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[indent][indent][indent][indent][justify][color=808080]Once Luke fucked off to go flirt with Magni or something, Tobias flashed June a sympathetic, tight lipped smile with a slight raise of his brows. Apparently some people changed a lot over a decade whereas others, like Magni, just looked ten years older with more muscles. He wasn’t entirely sure where Luke’s confident fuck boy demeanor came from, but he could sympathize with the women who complained about being objectified. It made him feel… [i]dirty[/i] and want a shower, and not in the good way. 

Tobias organized all his belongings on the lounge chair, then slowly approached a side of the pool that was close enough to talk to Magni but not too close to Luke. He had his fill of borderline sexual harassment for the day. With a pained groan, he lowered himself to sit on the edge and dropped his feet into the cool water.

Jim emerged onto the back patio with little fanfare, sporting a pair of floral knee-length swim-trunks and an old Metallica t-shirt covered in small tears and oil stains. He had a book tucked under his elbow, a dusty old copy of [i]Flowers for Algernon[/i], while a fresh towel was draped over his shoulder. He wore a pair of sandals that hardly ever got much use, saved specifically for occasions like this. He had his usual shades on, but didn’t bother with turning them on.

June’s text had left him conflicted. With everything happening, he wanted to get back to work on creating something, anything, that might help them in the future. He had a few special projects in the works, after all. At the same time… bonding was important. Certainly that’s why June had invited him down. What he wasn’t expecting, though, was to see just who all was out here. He wasn’t sure who he expected to be joining them, but he was not expecting a god and America's loverboy. Hell, part of him hoped that it would just be the two of them. He could apologize for the way he acted, or she could yell at him and tell him he was a moron. More likely, she would just torment him in her swimsuit as punishment for his bad behavior, revelling in his discomfort and inability to keep a straight face around her.

Instead, she wasn’t in a swimsuit. She stood near the pool, three men lounging around in various states of dress. Jim took the opportunity to find a nice lounge chair. He chose the one closest to where June was, purely because it had the best lighting and would ensure he could partake in conversation if it was expected of him. He draped the towel over the back of the chair before climbing onto it, making a show of cracking open the book while still glancing towards the others every few seconds through his shades.

June immediately brightened when she spotted Jim, and then her face crumbled some when he bypassed her to sit in one of the lounge chairs, pulling out a book of all things. She hesitated for a moment, lips twisting down into the slightest of frowns, and then she smiled at Tobias. [color=375a87]"I’ll be back in a moment, did you want something to drink?"[/color]

Tobias was comfortable… [i]enough[/i] in his silence. His hands rested casually in his lap while he slowly swung his feet in the water. He almost missed the question, a little zoned out as he stared out at the ocean. [color=796e9c]"Oh, I’m good. Thanks."[/color]

She made her way casually over to Jim, stopping beside his chair and tossing her discarded overshirt at his feet. [color=375a87]"I’m glad you came,"[/color] June murmured, running a hand over her skirt and trying not to fidget in place. [color=375a87]"I didn’t realize so many others would show up too, I’m sorry…will you get in the water with me? I can only go waist 
deep."[/color] She held up her injured arm, waving at the stitches with a sort of bored gesture. 

Jim looked up at June as she walked closer, his eyes naturally following the movement of her hands on her legs. He stared a little too long, his heart rate already increasing slightly. His eyes drifted up her form, landing on her face. She seemed nervous, maybe a bit irritated. His brow furrowed slightly at her request. She was planning on teasing him after all, or tormenting more like. [color=ed1c24]"Of course."[/color] Those were not the words he had planned on saying, but he always found it hard to say no to June of all people. Who could say no to a Wayne, after all?

June lit up like a kid in a candy store. [color=375a87]"Okay! I just have to…"[/color] she frowned down at her clothes, and then looked at Jim sheepishly. [color=375a87]"One second, okay?"[/color] She half turned, so she was standing with her back to the rest of the room, only truly facing Jim, and caught the hem of her tank top before tugging it up and off in a single, graceful movement. 

The purple lace of her bra hugged her curves perfectly, but what stood out sharply against her tanned skin was the harnesses that crossed over her waist. June paused, setting down her top before tugging not one, but six knives free from the harness. Each one was larger than the last, their edges wickedly sharp and curving at the ends. She set them down atop her tank top before her hand curled over her shoulder, and withdrew what appeared to be an all black machete from its spot along her spine. The metal was thin, flexible, but just as sharp as the other blades that she rested it beside. The harness unclipped, leaving her sides smooth and bare. 

