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.
He smiled at Hercules. Throwing the club, holding on? Interesting magic. Nice take on a classic. And he relied on masters? Interesting. Noted for future… notes. A mystic who draws powers from others.
He drew his power from runes or gestures. From other people? That was something else. The two were Serena, and the one behind the counter serving drinks. He thought her name was Madison? Okay.
The portal guy commented on Hercules’ age. Being alive for centuries. Something to ask about—
Zek kept talking.
August looked at the guy eating hot wings and suggesting names. He smiled cheekily.
“Hex-force, hexestentislists. Good ones.” He said. Then pointedly glanced around. “But you’re missing the obvious one for a place called Hexes and Hos. My dear man, the team would have to be called the Hex Workers.”
Yeah. That sure was a name alright. He nabbed a wing or two on his own little plate, and just sort of vanished into his drink.
“So Hercules.” He said, after a few moments. “Like, The Hercules. Alive forever, the Demi-god who did trials of the gods. Nemeian lion, Megara, et cetera. That guy? When in your long life did they teach you to have a club pull you off the ground? Interesting magic trick for sure.”
Things had started happening very rapidly. When mystics had started approaching from behind, unhappy with him for sending other mystics away with his power… he absolutely had not waited for the lady with the plant fairy summon to thank him for his assistance, and invite him onto the team. He’d just said “Yeah, okay! Never mind! Good luck!!”
He had skirted the terrifying plant fairy thing, tossed up a minor illusion of a wall between him and the nearest mystic, and fled. Another mystic, another illusion. The mystic’s sword slashed through a flaming summon illusion, and left him alone.
Disengage, disengage! Run, dash, run!!!!
“I suggest you look over there!”
“I suggest you focus your attention on that terrifying crow aiming to peck out your eyes!”
“Danger danger, sir you are on fire. I suggest you douse yourself before you get burned.”
And on and on he went. Eventually, he reached a fence. Because he was in the forest outside the mansion. He looked to his left. A mystic was opening a door-shaped portal, ready to pop on through to the other side.
“You need help. Take me with you?” He suggested. The mystic nodded, and gestured him through. And that is how August arrived from the forest side of things to the mansion courtyard.
The second he arrived, a mystic fell from the sky right on top of his portal friend, crushing him instantly. The mystic was huge. Had… been… huge.
“Sucks to suck,” he said. Then he set eyes on some guy as he got punched by another huge mystic. “Huh.”
“Maybe don’t punch him while he’s down?” He suggested to the lumbering oaf. The man stared at him.
“I hate mind control…” he muttered.
Oh no! The guy had resisted his spell. And now he was chasing after him with fiery hot punches! Yipes! Oh no!
“Heavens to Murgatroyd!” But at least the mansion resident wasn’t getting assaulted any more.
August ran. And ran. And ran. Until something encased in ice crashed down behind him, atop his pursuer. He spun and stared. Birds suddenly appeared, like in the damn song. “Cold Steel….”
They were crows. Not doves. That made it a lot less… something.
He had only briefly met the man, fled. Knew him from the news, and his dad. Guy was sort of the only reason he had even come to the mansion, and— freaking saved him accidentally, from out of the sky. He didn’t know what to say.
He stared at Rex. And stared at Rex. And stared and stared and stared, as the man spoke. Something was occurring to him. Something kind of strange. He, himself, was not august. He was August, sure, but he was not august. Rex, though? This guy was respected and impressive. Or, if he wasn’t, he deserved to be. Because he was far better, far more sincere than he could ever be. The guy did community service. He had been doing community service for YEARS. Not ironically. For real.
August had been a rich kid. Was a spoiled adult. All the same, he was aware people didn’t all come from money. Some came from no money. He did not often spend time with them, but they existed. Many had interesting stories. Some were sad. But people came from humble beginnings, story or no. And sometimes, the lack of money made things hard. Led to problems beyond lack of money. Rex was trying to help people, and prevent that. And just give people something nice. In short, he was like… like a dungeons and dragons paladin.
Yeah.
August carried the tools. The whole bag of them. And he made a resolution. He was not going to flirt with this man. He was too good for him. He’d do his best though, to not bring him down. He had volunteered for this activity, he would do what he could for this. Okay? And he was not going to let people be mean to Rex. This was about as self-aware as he could get.
“That’s pretty cool, actually. I respect that.” He said. About everything. “I agree. Let’s help them out.”
