the wine bottle where he started to removed the foil covering.
Pulling out a swiss army knife he always carried with him, he switches out the corkscrew attachment and started to turn the point into the cork. As he did so, the man lifted his head, idly making his way towards the obvious kitchen in search of glasses, but at the same time, taking in the sights all around him. It was a rare look into the life of another agent, one that occurred outside of their place of business. Human curiosity was quick to take over.
”You have a lovely place, Ms. Taylor,” he commented. ”Fitting for a lovely woman such as yourself.”
Kristoph couldn’t help but grin a little after he had called out Natalie. It was nothing that offended him, really, and honestly she probably thought little of his comment. She was probably used to giving people the frosty reception, maybe he wasn’t even the only blue-collar individual that she brought out to places like this. But she didn’t seem like the type of woman who would give in to such cruelty; this was probably a one time thing, a chance to observe someone not accustomed to this lifestyle and seeing how their reacted. Still, the momentary grin, however brief it was, that she sported, was certainly worth it.
>>”Forgive me...Though you do have to admit that you look a tad out of place...The caviar here is excellent.”
He was certain he did look out of place. His savage-like appearance squeezed into a cheap suit probably made the man look as if he were some ginger bear that escaped from a traveling circus. However he knew better than to take any offense to commentary like that. Being an agent as long as he was, the different personas he had to wear, Kristoph knew how to blend in when he really wanted to. It was just, at the moment, he was enjoying Natalie’s observations.
”You are forgiven,” he teased with an impish grin. ”I would have honestly been more surprised if you hadn’t been intrigued.” He paused for a moment, letting her comment about his looking out of place swirl around in his head a moment longer. He nodded. ”And I would have to agree, I’m sure I do look out of place. But that’s hardly ever stopped me.” A small waggle of his eyebrows and he continued to look over the menu.
She wasn’t kidding when she said this place wasn’t cheap. Being a field agent, he was used to being out in the world, having to eat at the cheap spots because it was quick and filling. Still, he wasn’t a neanderthal, he had to indulge in some of the finer things from time to time. Though he made a strange sight, he wasn’t so terrible that he was utterly uncomfortable here.
”I’ll have to take your word on the cavier,” he commented. ”I’m afraid the last time I had it was on assignment and I was far too busy to really get to enjoy it.”
Kristoph waited outside the woman’s door. This was a position that he was used to being in. How many doors had he stood on the other side of? How many conquests did he having under his belt? Honestly it was hard to tell these days but the agent didn’t let that stop him from enjoying himself. The only thing that was throwing him off was that he had never once figured that he would be standing on the outside of Gemma Taylor’s apartment. Sure he had flirted with her, even fantasized about such a meeting occurring but never once did he imagine it would actually happen.
With a breath, the nicely dressed viking stepped back, holding the bottle of wine and waiting for the door to open. There was a half-second where he wondered if Gemma was there at all, but when he heard footsteps, he settled his own mind. Good, this wasn’t a trick. Though, it still could be and she was just bringing him to her apartment to kick his ass for trying to bed her. Honestly, he wouldn’t put it past Agent T.
Thankfully, it would turn out to be nothing more than false thoughts as he watched the door open and found the Gemma waiting for him on the other side.
>>"You are punctual…”
”And you look lovely,” he said with a gentle nod. Time to bring out the charm...
>>”I thought that since you initiated this encounter, I will let you take it from here. You are the guest, after all."
He blinked. Wow, this woman really knew how to throw him off of his game. As she marched away, Kristoph was distracted by both her lovely frame and the fact that she had thrown him another curveball. Honestly it seemed like it wouldn’t be necessary to be as charming as he normally was, especially since they both knew what they were meeting for and agreed. But, still, it might have been rude to just jump into things unless Gemma said otherwise.
Pausing for a second, Kristoph considered his next step before he gave the woman a gentle smile. ”Why don’t we start with drinks first?” he said hefting up the bottle. ”Unless you don’t care for wine?”
Sabine was a good agent; hell, she was one of the best he had ever seen. However it didn’t escape Kristoph’s attention that she lacked in certain...areas. He didn’t know if she were just that private of a person, nor was he sure what her personal life was really like, but he did understand that she seemed very much a loner. He never saw her flirt or spend time with anyone. In all their time together, she never once mentioned dating, husbands, or wives. He wondered if she were just that private of a person and didn’t want to bring such subjects up, preferring to keep her personal and work life separate. But the more time passed, the more curious about her he became.
Every once and again he would try to weasel some information out of her. Tease her with plans about her future, like now, and would receive only the most scathing of looks or witty comebacks from the woman. Like every other time, she had disregarded his comment with a joke that the only person she would be marrying was her little pet bird, Wingding. Of course he couldn’t let that comment go without another slight jab at her.