Her skirt followed, the lace of her panties matching her bra perfectly, but just as before there were holsters and harnesses trapped along her hips and thighs. Her grin was a little too playful as she glanced down at Jim, hands sliding along the sides of her thighs to catch on the handles of two knives that had been nestled between her legs. [color=375a87]"I forgot I was wearing all of these."[/color] She lied smoothly, twisting on her heel so the thin line of her bottoms, or lack thereof, was directly in his face. She was, in fact, teasing him a little. [color=375a87]"Can you unclip me?"[/color] The clip to the lower harness was just below the curve of her asscheeks, still warm to the touch from when she’d been sitting not long ago. 

Jim knew how the game worked. June wanted him to look away bashfully, so she could poke and tease him for it later. In a foolish attempt to beat her at her game, he watched her remove her shirt. His eyes immediately shot to the weapons harnessed to her torso. He watched her remove the knives one by one, his eyes filled with surprise and a hint of admiration. She wasn’t the only one packing heat, even if he didn’t show it. Of course, his weapon was standing just around the corner of the building, keeping an eye on the perimeter. It took him until she removed the harness that he began to piece together what exactly she was doing.

Swimming in underwear was barbaric, something that only country folk and people like his sister would do. More importantly… why was she wearing a lace bra to their meeting? His eyes shifted to the other shirtless men already near the pool, and his heart sank. While watching her remove her skirt and remove even more hidden weapons, his stoic mask had slipped back on. And when she turned, giving him a nice view of her posterior, he was stone-faced. He did make sure to set his book down in his lap, however. [color=ed1c24]"Right… gotta put on a show.."[/color] He was rather quick, his hands a little rougher and less focused than he had intended. The backs of his knuckles brushed up against her cheeks. It took him a moment to get a good hold of the clip, his fingers pressing on the backs of her thighs as he finally unsnapped them. Even with his blank expression, his cheeks were burning a bright red hue that June had never seen before. His cold eyes quickly darted away.

Tobias leaned forward where he sat, resting his elbows on his knees to look down at the ripples floating around his shins. His right hand slowly fell to flick at the water mindlessly. There were some faint conversations happening around him but he didn’t hone in on them, not really being one for eavesdropping. But the familiar sing of metal caught his attention and he glanced over his shoulder toward June and the Stark kid. His brows furrowed as he noticed the plethora of harnesses and blades that were stashed on the woman. [i]Then[/i] he noticed the purple lingerie. He cleared his throat and immediately turned his attention forward. [color=796e9c]"Didn’t realize you were ready for war,"[/color] he commented, trying to make it a little less awkward.

He held up two fingers almost like he was expecting someone to place a cigarette between them. Instead his mind locked onto one of the metal blades and slowly willed it to float through the air until it nestled in the available crook. Surprised, he was expecting a standard blade but instead it was shaped like a bat. The branding might have been a little on the nose, but it looked cool. Based on the edges all being razor sharp he assumed they functioned like throwing stars or something. He tossed the little bat a foot or two in the air and caught it. The corners of his lips tugged downward with a nod, impressed at its balance. Curiosity having won out, he pinched the blade between his thumb and index finger, then hurled it at the privacy fence opposite him on the other side of the pool.

[color=796e9c]"Surprisingly accurate and aerodynamic,"[/color] he commented, slightly turning his head over his shoulder toward her without letting his gaze follow. Tobias held his palm out and willed the blade to dislodge from the fence, float over the pool and rest back with the rest of June’s weapons on her lounge chair. [color=796e9c]"Sorry in advance if I steal it in a fight."[/color] A little smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he turned his attention forward once again.

June was trying, very desperately, to not let her mind wander as she felt Jim’s rough and calloused fingers brush against the sensitive skin of her thighs. She’d asked for this, and in teasing Jim she’d inadvertently teased herself as well. She was, abruptly, all too happy that Imogen wasn’t back yet because there were several very indecent thoughts circulating in her brain about his fingers and other places he could…right. Her face was flushed, and she focused on setting aside the harness so she could start pulling her guns free from the holsters that tugged her thighs. 