He idly wondered if his grandfather had ever helped anyone other than himself in his life. Way to one up the old man.
As they walked, August made small talk.
“So, what do you do when you aren’t helping take care of communities? My day job is concert violinist. Lot of practice, but I enjoy it. What is you? What do you do? Your passion?”
Respected, and impressive. Both? At the SAME TIME? Yeah, he did not have that. It would take great effort to live up to his name. And you know what august always says when people suggest he put hard work into something, people!
Great…. Effort.
Sigh.
How did he get roped into this again? Well? Him and Rex bumped into each other at the library. In his wise moment of inspiration, August was like “Hey Rex, what are you up to? Want to do an activity?”
And Rex was like “I often volunteer to do community service. I was just about to do such a thing. Would you care to join me?”
And August was like “Hoo boy, would I?” And Rex… well Rex thought better of him than he would have, himself. He took August at his word. So… here he was. Hooray!
Community service. Servicing the community. For free. Without a court order. In what world was this a thing people did? It was a good thing Rex was handsome.
So now, August was working on his… august reputation. Ba dum tsh.
“So…” August began awkwardly. “Been doing this a long time? Community service? Tell me about that. How are we helping people today?”
‘Don’t be an ass dont be an ass ,’ he inwardly recited. Purposefully moderating his tone to one of an inquisitive person, rather than a dismissive one.
He smiled and nodded at the question, “oh did she.” Yep, she had. Then, he looked to Hercules and his descriptions. He certainly could paint a picture.
He sipped at his alcohol, and just let people talk. At times, he could be a bit of a spotlight hog, and his hog reserves were running low. He figured he could take a backseat until the wings arrived.
And suddenly, Baklava. Oh boy. The girlfriend warned against it, and August stayed clear.
Someone shouted “to Xavier’s.” He raised a glass and mirrored people’s reactions. Then, finally, why wings arrived.
“Praise be,” he announced. “Hot wings. Ladies.”
Oh, were they kissing? Well, whenever they tore they selves away from that meal, they could have this. He had ordered plenty.
“Want a wing, Hercules? I’ve more than enough for everyone. You worked up an appetite too. I caught some of your work. Flying around with that club. Nice.”
His mystic-radar was going off. And something Honey’s girlfriend had commented had made him think. “If we do start some sort of mystic butt kicking club, you’re free to join.” He was not sure he would be up for fights, but actual mingling? Sure.
August joined in the incantation in front of the lion guardian statue. Infused it with power, along with the others who had joined them. Then followed Red into the space, behind Rex.
They had discussed this. He had heard the location would be a library. A dang library, Ah well. He liked books. Hearing it had been a library had given him time to gather up some house-warming gifts at least. Looking around the interior of the extra dimensional space, yeah, he was glad he had done that. The cupboards were bare, so to speak.
Rex was asking a lot of questions about safety, like he were some sort of safety inspector. What was his day job?
He approached Red, and held out a pair of wrapped packages. “For the shelves, Red.” He said. “Open up.”
One was a thick package, a fancy leather bound tome he had found in a China town book shop the last time he had been in California. It was a treatise on magic. The other package was a lot smaller, thin, even. About the width of a couple magazines, stacked together. When she opened it, it would reveal—
Well. Reading material and some calendars. One had a fireman on the cover. They almost looked suspiciously like Rex. The other two magazines had men on the cover. Living their lives.
“I was told this was a library.” He smirked. “Can’t have a library without books. And a calendar, to keep track of time. Especially important in… an extra dimensional space. Definitely check out July. Very patriotic. A captain.”
August had cheered on everyone in the bus. He’d been some of the driving energy that had led several of the people onto the bus with his enthusiasm and his siren’s song. Not the only person, but definitely a force for good. That short-haired girl, the girl who had cuffed the head mystic. Others. His friend, Peter Gryphon. He supposed the kids name was actually Carrick, but— Peter suited him better. Especially when he laughed.
How had they even arranged for a bus? Wellllllllll… he may have called in a favor with some of his familial connections. And money had changed hands. It certainly had not been thrust all upon the fine mystics at Hexes and Hos (gorgeous name, by the way. Absolutely fabulous). He had done his part to make this happen.
Now, he sat by the bar, on a stool several seats away from the muscle-bound shirtless guy and a girl with short hair. He frowned when Hunkules found a shirt, cute shirt though. The two introduced themselves to each other and he lurked, and committed the names to memory.