They make dresses for bird’s right? He was sure he saw that on Stumblr or something like that.
>>”Great, I’ll send you the registry soon,”
As per usual, Sabine gave him a slightly hard look before she responded in her usual snide voice. Kristoph couldn’t help but laugh at that as he turned back to his food, and continued to stare out the car window. ”No need, lovely lady, I already know the perfect gift for you two lovebirds.” He grinned again. Oh he was so witty.
The topic seemingly dropped, Kristoph continued on with his meal in enjoyment, at least until Sabine reached over to turn on the radio. This had always been a point of controversy between the two of them. While they had their differences, the two of them, when out in the field, couldn’t be more in sync, but when it came to music, ugh, their differences weren’t more apparent. Kristoph like classic music, things that reminded him of his youth, of places he’s been, but Sabine, well, she just defied explanation. And the song that came on the radio was further evidence of that.
However, instead of just changing the station and being rude, Kristoph leaned forward and lowered the volume a smidge. He may have to listen to some of it but that didn’t mean he needed to comprehend it.
As Sabine lifted the binoculars to peer at their latest asset, Kristoph busied himself with tried to wipe straw french fry crumbs off of his sweater. A few pats and salt and crisp potatoes fell in a shower down to the ground. It was Sabine who drew his attention back, a question on her lips.
>>”You know, I still don’t get how you can manage it...How would you even balance a wife with this kind of job? Seems like it’d involve a lot of time away and secrets.”
He smirked. ”Why do you think I’m divorced four times?” It was true, this life was not for everyone, but some made it work. He shrugged, pulling up a notepad to take down the time and notes for the moment before he picked up his burger for another bite. After a thoughtful chew, he shrugged his shoulders. ”Some people can’t handle this kind of life alone. They need of reminder of what they’re fighting for at home. And some make it work…” he said. ”What about that Iota...Stalker? Isn’t he married? To that nice guy from analytics?”
Kristoph really was amazed by this woman but, deep down, he didn’t know why. She really was a hell of a lawyer and, if anyone had pull in this world, it would be her. After all, this was a place that she suggested. If she didn’t know how to work her way around the city, then she was in the wrong business -- clearly Natalie had a mastery of it. So, letting her take the lead, Kristoph followed in step behind her as she bid the waitress forward. Once the woman was further up, Kristoph moved up to the woman’s side.
While walking, he couldn’t help but lean down and whisper about how intimidating she was. Really it took a certain person to have such a commanding air. Kristoph had glimpsed it when he first met and interacted with the woman, and now he was seeing even more of it on display.
>>”I’m not sure what you were expecting,”
He smirked. ”Yes. How foolish of me,” he said sweetly, straightened up and continued to walk at her side.
The place had plenty of clientele and, from what he could see, the any open spaces were already reserved. Clearly this place was here to stay and it wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Honestly he should have been a little intimidated by it, but Kristoph had been to enough of these places, undercover and others, to know how to handle himself. He merely continued on like a man who belonged but didn’t appear to.
Their table chosen, Kristoph stepped forward to pull out Natalie’s chair for her, then circled around to claim the seat across from her her. With a sigh he say straight grinning at the hostess who still seemed utterly unsure about him. Still, despite any misgivings she both did and didn’t air, the waitress complied and placed their menus before them.
>>“Your waiter will be with you shortly,”
”Of course. Many thanks for your assistance.” He dipped his head, waiting for the woman to go before he pulled up the menu again.
Quietly the man looked over the offerings, most of which contained a variety of words, praisings and ingredients that would have put anyone off of food for months. However, Kristoph took it all, unfazed, musing in order to pick exactly what he wanted. It also didn’t escape his attention that, next to him, he caught to Natalie’s gaze every now and again. He smirked, not looking up from his menu, as he called her out.
”If you’re expecting me to scratch my head, grunt, and demand to know where the beer and burgers are, I assure you that I’m a bit more well-behaved than that.” He paused. ”Takes a few drinks before I’m that level of rowdy.” He grinned a little, still not looking at her, but instead closed his menu. ”The Sirloin of Miyazaki Wagyu sounds exceptional.”
Kristoph nodded. Yeah, he knew he was pushing it too far from there. Still, it was surprising how that had worked in the past. Then again, most of the women he hit upon were not intelligent, no B.S. taking field agents like Ms. Taylor. He didn’t have to charm her with cheesy pick-up lines. If she wanted this to happen, then she would allow it, without much effort on his part. Gemma was certainly a woman who just took whatever it was she wanted.
So, with an apology on his lips and a promise to not say anything more, Kristoph waited for her to make the details. After all, she already knew what his ultimate goal was, he just needed to know the parameters she wanted him to work in.
