agoddessonce | Open RP Post

Beck had settled well into the city after over two years and with multiple businesses, three contracted subs and a private residence in the Up, he was doing very well for himself. While he had no trouble filling quotas, he was always open to new experiences and meeting new people and so when he spied a tall, attractive figure nearby, he made a beeline in that direction and put on his most charming act.

"Pardon me, would you mind helping me with something...?"

Today he was dressed stylishly if a bit garishly in a well-fitting emerald green jacket, dark trousers and a purple silk shirt. No tie. Somehow it suited him well and it all looked expensive and tailor-made. He was well groomed with a beard trimmed and neat. He looked like he took good care of himself.

Ororo had been around the city over six months now, and was similarly settling in just as well. She'd recently been on the network more than previously was - getting the flowershop off the ground, entertaining questions and curious applicants. That, along with helping more often at the Center, the Scratch, the gym... maintaining a routine - it all feels a little like putting down roots. Something she has some mixed feelings about. Hm.

Still, when someone calls out for her, for help, she is quick to respond and is already about to ask how she can assist - when she notices that it is a familiar face.

"Ah. Detective?" She gives his attire a look, surprised. Then one of curiousity. "You are looking... sharp."

"Was there something you needed?"

There's a chuckle that doesn't sound very humorous. It's not the first time he and Detective Loki have been mistaken for each other since there was a strong physical resemblance. But neither of them were too impressed by the other and Beck didn't much appreciate it. He'd have to quickly correct her.

"I'm afraid you have made a mistake," he answers smoothly, eyeing her with a clear look of admiration. "I mean, I am looking sharp but I am not a detective." He puts out a hand. "I'm Quentin Beck." A name she may also be familiar with but this is clearly not the same one with the sharp bowlcut hairdo and craggy face. This one's was styled very fashionably and he was at least ten years younger. "I just needed help with finding out what your name is, Miss...?" He gives her a questioning gaze, eyes bright with anticipation.

Not David, then. Quentin Beck - but clearly not the Quentin Beck she met briefly over the network, once. Ororo's brows furrow in thought, a little confused.

"Please forgive me. Your name is familiar, as is your face, but for different reasons." But, that was how alternate universes tended to operate, didn't they? She recovers her composure shortly, looking him up and down again.

"Is there a reason you needed my name, Mr. Beck...?"

"I just would like to know the name of the beautiful woman that I'd be calling out later tonight," he answers with supreme confidence and a cheeky wink.

"And what, exactly, would you be calling me out for?" Ororo smiles faintly, one hand rising to press her fingers to her lips, as if to hide her smile.

Her gaze travels over his face closely, wondering if he'd drunk anything from the city... or if he was just like this.

He looks to be clear-headed; voice crisp; eyes clear and focused solely on Ororo.

"Well, I wasn't talking about hide and seek...," he begins, lips curling up in a flirtatious smirk. "I was thinking of playing something with closer contact."

"You barely know me, Mr. Beck. Do you think that is wise?" She lifts an eyebriw at him, already turning away to be on her way.

"That's why we should get to know each other," he persists, intent on following her if she begins walking away. "After all, that's what this city encourages, you know. It's only right we should have a little fun with it while we're all stuck here."

"I am not in the habit of doing things as the city encourages me to." Ororo says it archly. She is walking off, yes, but not doing anything to stop him from following her.

"Package it in another way, Mr. Beck, and perhaps I will reconsider."

"I could give you free movie tickets and a device that can make your every fantasy come true," he continues. "And I do hope you don't think I walk up to every beautiful woman with such a proposition. I can see that you have that special spark. There's some aura about you that makes me want to learn more."

"I need no such device," Ororo answers back easily.

"And what was I supposed to think? You came at me out of the blue with a... typical proposition. This is not the first time I have had to deal with something like this from a stranger." She's extending her patience for some reason - otherwise he'd have been doused in rain and left behind by now. Perhaps it's because she recongnises that he's a LIEr, too?

"Typical?" He sounds somewhat offended although that hand to his chest is overly dramatic. "Are you really calling my approach typical?"

Ah. This type.

"Yes." Ororo's smile turns vaguely amused. "Were you hoping you were being unique?"

