bakerstreet | From afar.

[Fine with either role.]

[He knew she was watching him. How couldn't he have?

She was good, he had to admit it. Humans like her... They really couldn't keep up in general. But she was different and it left him fascinated. He couldn't quite shake her off. Without using abilities, he wouldn't have been able to hide from her. And eventually, he didn't want to hide from her. Or hurt her. At least not very badly.

And he couldn't help but notice how her behavior shifted, ever so subtly, as her time monitoring him progressed.

So he shifted his behavior, just so in return. Acting a bit more like a gentleman. Showing off within reason. Trying to match appealing traits to her moods, hoping for more of a reaction from his favorite stalker.]

[At least he lets her think she's still got him in the dark. Not too big of a hit to her pride. Maybe she'll let him get away.

But for now he's interesting. Interesting to her and interesting to the rest of her team. (Though, honestly, she doesn't think he's quite Avenger's material. Lord knew they only needed one Stark in their lives.)

Natasha wasn't sure what made her want to come back time and time again to her surveillance spots well past the normal "scoping out" phase once she put his folder in the reject pile. (lol) Take right now for example... She's not quite sure what he's doing, especially at a children's center.

But... But her expression does soften as she sees him in the big windowed room they have with a small boy, heads bent over what is probably the child's homework. She's just gonna hide that behind sipping some of this ridiculously over-sweetened coffee she purchased as part of the ruse at this cafe.]

[It's more fun that way. If he lets her know, then the game is over. And he won't get the pleasure of observing her as well. He can't have that. She's gotten a bit under his skin, something about her aura clinging to his senses, leaving him wanting more of her company...

Even if it's company at quite a distance.]

That's right. You've got it, hmm?

[Ah, Eeze. His favorite brat, always. Next to Road, of course. He's there once in a while, any spare time he has tends to lead him back to this street, children's center and cafe and more all pulling him in. Everything human about him craves the humility and simplicity of this type of life. Flawed, and appealing.

And hopefully appealing to her. He looks out the window for a moment, with an almost longing expression on his face. He really would like to speak with her. But stalker women rarely want to stick around for long conversation.

But he suddenly really would like a coffee. And it couldn't hurt to get a little closer.]

[True enough, one whiff of him letting her know he's on to her tail and she's smoke in the wind. They haven't tried to turn the tables yet. Natasha is loathed as well to find someone else to keep an eye on for potential recruitment too.

Bad enough Tony and Steve were both nagging her about that. (Who died and made them mom?)

And who's to say that she wasn't trying to catch his eye, either, from time to time. Like her cover today: long blonde hair in a low pony with some side pieces pulled out with a power suit that likened to many a thing she's seen his "dalliances" wear. Well. As much as she could stomach seeing them anyway. Those were moments when his "stalker" preferred not to be present.

She wondered sometimes if he could feel her gaze missing if he knew someone was watching at all.

The look of longing partially gets missed, she's making a face at this damn coffee. Glancing up to "try and find the waitress" her eyes pass over the window, meet his oh so very briefly enough to catch the expression+catalog it, and then move on about the cafe premises. But not seeing the girl—thankfully—she huffs and puts the cup down, returning to her own "paperwork" and analyzes his expression.

Could it have been the suit? Perhaps the coffee shop? It felt like he was looking more so at her... But not in a "made" sort of way. The intention of the suit might have worked too much. Perhaps.]

[He does like a beautiful woman in a suit.

But those girls never wore it so well. It's not so much in her body, or her face, both are lovely. That's a fact, not something that can be disputed with any honesty. But that's not what makes her so tempting in that suit. It's just something that's her, a falsely fragile look with notes of fire and ferocity. So dangerous and still so lovely. He could look at her forever. And he will play the game for as long as he can, until he can rid himself of his strange feelings for her or he finally decides to make a move in her direction.

For now, he'll finish the last couple of questions for Eeze to distract himself. No point in making him do the work, not when there's videogames to be had when he finishes. No one uses math like this in the real world anyway. Or so he's been told.

He looks up again, a sharp breath exhaled before grabbing his coat. Although he's never without his choice of girls, they're not what he wants. And although those girls were nice enough, they meant nothing to him and did not hold his interest over time.

Natasha is different.

She's really is a terrifying woman, keeping someone as monstrous as Tyki on an invisible leash. Or as close as anyone could, at least for now. And he wants to get closer. Just out of reach still, but closer. So he walks to the shop, going to a table across the way.

Within sight, but out of reach.

Just like them.]

[Those other girls weren't molded into the suit like she was. Oh so many tricks about her to cast a certain look. But even the best of their moments where their true face is left unguarded. Those are probably the moments he's seen.

Sadly the game is about to end. The above mentioned "mothers" are about to place a timely phone call to the minx following him around. Calling off the hunt.

She misses most of his movements to the cafe purely out of the "paperwork" being actual paperwork. A glance at the center when she gets a moment again and she makes the smallest sort of surprised jerk motion. Gone?