>>"Yes, it is advised...I will see you at my apartment at 7:00pm. You might bring a beverage of your choice. I expect acceptable personal hygiene."
”Um...okay…of course.” Really that was kind of rude. Kristoph may have had all the appearance of a neanderthal, but he wasn’t to just show up at her apartment like this. The man knew well enough the importance of a shower and personal hygiene. But he would take the woman’s comment in stride, remembering what he was getting himself into.
Kristoph gave her a little wave as she turned to walk away. His hands moving to his hips, he smirked a little, watching the woman move away from him. It was a quick reminder of why it was he was attracted to his woman. She was absolutely gorgeous, whether she knew it or not. He didn’t see Gemma with anyone else, but they could just be her keeping personal and work life completely separate. Then again, how high was that barrier if she were allowing him to come over for casual sex? Lost in his thoughts for a moment, he shaken from them when he spied the woman turn back around to face him.
>> "You may prepare to stay overnight."
”Very well…” he responded with a small smile. He gave her another nod and wave until she had vanished around the corner. Huh, he was honestly not expecting that. Guess he wouldn’t be shoved out the door just holding a bundle of his clothing.
When Gemma’s apartment number on his phone, Kristoph traversed the halls of her building, in search of the woman with whom he had plans for the evening. His day had gone along quickly enough, but, still, it could have moved just a bit faster. Honestly this was a woman with whom he had never expected have a night like this and he was particularly looking forward to it. Of course there was always the chance that he was building up the experience far too much in his head, but he wouldn’t know until things actually happened.
Moving down the hall, Kristoph looked his best. Of course he took the woman’s comment about hygiene seriously, trimming his beard a little, keeping his hair combed back. His clothing was fresh and clean, just a simple, button-up shirt, black trousers, and a leather jacket over his large, muscular frame. His foot clipped and clopped along the floor, his eyes darting towards his phone in one hand, and iIn his other hand he carried a chilled bottle of Tenuta Tignanello balanced against his arm.
When he finally found the right number, Kristoph breathed small sigh, reached up, and planted a careful knock. God he hoped he wasn’t being Punk’d right now...
>>”Best partner. I’m mentioning this burger in our yearly reviews,”
Kristoph chuckled as he dug into his own burger. There was a sigh of satisfaction as he bit into the bacon, meat, and cheese, letting the concoction swirl around in his mouth before he swallowed and filled his empty belly. Really, 6 Chicks made some of the best burgers around, he didn’t care what anyone said. Setting the burger down on his lap, he pulled up a napkin and wiped his lips and beard of any of the excess juices. While Kristoph loved to eat, he wasn’t a messy eater; he had a beard to care for, after all.
As the conversation switched to his latest conquest, one that would not go beyond the trading of pictures, Kristoph found himself thinking about his last marriages. Really, why did he do it so often? He loved women, so why would he marry them? It always ended up bad. Either he worked too much or he didn’t want them to be in any danger. Besides, there was nothing wrong with just being out there, playing the field. Yes the man was much older now but, as both rumors and facts would prove, the man certainly didn’t suffer from loneliness.
>>”Yes, Rachel, the one with the rib tattoo and the fake…Well, she sounds very Vegas.”
He chuckled. Oh yes. The fake twins. How could he forget those. He sighed, momentarily wondering if he should call his lovely ex wife to ask if “she was up” but decided to keep that to himself for now. Besides, last he heard, she ended up being quite the shrew. Terrible, no one with a body like that should be attributed with such a loathsome forest creature. He shook the thoughts away.
”Ah Rachel…” he munched on several fries. ”You both shall be missed.” And he wasn’t referring to Rachel or her non-existent twin.
With that out of the way, Kristoph inquired as to whether or not he would see Sabine in a wedding dress. While he wouldn’t make a move on the woman, he wasn’t stupid, he could see that she was very attractive. Maybe a little too work obsessed, but she was very pretty. And he would hope that he had made enough of an impression to be invited her to wedding. Besides...he loved weddings...there was always a desperate bridesmaid willing to throw herself at someone she wouldn’t normally.
>>”Maybe in your dreams...I don’t see myself at the alter. The only lovebird I need in my life is Wingding.”
Kristoph was quiet for a moment, letting Sabine’s words sink in. He munched on a pair of fries in silence, letting the salt sweep over his tongue. The man contemplated, chewing his fries, shooting Sabine a mysterious look, before he then reached down and picked up his soft drink. Once the man had taken a few sips to wet his whistle, he Sabine the most earnest of looks before he replied to her admission.
”There’s a doll shop down on 5th and Grand…” he said. It almost appeared as if he was going to let that random bit of information just hang in the air. But after a pause, he continued. ”...I’m sure they can knit a small wedding dress to fit Wingding.” He grinned wide, clearly playing with the woman, a favorite pastime of the agent.