He had heard some talk on the bus. She had lost her mutation, and also joined their magical ranks. All on the same day. It had been a big, tiring day for all of them, but especially for her. So she needed some support. Thankfully, her girlfriend appeared shortly afterwards. The woman apologized to Hercules.
He sat there with his shot glass, thinking. A couple stools away. Far less hyper than his bus persona had been. Thoughtful. A now non-magical cittern lay on the bar next to him. He would keep the instrument. Maybe mount it on his wall for the… for the memories? Yeah. But for now—
He stood up, and walked over to the bar. Spoke to one of the bartenders. “Hey. Can we get some food please? And something for muscles and the pixie over there? Maybe some wings or something? Bet she’s hungry. I’m starving. And another drink? Thank you so much!” He smiled.
A short while later, he walked over to Hercules and the two women. He smacked a shot glass down in front of Hercules.
“You asked for another. I’m August. Pleasure to meet you. Love the shirt.” He winked. Turned to the ladies. “Can I get you both anything? Shots. I ordered wings. If you want any. Should be ready any time now. This fight took a lot out of us. I can only imagine how exhausted you are, Honey. Glad you’ve got your girl there for support. She saved our asses at the end, you know?” He looked at the newcomer. The girlfriend. Nodded, like he couldn’t believe it either. “Totally true.”
The morning had been a contest of ethics, and would he, wouldn’t he questions. Real soul searching. On the one hand, it was stupid, but on the other…. Still stupid. More honorable though.
“#%% it,” **August Appleberry** swore. He arrived at the location of the well drinkers meeting on time. Listened to the grand poobah yukkity yuk of the mystic order of the waffle… took the magic transport like everybody else.
The air flickered. He appeared with all the other mystics. One individual in hundreds of cultish faces.
~~Charge their stronghold~~ the supreme grand master flash shouted. Oh for the love of…
Did he charge with them? God help him, yes he did. They approached from the woods, they approached the road and the gates. August saw Cold Steel had left his mark in the grounds.
“Winter wonderland.” He muttered. Then one massive gung ho mystic stepped forward, screamed something and did an aggressive hip thrusting, gyrating dance. A full size orca appeared in the skies above the mansion. It fell, onto nothing save a pile of snow. There was a massive scream of joy from the hung ho—- gung ho, August, calm yourself— mystic. Then august tapped him on the shoulder.
“Hey yeah, don’t do that again. It’s dangerous and you should go home and stay there the rest of the day do you don’t get hurt.” His hands twirled as he cast his spell… Gigachad whale man fought it for a second, then his eyes glazed over as the suggestion took effect. He ran away in the other direction. They really needed to vet their mystic armies better.
August ran after him, out of the clump of mystics and into the forest where he saw faerie carnage. Plants catching people. Problems. Also a woman and a cartoon.
“I’m a friend a friend!” He shouted. “See? Double agent! Flee! She’s dangerous.” He targeted a weak willed man who fled. Then looked hopelessly at the side he wanted to join. And mystics looked at him.
——
Back at the grounds, the whale was deteriorating. When it fell it had made a boom like a real whale, but it wasn’t. It was turning into lime green ectoplasm jello orca. No animals were harmed in the making of this mess. But wait… it wasn’t **dead**. It began to charge the doors. Moving towards Hercules, gelatinous whale. Verrrrry slowly. But it was…. Free. Slowly evaporating, but… free. 😭
August Appleberry When the elder mystic sent out the call to join them in an assault, August said … nope. And he used his mystic powers to suggest the message carrier stay home that entire day, too. The suggestion was reasonable, nonlethal, and would be followed to its duration. Attacking a school was bad, yeah? That was a bad look. And dangerous. Someone (read Cold Steel) might get hurt. And then his dad… and others… might be inexplicably sad. He used his powers to remove one mystic from the equation.
August has two main modes of casting. The first is somatic gestures. Hands motions. Sometimes, her tosses in verbal with the sound, but mostly he just uses his hands. Sometimes, her plays an instrument. This uses ambient magical energy, or the energy he channels. Overuse starts to dip into life energy, ki, chakra, mana, whatever you call the stuff. Which is why he had a second mode.
The alternative cost for casting is items of monetary value, basically, but it is more complicated. While He can use gold and precious stones/metals, He usually uses gold-leaf painted cards. August takes time to paint them with literal gold. The act also lets August imbue each card with magic, to act as a storage device to pay costs. Using magic while holding a card causes the card to disintegrate, or “burn”. There is no physical fire, and even the ash is consumed. It leaves no trace. Small magic does not consume entire cards. Beginner level spells burn 1/4 to 1/2 a card (depending on spell strength), intermediate spells, a whole card, advanced spells burns cards, starting at two per spell, and rising. The big suggestion august used on the cataclysm, for example, burned a lot of his remaining cards.
