Thread: It's All Relative (Monster Teeth and Verse)

Steven quite enjoyed some tea before lunch. His work at the delivery firm afforded him long, early breaks, the only business that was crowded these days - being part owner helped - so he made good use of it, sampling the cheaper parts of life wherever he could find it. The Red had been a long standing favorite. He wasn't wealthy enough to eat expensive meals every week day, and instead reveled in not having to throw his food down his gullet and then leave to be back to work on time. A dark brush of hair ornamented his chin, which, like the rest of his body was strong. Kind, blue eyes and hair combed back. Too often he was mistaken for the current five o'clock shadow-sporting-leather-jacket-wearing males, ready for adventures of debauched nature. The novelty of being appreciated for his looks had faded. It didn't really attract the company he wanted. This all touched his mind today especially because of a particularly pretty brunette that had entered. Now that was company he wouldn't mind keeping. She seemed modest about her beauty, though Steven was willing to bet she must have at least a notion of that she was attractive, since she carried herself with confidence. A plan was forming as he watched her. His spirit was somewhat dampened when she met with a man. The awkward look of him gave Steven some hope. Maybe they were just friends having coffee. The hug could have been a friendly one, and the papers that she handed Mr Glasses made Steven hopeful she wasn't taken after all. A business meeting. As he continued to evaluate her body language as discretely as he could, he tried to revise how he should go about talking to her, now that she had someone else with her. He had seen pictures of Mariah. It wasn't hard to imagine that she was reserved. Maybe Alexandria would have been too, if her line of work allowed it. In some ways she was. He could appear patient, he supposed, but meeting her wasn't negotiable. In the end, Liza had known him rather well. By his doing or with Lexi's help, that was how it would be with Mariah Morrer as well. Understanding nod, keeping the determination on the inside. Alright. I won't push it. I'd just like to speak with her. One of my favorite areas in school is the human psyche, as you remember. Maybe I could help her cope? He was something of a savant when it came to cognitive reconfiguring, and that practice could both lend itself to- and disguise itself as the recovery of a strained mind. He quite enjoyed this obstacle. Something subconscious in Lexi was trying to protect her baby sister from him. He'd seen physical intelligence before, when he was perfecting his knowledge of the human materials, so that he could properly manipulate the shape of bodies into what he wanted them to be after death. This struggle would be a matter of their friendship pitted against her innate desire to keep her sibling out of harms way. Without a doubt she would feel ambivalent about it, once she did let them meet. Ingram could also circumvent it by creating a run-in that looked like chance from the outside. This was one of the few components of his plan where he would be directly connected for her to see. Ingram blinked when she revealed that her possible lead was a leaf. He held most of the cards in this game, and was therefor at a constant advantage, but her instincts were a point in her favor. He kept the tools of is trade in a shed out in the forest, about twenty minutes worth of wandering from the start of trees, if you knew where to look. He knew where to find the spot, well, because of the leafs on the branches. Instead of discrediting her, which seemed to be completely possible considering her blush, he said If that's what you have to go on then you should follow it. Did you pick it up? Or would you recognize it if we found it again? It was a precarious game to play. He was already thinking of contingencies. I'll help you. The biology people in my lab know a lot of Botanists. And, oh. he said, smirking and making a show out of letting go of her hand. You seem to have a fan. I'm sure you've detected it already, detective. A quick nod to the side. Steven only noticed that he'd been staring when the two looked back at him. He'd been so bent on trying to figure out their relationship, especially since the man had touched her hand so intimately, that he was caught wide-eyed for an instant. After trying to pretend he hadn't been spying, he shrugged and waved from the distance. Embarrassing, but at least now she'd know. The man with glasses started packing up the papers, not to put them away, but to covered them, the last one hidden out of sight by placing the heavy computer on top of the pile. Rather than defensive and offputting, it seemed more like he was getting ready for Steven to come over. The blue eyes blinked and Steven stood. Why not? His cover was blown. Be gentle with him. Ingram teased at Lexi before the newcomer had reached them. He's just a fan of yours. And then the stranger was there, extending his hand to her. Hello. My name is Steve. He wore his best smile and laughed, blushing. He looked from the brunette to her raven haired, male friend. I'm sorry to interrupt, but you guys already caught me. Ingram was amused at the squirming of their guest, but tried to look slightly uncomfortable at the situation. Well, it is nice to meet you, Mr Steve. I'm Ingram and that lady over there, you know, the one you were staring at, is my platonic friend and recent college Alexandria. He gave her a meaning look so she would take over the conversation.