Kristoph was nothing but smiles as he watched his partner look between him, the savory meal wrapped in a greasy bag, and the notion of swallowing her pride. In reality, Kristoph wasn’t that cruel to his partner, but he also couldn’t pass up an opportunity to have a little fun with her. The woman was a mystery, but she was one that was gradually unfolding the more time they spent together. While he did toss a few compliments her way, maybe a tease or two, the man knew that she wasn’t interested in him. In all honesty, he figured she probably had an eye for the ladies above all else, but even that theory seemed to lack evidence. Ah well, in the end, they were partners and Kristoph knew there the lines were.
He smiled, his eyebrows lifted in amusement as he waited for Sabine to make up her mind. He knew that she would eventually either issue him an apology or just knock him dead center in the stomach. She would get her meal either way but, in the meantime, he at least wanted to enjoy the humor he derived from making her apologize to him.
>>”I’m sorry. How foolish of me to think you’d have anything but my best intentions at heart. You’re so good to me,”
Before the last word was even uttered, her quick hand reached out, snatching the bag from his hand. Kristoph let it go without a fight, chuckling as he pulled up his own bag, unveiling the barbeque bacon cheeseburger that was nestled within.
”Wow, that was almost sincere,” he glanced at her with a grin. ”But yes, I am good to you.” He smirked, his tone indicating that he was still joking as he handed her one of the mass of napkins that managed to find their way into his bag. With a sigh, he settled back into his seat, looking over the dashboard and towards the home that they were still watching. Stakeouts could be boring, but at least he was out with his partner.
Taking a large bite of his own burger, the man sighed gratefully as he chewed it. Bacon should always be mixed with meat, he didn’t care what his doctors said. Besides, he worked out enough, and had plenty of time out on the field, to more than make up for how he ate. He took another bite, this one a bit more sensible, before he looked back to his phone and the bare chested restaurant workers now captured within.
>>”So what do you think? Is she the future Ex-Miss Karlson?”
He snorted, finishing his bite with a shake of his head. ”Hah,” he said, setting his burger down to take a napkin and wipe the grease from his lips. ”You act as if I don’t learn from my mistakes. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me…” he paused for a second. ”...four times?” He genuinely eyed her as he tried to wrap his head around the number. ”Have I really been married four times?” He paused, flicking his tongue between molars to dislodge a small bit of bacon. ”Ah! Yes! Rachel. Married for 18 hours in Vegas.” He snorted at that memory before he shook his head again. ”Yeah, not a mistake I’m making again…” he then smirked, eyeing his burger. ”...at least until the next one manages to weasel into my tender lovin’ heart.” He paused, taking a bite in silence before he turned to her. ”And when will I see you in a wedding dress? Or will you be progressive and wear a pantsuit?”
>>”No I haven’t been to the other side yet...You could say that I’m fairly rooted on this side. I’ll leave the travel to you.”
Kristoph nodded, stepping aside as he held the door open for Natalie. When she climbed out of the car, he closed the door behind her, smirking a bit as he locked the vehicle and slipped the keys back into his pocket. With his hands gently clasped behind his back, he walked alongside the beautiful woman as she explained that she hadn’t been to his dimension just yet. Really, it wasn’t a trip a lot of people would be willing to take. Most would probably break down into an existential crisis.
However, he figured that the lawyer was made of tougher stuff. Surely, if she ever really wanted to go, she would. But it was her choice, it was not like it was a necessity of working with SUPER for her law firm to crossover. If anything, SUPER would probably prefer the denizens of this world stay precisely where they were.
”Very well,” he said with a soft chuckle. However he paused as he gave her a warming smile. ”But...if you ever want to, I’ll be more than happy to show you around.”
His offer in the air, the pair of them moved into the restaurant and Kristoph could practically feel the judgmental eyes weighing upon him. Of course he was nonplussed by it; the agent was used to getting nasty or odd looks from other people, especially the upper crust. There was nothing better than strolling through the social clubs, with his viking-like appearance and making everyone uncomfortable. He only smirked, pulling off his sunglasses and slipping them into his suit jacket as they approached the front.
The lady gave them both an odd look. She was more than likely judging Natalie because Kristoph was by her side, but once the lawyer handed over the business card, the agent couldn’t hide his smile.
>>”For two, please,
The hostess read the card and seemed immediately swayed by the confident air that the woman carried with her. Kristoph only smirked a little proudly and waited. Not a second later the woman nodded her head in agreement and turned to start collecting their menus. Once they were asked to follow her, Kristoph joined Natalie as they strolled through the restaurant. The man, unable to help his smirk, leaned down to whisper to the lawyer.