Just a little frantic now at misplacing her mark but cool and collected enough to make everything seem like not a big deal, Natasha picks up her phone, scanning through various cameras placed strategically on his normal paths or places. Nothing.

So she glances up, making eye contact with him just as the waitress pops into his view and her own phone rings. Natasha frowns as she reads the caller ID before answering it.]

Spying on the spy isn't the smartest game you've played today, Tony. You know I know all your dirty little secrets. I'm not afraid to share them. [Then again, the whole world knows hers too.]

Edited 2018-08-21 07:15 (UTC)

[As he makes eye contact with her he blinks once, a look of faux surprise slipping over his face, as if he didn't quite realize he was staring, regardless of the truth of the matter. Then he tilts his head with an apologetic smile, his prettiest expressions are the humble looking ones. He does want her to think he's appealing, as pretty as a man can be, and that he's a good man. Quiet and gentle and just badly behaved enough. Worth trying to rehabilitate.

Unfortunately, he's not really sincere when it comes to that whole humility thing. Or not being too badly behaved. Or being a good man, for that matter. Even if he rather enjoys the idea of it.

But he enjoys the idea of her more than anything else at the moment. She can call off the hunt, but he's not sure he'd be able to resist starting his own. Watching her from a distance in return.

He'd rather do things nicely. It's more fun to be a gentleman. Most of the time, at least. And while she's distracted on the phone, he'll make a move. A small one, but it's at least a start.

Huntress, be prepared for the hunt to start anew.

Tyki smiles up at the waitress, all good intentions and niceties as he makes his order.]

Caffè Americano, please. And I'd like to send her a pastry, if she'll accept it. I think I disturbed her, I was lost in thought and found myself staring. Do apologize for me, lass? It would mean a lot to me. [The waitress takes a deep breath, face flushing at Tyki's face and and sweet words. She nods, and heads off to procure Tyki's coffee for him. After getting it for him, she heads over to relay the message while Tyki cups his mug in his hands and waits.

This should be good.]

Edited 2018-08-22 03:16 (UTC)

[Sticking in character, she raises a confused and slightly aloof eyebrow. Natasha turns just enough so that her hand is covering her mouth. Wouldn't do to know that he can read lips, now would it? Also, she's absolutely using the motion to hide the butterflies that expression of his gave her stomach.

Worth it? Probably. But it seems like he's well on that track already... At least that's the view he presents and at times she wonders if he's putting on a show. But since he's given no signs that he knows someone is watching him, she's left wondering—always wondering with him—if he's about to pull the con on someone or if he's an actor.

Trying to strike for that ideal dream of a family, are you? She's not that kind of woman, sadly. Though once upon a time, the little girl that was innocent did dream of such a thing.

Meanwhile Tony is blathering in her ear as he likes to do and Natasha is tempted to pull it away from her ear and sigh. But that would draw Tyki's already too attentive attention. He's not meant to notice her. Why in the world did she tempt things with this suit?]

I still think you were too quick to judge on Milan's candidate, Sam was making headway there. [Another sip, another grimace. Too sweet.] Oh? So we're talking about why I'm still in LA? Didn't you get my vacation request? I put that in to Friday last Friday.

[A smirk, interrupted by the waitress.] Hold on, Tony. [Instead of putting him on hold, she ends the call. Ha. But the waitress is putting the plate down.] Hold on, I didn't order this.

["It came from the gentleman over there, ma'am. With his apologies." The girl points over at him and Natasha's gaze follows. Her lips purse, has she been made? They twitch over to the side in a slight smile and she nods her head just a little in thanks.

But perhaps it was time to go...]

[An ideal family would be nice.

White wedding. Happy wife, happy life. Maybe a cat or two. Cute home, nice evenings making dinner together, sounds lovely doesn't it? They, in this fantasy set up, could probably even adopt Eeze. Make a real family for themselves. Cut down the Christmas trees, go trick-or-treating, enjoy all the little things that are only truly fun when you have loved ones to do them with you...

Unfortunately, Tyki isn't very capable of that. While Cyril might govern desires, Tyki seems to feel that aspect far more strongly than he wants to. He does like children, he likes families, he finds comfort and sentiment lovely...

But he is what he is. And no amount of self-control can keep him absolutely safe. He'd be a tolerable partner, caring in his own way, but no amount of love or lust could crush down the Noah genes entirely. And there can never be normal with him. Very few people could be strong enough to help him, or to save themselves from him.

For her though, he'd at least make a decently attempt. He'd choose to try.

Just like he's choosing to wave now. Just to let her know that he's so so sorry, and that he meant no harm.

The waitress heads back over to check on him, and he orders another coffee to go. This time a latte, some sort of fancy sounding concoction that seems to sweet for his tastes but he'll hate himself a little if he doesn't try it.] Just that, thank you.

[He wonders who she's speaking to, though...]

[Those were always nice daydreams. But only quick ones. Because honestly? After a while they got boring. The novelty was just that. A novelty. Then again, the daydreams only went so far when the media had ruined most notions of a perfect family and life.