"Can I be completely honest with you?" He questions yet goes on before she can answer. "That is the very first time I've used that line with anybody. Can't blame a guy for trying, can you?" Now he gives a self-conscious-looking smile which is pretty convincing that he's been humbled. As if that other part was now the act. The confidence still there but now subdued under a layer of dignified modesty. Like a hero who nobly turns down the accolades.

Well, the turn in attitude is different enough to give Ororo pause. And to take another look at that expression, then sigh to herself.

"... Ororo." She figures it's harmless. Hopefully, anyway, and that it won't encourage him to do this to other women. Goddess, if she did end up doing that she would never forgive herself.

"Ororo Munroe. That is my name, Quentin Beck."

Her response brings what at least appears to be a genuine smile to his face.

"Ororo. Well, it's very good to meet you, Ororo, and please, call me Quentin."

Oozing charm now.

"Quentin, then." She rests her hands on her hips. "How can I help you, now that you have my name and... my aura, you said?"

"You can help me by relaxing a little," he says in a way meant to be lightly teasing. Her stance appears defensive to him. "Can I buy you a drink? We could see a movie. Private screening guaranteed since I own the Sinema." He winks, pauses and goes on. "I know, I know. Typical date night, huh? But I would just enjoy getting to know you better."

"A drink, but no movie." She shakes her head at the idea. That sounds too much like a real date - when a drink was just a drink.

"We can go to one of the little bars around here - beer will do."

"Excellent!" He claps his hands together once as if to punctuate good news. "Your choice then. Lead the way," he adds with a gracious wave, ready to follow her to a bar.

"The Scratch." She could handle herself fine, but just in case she needed an assist, at least the staff could help her out.

She tips her head in the appropriate direction, motioning for him to follow. "Shall we?"

He doesn't have any nefarious intentions toward her, especially as he hates to be disliked so will likely do all he can to win her over in any way that he can. Forcing anything would only be an admission of rejection and failure and that would be too much of a blow to his ego. So he usually tends to use the sweeter, generous approach when he can.

Recklessly, for now, he isn't even that concerned that they both are Dominants. But at the moment this is just a public, friendly drink.

"Of course." He offers an arm in an old fashioned gesture but won't push if she doesn't take it and just walks with her to the location.

She doesn't take it - because they were both Dominants - but she does smile at the old fashioned gesture. "When we are indoors," she murmurs, voice pitched low for his ears only. "They do not mind designations so much where we are going."

Still, she keeps in step with him rather than ahead of him, even if there's a space between them. And once they're inside, she offers her arm to him for him to take.

"Would you like a booth, or to sit at the bar?"

Some privacy was always appreciated. He didn't much care for their rules against Doms with other Doms and had even gotten a citation for speaking up against it in the past. Since then he had been more cautious about it, but it hadn't stopped him.

He does take her arm with a pleased grin. He's also not against a commanding woman.

"A booth would be more cozy and lead to less interruptions, I think."

Then she will steer them to a booth, somewhere away from any high traffic spots. She manages to call someone over to get them drinks, though. And allows Quentin however long he needs to choose something - because she only asks for her regular.

She slides into the seats, inviting him to join her.

"You are tenacious, aren't you?" Is what she says, finally, once they can get settled.

He's not a big drinker although he will socially and isn't against a fine wine. He orders simply now though; a light beer or whichever the bar suggests. After the order, he turns his attention back to her.

"I have a very strong feeling that you're worth it."

"On intuition alone, Quentin?" Ororo fails to contain her smile. In the relative dark of the booth, at least, it isn't so obvious.

"And are you worth it, then?"

"I very much am," he replies with supreme confidence and a disarming grin. He certainly thinks highly of himself.

"I can honestly say that nobody has ever gone away from me unsatisfied. You're free to ask around about that if you don't want to take my word for it."

Oh there are people out there who hate him, that's for sure, but in sexual matters he aims to please - all the better to boost his own ego and gain those delicious compliments. He has no problem going that extra mile for people to shower him with praise. It may be for selfish reasons but all parties do indeed become very satisfied by the entire experience and he gained many repeat partners in this way, along with three very loyal subs.

"I won't take anyone's word for it. Everyone has different tastes, different standards." Her own are kind of impossible. Usually. With some exceptions.