August usually carries a deck of bicycles, 52 in count, and maybe 10 business cards. All imbued, paired with gold. He tried silver as a pairing metal, but it did not work as well. There was less value, which meant greater resource expenditure. A big magic would consume like ten silver cards, or maybe even a whole silver necklace/ring. Gold is better.
Props Deck of 52 cards 10 business cards Jewelry Hand signs
Magic
Arcana Praeditus:
Invocation
Arcana Initium:
Illusion
Preferred Foci: Hand signs, or glyphs for stealth. If he uses glyphs, he has a limited supply of glyph cards kept in a pocket. They get burned out of sight, out of mind. Sometimes, he runs out and has to burn life energy through gestures. Doing so tired him out and can weaken him or his immune system.
Magical Theme: Compulsion and Illusions
Snap Spell:
Spell Name:Suggestion
School: Invocation
Spell Level: Intermediate
Effect: August uses compulsion magic to make a suggestion that a target may or may not obey. The more reasonable-sounding the suggestion, the better the compulsion. Suggestions that lead to physical harm instantly fail. It has no visual effect. It compels people to do something.
Limitations: The spell can affect one person per cast. It lasts 8 hours, or until the task is completed. It takes concentration, but breaking concentration to cast it again may not immediately be a bad thing. See Other
The spell is simple to use, but complex in execution. It’s pretty powerful, when it sticks, but the compulsion’s suggestion needs to sound somewhat reasonable to the target, and it cannot lead to direct harm. This leaves it as a spell where the caster has to have a good feel for their target’s current state of mind, and what sorts of suggestions will work best.
Cost:
The price of the spell starts at 1 glyph card per cast, but the user can burn more in order to “heighten” the spell. See notes.
If the target figures out they have been compelled to do something, they may become the negative downside to the spell. They may react poorly to this knowledge.
Activation: The spell is triggered by words, as well as either hand gestures or “burning” glyph cards.
Notes: Other
In the battle for the mansion, August used the Suggestion several times, on several different targets, ordering them to do reasonable things, like leave a battle field because mutants were fighting back and mystics were dropping like flies (because it’s DANGEROUS out here!!), or to flee, run away, stop attacking me, I’m on your side! The compulsion ended the second the spell broke, but more often than not, the affected party had left the area, were out of position to attack him with a reprisal, or else they were no longer interested in pursuing their previous goal. Some did turn around and go back to the battle field, but the ones who liked the suggestion continued with it.
Burning more than one glyph card can increase the chance of the suggestion sticking, as seen on The Cataclysm.
Secondary spell:
Spell Name: Minor Illusion:
Spell School: Illusion
Spell Level: Beginner
Spell Effect: He has practiced making minor illusions. August can create a sensory effect or an image of an object within range that lasts for 1 minute.
Limitations: The range is 30 ft. The object cannot be larger than a 5 foot cube, and the sensory effect is not capable of causing physical harm. A sound cannot be deafening, a smell cannot be strong enough to cause sickness. Physical examination can reveal the illusion to be false.
Cost: Hand gestures of glyph cards, 1/4 a glyph card per cast.
Activation: Hand gestures of glyph cards.
Notes: None
AdditionalSpells
Spell name: Inspiration
Spell school: Invocation
Spell level: Intermediate
Spell Effect: August can inspire someone with timely words. This inspiration lasts 10 minutes. The spell boosts confidence, and clears away mental distractions through compulsion, allowing someone temporarily to be the best them they can be. Once while it lasts, one time, they may be able to recall something, be better at a skill, be more accurate, or resist/avoid the effects of an attack. Or not. Who knows?
Cost: Hand gestures of glyph cards, 1 glyph card per cast.
Activation: Hand gestures of glyph cards.
Other Notes: Discovered in the battle for the mansion by accident, when he inspired Carrick to he faster… and also inspired the cataclysm to be more effective in destroying the mansion. Um. Or maybe the last one was just an unintentional side effect of a really good Suggestion. Inspiration is a tweaked suggestion.