They'd both be perfect for a fling, every time one was near the other kind of relationship. But anything else wasn't part of either of their agenda.

Natasha puts all of her papers away, ignoring her ringing phone and her hand hesitates over the sweet. Does she take it?

For a moment she peers up at him from under her straight bangs.]

[Just daydreams. Lovely ideas that don't go well for those with red in the ledger and red on the hands. But oh, Natasha would look especially lovely in that color. At least that's what Tyki thinks.

He smiles encouragingly, and waves again.]

I swear it's not poisoned. [He calls out just loud enough to be heard, he's not trying to act out.] I didn't cook it either, so it can't be too terrible.

[Daydreams it shall be~

But she does smirk just a little.] Considering it came from the cafe, I'd certainly hope not. Bad for business if their customer base starts dying on them.

[A corner of her mouth twitches.]

I'm not normally about sweets.

[That gets a small laugh out of him.] It does tend to make people wary. It doesn't matter how great the mocha is if it'll put you in an early grave.

[He gestures at her table.] Mind if I join you? It's hard to speak about sweets and poisons from across the way.

[She glances down at the table, at her watch, then back up at him.]

Tempting as it is, I need to head home. Day trader in the Russian market, so I need to get up early.

A pity. [He nods, a look of mock disappointment on his face for a moment. He wants to push a bit, to see what he can get away with, but for now he'll let go.

That way the game can continue at a later time. It's not a loss, just a setback.]

Good luck with the trades.

Edited 2018-09-07 18:11 (UTC)

[He doesn't want to scare her away so easily, after all. And next time he sees her...she won't be this blonde trader. She tucks the pastry in with her folders and straightens. Giving him a smile, small, but it's there.]

Thanks, but they need luck against me. [An amused smirk and she slips out from the cafe area, allowing herself a glance back.]

[Tyki grins at her comment, and waves a hand just slightly as she stands for a casual sort of goodbye. When she glances back, he's staring into his coffee. Everything in time, every action needs to be carefully monitored.

He's getting way too into this. He's awful, he's as excited as his stupid brother is when it comes to the family life. He's almost ashamed of himself.

But he can't stop. And he doesn't want to.

The game will start again soon.]

Hi ^^

I read your Background post and it seems perfect for this setting. What do you think on trying with a Thranduil?

Edited 2018-08-21 08:02 (UTC)

Sure! Care to start?

[First, at which point of time in the Tolkien-timeline we would play? Your Background post stretched from the first time out characters met for the first time until before the bettle of the five armies.]

[I'm not picky. The background is just to give an idea of her history as I made it. So, could do before the dwarves come, or after Thorin and his nephews die.]

[Before the dwarves come.]

From a high balcony on the side of the underground palace / fortress someone watched the shift change between two groups of forest guard. Among those was Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood, but that's not him who became the focus of the watcher's attention. Instead it was a red-haired elleth who joked with him.

Thranduil was aware of the presence of one of his advisors at the room behind him. The ancient elf was silent but attentive, he had chosen the most prudent course of action when the king was in this kind of mood. It was well known that Thranduil was fiercely protective of his only child, now an adult. Little the silvan knew that the reason of his king's current solemn expression was the prince's childhood friend.

Thranduil stood at the open balcony, feeling the wind caressed his hair. Clad in the voluminous robes of his office with head held high and haughty (some people would be less polite on describing it) demeanour right now he was picture of an unapproachable monarch. Some said that in place of heart there's a hardened lump of snow instead. If course it was far from true, for he possessed a heart, one that currently beat strong and fast at the sight of Tauriel. He didn't know since when exactly his view of her had begun to change, as an elfling she had started as his ward and being raised together with Legolas like she's his own flesh and blood.

Expressive mouth compressed into thin line with displeasure and in a swirl of robes Thranduil turned away to stride back into the room behind.

Edited 2018-08-21 14:43 (UTC)

[Cast mates and cross canon welcome.]

[Welcome to all.]

[S7 compliant.]

[See's better from a distance, but known for messing things up too.]

[ i mean... obviously. ]

[ooc: Oh hiiiiii. Um idk wanna?]

[ o hey!! long time no see! this meme is made for them tbh. what shall we do?? ]

[ooc: I know! Happy to see you :0D I am open to many things, uhh, such as a long distance sort of thing? Or hiding their relationship? Or whatever else fits, I'm SO EASY.]

[the Watched]

[The watched.]

[watched fits him but either one is fine]

From afar.

Natasha Romanoff | MCU (Ultron)

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Tauriel | The Hobbit

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Ignis Scientia | Final Fantasy XV | M/M

Yosuke Hanamura | Persona 4 | OTA

Shiro | Voltron Legendary Defender | M/M

Clint Barton | MCU

Judy Poovey | The Secret History | OTA

cassian andor | rogue one

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Caitlin Snow - the Flash - ota

sansa stark | asoiaf/got | ota

Armarus| Fallen Angel| Myth

Spock | Star Trek: AOS | OTA

Noctis Lucis Caelum | Final Fantasy XV| OTA