"For this sort of thing... it is something you need firsthand experience to make proper judgment."

"And you may have that, anywhere anytime," he offers, eyes twinkling with eagerness.

"As for tastes, I can cater to that. My tech can transport you anywhere you desire and let you see all of your fantasies in the most vivid, immersive way."

"I don't need tech or fancy, immersive fantasies. I would prefer you prove your worth on your own."

Ororo takes the glass set before her, tilting her head at an angle to consider him. "I appreciate how forthcoming and earnest you are, though. Many aren't this forward."

"I'm sure you'll never doubt me again, once you experience all I have to offer," he winks, grins, all smooth confidence.

"There's no point in being coy about it, right?"

Ororo laughs a little. She does find Beck's self-assuredness entertaining, at least. And maybe it's because of the city - but she's curious despite all her misgivings. She leans forward a bit, relaxed in pose and in tone.

"No, there is no point. I prefer someone who is forthcoming and sincere about their intentions - if I had to list turn-offs, artifice would be high on the list." She didn't like liars.

He also leans closer to her.

"I'm an open book then. Whatever you want to know."

Which doesn't mean he wouldn't lie or twist the truth... but he at least appears to be sincere. Appearance, he believes, is everything.

Should be interesting, then, if she ever caught him lying to her. It was one of her non-negotioables, something she'd fried dear loved ones for if she ever caught them in a lie.

"Why do you really want to sleep with me, then? And how would you like to have me?"

"Honestly? You're very attractive. You seem interesting." He shrugs, simple as that. "As to how... Well, I'm flexible. Very flexible," he grins. "I mean, I'm sure we could have a fun time in the traditional way but, hey, if you'd rather have me instead, I would have no objections."

He's not against a good pegging and he loves switching things up and trying new positions.

( she missed her friend whenever they were apart, it was hard not to when you'd grown up and grown close with a force like ororo, her best and dearest friend, and always that person she'd turn to first.

the telepathic touch had come across in a sleepless night, jean sensing that her friend was also awake before floating across her mind any more. distance would never stop them from being able to spend time together when you were a telepath like jean was, and location didn't matter. she'd given them a nighttime beach scene, just the two of them, the water gently lapping at the sand )

Scott has a plan for tomorrow, though I was in need of a distraction from it.

( she opens her mind to let that plan float across, a sneak in and out, rescue and steal and whilst something about the situation troubles jean she doesn't want to talk about it to try and settle herself, wishing instead just for company and peace )

[ Jean's telepathic messages are always so gentle. They have been, after the way they first communicated this way ended in disaster. Since then, every time they speak this way has been polished until it's something... natural, and easy, and welcome.

Today is no different as Ororo - even a literal planet away, after a long day with the council and various minor scuffles - is just sitting to rest in bed when she feels Jean knocking. It's easy to let her in, then filter her amusement and gratitude for the relaxing beach set up. Just the vague impression of feelings for now, since Jean jumps into her troubles pretty quickly, and Ororo's own emotions turn into dutiful concern. She examines what she can pick up of the plan, then frowns thoughtfully. ]

Scott is very capable. His plans have always been meticulous, Jean, with plans for every little possibility. If you run into trouble, you and he will handle it.

[ She settles onto a beach towel, shifting her position so she can recline next to her friend. She doesn't often let herself look this comfortable, but Jean is a special case. ]

Don't worry so much.

( though the scene looks relaxing, jean laying out next to her friend, she doesn't feel very relaxed. yet. the weight of the world is often seen on both of their shoulders, the fault of a hero, someone powerful, a telepath, the list goes on )

It's not Scott that worries me.

( because ororo is right, they'll handle it and scott is meticulous. she's worried about something being overlooked but it doesn't change the outcome: they'll handle it.

a little sigh, an obvious shift off the topic )

I should steal a moment and visit. ( oh to have the time to make it real ) Do you have spas yet?

We have hot springs. Roberto insisted that he required them - and you know how he is. [ or maybe she didn't. Ororo wasn't actually aware of how well Jean knew the New Mutants class. but still. she thinks of natural hot springs they now have, memories of Roberto and the allies he'd made here on Arakko, his habit of dipping into them as bare as she would. ] He didn't rest until we had them.