Spell Name: Command
School: Invocation
Level: Beginner-can be cast at higher levels
Effect:
August can compel a target to make it obey a basic, single-word command. Sit, approach, flee, drop, kneel, etc. The types of command one would give a a dog. If the target’s will is weak, they obey. The command makes them fulfill the command, to the best of their ability, within the next six seconds. Harmful stuff fails instantly, and the target must understand the word of command ( speak its language, or know/understand the word and its definition).
Visually, there is no effect. The spell is verbal.
Some examples: Approach: target uses all their movement to approach target in the most direct route, stops if within 5 feet Flee : target uses all their movement to flee target, in the most direct route possible Drop: The target drops whatever it is holding and then ends its turn. Grovel: The target falls tp the ground, prone, and then ends its turn. Halt/Heel/Stop: the target doesn’t move, and takes no actions. They stop. If they’re flying with wings, they move enough to stay aloft. Shit: Funny, but no
Limitations: What are the parameters of the spell? How many? How hard? How powerful? How long?
The spell lasts until the one task is completed, or 6 seconds, whichever comes first. It is a simple spell to cast. One word. The power lies in the creativity of the word, and the timing. It affects 1 target, at beginner level. It can affect up to 6. See costs.
Cost:
1/2 a card, at beginner level. Using more energy allows one to target more creatures, up to six at a time. This top end uses 3 spell cards, or gestures and some life energy.
The negative downside is the target may realize you just ordered them around, like a dog.
Activation: What triggers the spell? Actions? Incantations? A particular circumstance? Hand gestures or burning glyph cards (s)
Notes: Optional.
Spell Name: vicious mockery
School: Invocation (mixed with illusion)
Level: Beginner
Effect: a scathing insult
August attacks the targets mind with compulsion and an illusory migraine This has offensive and defensive benefits
Offensive Vicious Mockery The target’s mind gets affected with a momentary blinding migraine. The Target takes a small amount of psychic damage, like a headache. The Target is compelled to feel bad about themselves, from the mean words. That’s emotional damage.
Defensive: Their next attack is more likely to miss, due to annoyance and blinding pain. As well as self-doubt. Repeated usage can actually breeds real migraine! Makes someone feel like trash. Want to go lay down in a dark room to shake the effects of the migraine. Just leave. Maybe even barf from the pain. Nothing lethal, just awful.
There is no visual cue for the spell. It is verbal.
Limitations:
This spell has a single target. The spell is easy to perform. The damage is low, and entirely in the head. An illusory migraine that lasts a couple seconds. The pain can be blinding, but it doesn’t do any physical damage. At most, it can lead to a real migraine and a lost day. Rethinking life choices. The effects last 6-10 seconds, per cast.
Cost: What is the price paid for this spell?
The spell is low level, and costs a small amount of magical energy. A gesture and magical investment, or else 1/4 of a glyph card. It is verbal. This means the drawback is that the target heard what August just said out loud…everyone did, in fact.
Activation: what triggered the spell
Hand signs or glyph card, words words words
Notes: The more impressive the insult, the more impressive the results.
Spell Name: Cutting words
Spell type: Invocation
Spell level: beginner
Spell Effect: The targets mind gets inundated with the compulsion to feel crippling feelings of insecurity and self-doubt. The feelings are something they could fight through, but they might make them second-guess their actions and aim? For the next few seconds, they are more likely to fail at Something, be it an action like an attack or a physical task, or using a skill (such as recalling information, or trying to be charming and persuasive to a crowd).
There is no visual cue for either effect.
Limitations:
This spell has a single target. The spell is easy to perform. It lasts a split-second, long enough to potentially foul up something someone is attempting to do.
Cost: What is the price paid for this spell?
The spell is low level, and costs a small amount of magical energy. A gesture and magical investment, or else 1/4 of a glyph card. It is verbal. This means the drawback is the target heard what August just said out loud…everyone did, in fact.
Activation: what triggered the spell
This spell is cast in reaction to something someone is doing, such as an attack or the act of giving a speech. August shouts out cutting words. The activation also requires Hand signs or glyph card, words words words
Notes: The more impressive the insult, the more impressive the results.
>> "All of modernist art is a Rorschach test if you ask me." Serena noted, glancing around. "But at least the Adonis asses are realistic?"
“True,” August agreed. “All of it. Seen a few in my day. Enough to be an expert, but if you ask me, never enough…”
He didn’t pause as if shocked to say it. He did sip his drink though. Mildly amused at his own crass ass.
Serena lockheart introduced herself, and stick out a hand. He took it, shook it, set it free.