If you visit, I'm sure I could convince him to make it private enough for us to discuss what has been worrying you.

Edited 2023-07-08 06:56 (UTC)

I'm trying to get away from what's worrying me.

( though she appreciates still the offer, tipping her head a little closer to ororo's shoulder, their towels all but touching. running and hiding from worries never helped even if talking about them could be harder, though jean hoped that it'd work itself out )

Tell me more about the hot springs. Or show me, let me picture them.

( a request, not an immediate probe, letting the information be offered before reading it )

[ As ever, Ororo appreciates that it's a request, rather than a probe. She smiles at Jean, letting her warmth carry over the connection, and thinks of the springs that Roberto had shown her. The way their greenish blue waters contrasted with all the red earth of Arakki soil. How the clouds of steam felt on her skin, even if she had yet to take a dip of her own. ]

The Arakki people were forged in battle, for a thousand or so years. Very few of them know what it is like to take a break - not just to rest, but to enjoy something. Sunspot is forging a new path here with these little luxuries and leisure times, as absurd as it might sound.

Sometimes I think we could use such lessons ourselves, even if we did not have a thousand-year war to fight in. [ It's not much of a reasurrance - but maybe something close? She knows what it's like, feeling the weight of responsibility. She just wants to be there for Jean, to share some of that weight and ease those anxieties a little. Even if the hot tubs have to wait. ]

( there's a little wave of calm that floats out from jean, the picture themselves almost idyllic and certainly what she needs. whilst the beach itself doesn't change to the springs the colours do blend, jean bringing some of that red in to shade the sand, the ocean becoming a more greenish blue as if the beach was on arakki itself )

We may not have spent a thousand years battling but we've seen many of them.

( and both carried the weight of the world on their shoulders even when they were younger, even before becoming leaders and regents )

Blaming time would be easier and untrue, that we're never given the time to relax... ( but lately, jean feels that they could have had such moments. things will always happen but there are many other people capable of helping a situation, many that are willing. jean just isn't good at not helping, feeling that she should even when she could relax )

If time let us we'd spend a thousand years in the same patterns. An outside reminder always is helpful, as many of our friends will often remind us.

( she pauses, letting her eyes close for a moment to really take in the calm of their environment, the comfort of her friend beside her )

I'm not used to the calm, I keep expecting something to need me that letting go feels more difficult than it should. Maybe it's true, that Scott has thought of everything, that simple is believable. It should be.

( but experience makes her worry, not wanting to fall into a trap by being unprepared )

It should be, but things are never simple, no. Then again - that's alright as long as we aren't alone, don't you think?

[ Ororo closes her eyes, even if this was a just a dreamlike meeting of their minds. Her thoughts wander a little, distant memories that she's fine sharing with Jean - to days when she was alone - her childhood on the streets. Many years later: the difficult days when she'd first lost her powers. The day that T'Challa broke the news to her and she'd had to physically fight him alone. Things ought to be simple. But reality never was - and the only reason she'd survived was because she'd found people to help her. People like the X-Men, people who'd become more than friends and family.

And here was her best friend, reaching out for her so that she wasn't alone with her thoughts, her worries. Ororo reaches out to clasp her fingers over Jean's. Only a vague impression, probably, as Ororo was no telepath. But the sentiment is there. ]

I will likely get a brief on this mission once you two have handled it. But will you tell me about it before then? I'll whisk you off for a visit to the springs, and if we are lucky perhaps Scott won't even be mad.

( when her own hand squeezes back it almost feels real, jean using their mental link, her own telepathy to feel ororo's touch stronger, to tuck it in close to her. there's so much trust in the moment, from ororo allowing her in her mind, the sharing of her memories, and jean takes each little thing as its own dearest moment, cherishing it all. anything that her best friend told her or shared with her was private, never repeated. she loved her too much.

she has a fond smile at ororo's words, it feeling more like a promise than a hope, and those springs and the real time that she'd spend with her friend were desperately wanted, and truly needed )

I'll come, for you. ( for them. they both needed these moments even if it was jean currently asking ) I'm sure you'll find many reasons that will make it hard to leave.

( even if she would, eventually, with duty calling, that universe on her shoulders still )

Open RP Post

PSL, set in Duplicity, likely will be NSFW

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