“August, of house Appleberry.” He said. He omitted the ‘first of my name, yadda yadda’ bs. Game of thrones was lame. And yes, he knew she was The Serena Lockheart of the House Lockheart. Now, at least. Once she’d said it, it had clicked and he had recalled articles and her face plastered on pages. More, the joke was just to say ‘I know, you know I know, no big deal. Let’s not take it too seriously.’ Just to pad egos though, he added “Big fan.”
Appleberry was also a big name. A family name. His father was in television: advertising or something. He wore a big wig and was important. The name might stand out but if it didn’t, no big deal, again. Also, his name was known in the music community if you were into orchestral stuff in New York. Not top billed known, true, but second chair? Not bad.
He smiled lightly. “I’m here to support a friend. His partner did some of this art. I still think it looks like hippos, but some people love hippos.” August raised and lowered his hand in a gesture that said ‘well there you go.’
“What about you? Buying, or mingling? If you’re here for the company…” He made another gesture that said ‘well there you go.’ “Some people love the company.” And some people are bores. He would have said that out loud normally, even without any form of truthiness foisted upon them. But he had a moment of restraint. A rarity to be sure.
Can be anyone they want to be? What an interesting and useful mutation!
“Fun!” He commented.
The costume change on cue was even more fun. He was impressed. He even giggled a little. Then nodded seriously about the space buns comment.
“They are important if you want to save the world.” He proclaimed. “Or at least look like a Disney Princess.”
Disney owned Star Wars now. And marvel too. What didn’t they own? So Leia was a Disney Princess for the mouse, yes. Yes she was.
As for the what to do on a day off, and tech help. Well. “Shrug.” He announced audibly. “I was going to get a new phone, but I left my place in line. Guess if you wanted to I could drop you off here. Or you could help me set it up when I go get it, if they even still have some.”
>> It ain't easy ta have enough talent 'n dedication ta get ta second chair in an orchestra company in a a city with so much talent. I'm impressed."
August nodded matter-of-factly, but he did not dig in on the topic. Did not try and milk it for more bragging rights. Truth was truth. And truthfully, he would have been more proud if he were first chair. Ego, yes, but ego built on gravitas. Not unfounded supremacy. Ahem.
He smiled, mildly.
And then he got asked out. Oh my.
He played it off cool and said “I think I might like that.”
They could talk details later. Steampunk dance club sounded cool. He figured he could find a suitable suit and top hat. Goggles might be an issue, but…
Who was he kidding? He probably had an entire outfit in his closet already. Halloween was his favorite holiday, after all.
Des taught dance at the x mansion. A mansion for mutants. Yes, he had heard of it. And no, he doubted his parents would have donated to such a prodigious academy.
“Very well might have!” He lied cheerfully.
August set his violin back in its case for something to do. Closed it up and put it away. It was muffin time.
He turned his attention to the muffin and other things.
“So. Steampunk huh? Do I need special goggles and a top hat? What will you be wearing? Don’t want to overdress.”
So he was handsome, was he? Well, that person sure had confidence to just come out and say it. Did august have an ego? Why yes, yes he did. Was it big? As big as his head. So, humongous. He made a note to keep this Des around.
Yes, tell me about how I am handsome. And elegant? What unique phrasing! August returned the smile.
Maybe he had been a tad cautious and brusque at first blush, but if mr “I’ve been watching you, yer handsome and elegant” wanted to call him handsome and elegant, certainly he couldn’t be all bad.
Elegant though? Was he? Did he have a grace and gravitas? What makes one elegant? On a normal day, he might have said “laying it on a bit thick, huh?” But not today.
Today, his name was pretty and it suited him. August bowed his head slightly. “Thanks.”
He took a sip of his coffee, then set it down on the table along with the rebagged muffin. Now, he did not want to become a crumby person in front of Des. The muffin could wait.
He extracted his instrument case, and extricated the violin from within. The instrument was beautiful. Now THIS was elegant. The dance instructor would most certainly be able to appreciate the violin.
“I’m a violinist,” he explained. “For a New York orchestra company. Second chair. Dance instructor, huh? That must be fun. Imagine you have to go around and keep up to date on all the new dances hitting the clubs. I do love clubbing.”
Maybe he was not a great dancer, himself. He had a lot of energy and ambition, but coordination, elegance, he often lacked. That did not stop him from having a good time.
“Which school?” He thoughtlessly added. “My family might have donated to it.” Whoops!