[color=375a87]"I didn’t know how the meeting would go,"[/color] she was speaking to Tobias and Jim, but her eyes were focused on slipping her guns free. She handled the first one with ease, double checking the safety was on before she pulled out the ammunition, then pulled back the slide and discharged the remaining bullet in her free hand. June flipped the gun around easily, setting it aside before doing the same process with the next one, and then the next one…four pistols were laid out with military precision. She eyed them critically, before she slipped off the holster and set it aside. [color=375a87]"Feel free to use any of the weapons I have access to, my personal armory is a separate room on sub-level four."[/color] 

She raised one of her legs, resting her foot on the chair beside Jim, smiling down at the knife that was strapped daintily around her ankle. [color=375a87]"Could you?"[/color] She grinned at him, waiting until his focus was on her ankle and the strap there to slide her hand into her bra, her back to the rest of the room, and withdraw the six inch, curved knife that had been hugging the cusp of her breast. June set it down before Jim fully registered where she’d pulled it from, a brief expression of contemplation crossing her face as she considered her accumulation of weapons, reaching up to pull the two thin spikes that had been holding her hair into place free as well. [color=375a87]"That’s everything, probably."[/color] She said cheerfully. 

[color=796e9c]"Thanks. But,"[/color] Tobias began as he cupped his hands together in his lap. [color=796e9c]"I don’t really [i]use[/i] weapons. I just… Kind of take what I need from what’s available at the time. There’s usually metal [i]somewhere.[/i]... Or in someone’s blood."[/color] His voice trailed off to barely a whisper at the morbid thought. He didn’t want to be like his dad, if he could help it. But something in his gut told him that desperate times were around the corner that could ask more of him than he was ready to give.

A low whistle carried across the pool, and June’s body tensed beside Jim as she recognized who exactly the noise came from. Luke was lingering near Magni, but his eyes were set on her body with an appreciative expression. She shrunk in on herself some, eyes darting to meet Jim’s. He would see the exact moment she made up her mind, hand darting down to scoop up his book before she, as gently as possible, settled down right into his lap. Her arm curled around his shoulder, the side of her body pressing against his chest as she settled there with the slightest air of possessiveness. Juniper didn’t look at Luke, didn’t acknowledge it, but her voice was a little sharper than she’d meant it to be when she spoke to Jim next. [color=375a87]"Put your arm around my waist, and one of your hands on my thigh."[/color] Her voice was little more than a whisper, but it was demanding in a way Jim wasn’t likely used to. 

The gravity of June’s voice had spurned Jim into action. He did as he was asked. His right hand immediately lifted up to hold June’s waist, his left curled around the back of June’s thigh to hold her in place. He let out a shaky breath, getting the memo. He wasn’t exactly the fighting type, but June had set up precisely how she wanted to be defended. He looked up towards his face, trying not to think about how close her chest was to his mouth. His lower half was far more honest about how he was feeling, much to his horror. Yet, he put in the tightest smile he possibly could and choked out a small apology. [color=ed1c24]"I’m sorry… not used to this."[/color] He needed to diffuse the rising tension, and needed to think about anything other than how little she was wearing. Humor… humor always helped. [color=ed1c24]"You know… you’re gonna start giving me the wrong idea too if you keep teasing me like this."[/color] His smile was a little more genuine as he turned his gaze back across the pool.

There was a second where June didn’t register what it was she was feeling against her thighs, but once it clicked warmth flooded her body and she had to work very hard not to squirm in Jim’s lap. She’d chosen this position, no one would hear her complain about the results of it, but she suddenly found herself wishing they were alone instead of surrounded by others. There were a few errant ideas on how she’d rather be sitting right now, and none of them involved keeping her legs shut. [color=375a87]"Maybe that’s what I want."[/color] She spoke before she could stop herself, eyes flickering from Jim’s to his lips and then back to the pool. [color=375a87]"I’m not teasing you, Jim. I–I mean, this is…"[/color] she did squirm then, just a little, the slightest wiggle in his lap until she was reminded of why she ought to be sitting still. The blush crawled its way down her chest, and she very pointedly stayed still after that. [color=375a87]"This is nice."[/color]

Jim blushed, his eyes going wide as he made eye contact with June. His mind travelled a mile a minute as he processed a few basic words. No, no… she wasn’t into him. That wasn’t it. They were childhood friends. She was right, she wasn’t even teasing him. He was just being gross. She probably didn’t mean to say she wanted him to think she was being flirtatious, she just wanted to joke around like they did whenever they saw each other growing up. Of course. If he was honest with himself, it was nice to have someone on his wavelength again. Someone who he could trust to help him keep the Tower up and running, but wasn’t constantly down his throat. So, Jim just nodded at her words. His response was brief, but filled with a stoic sincerity. [color=ed1c24]"It is nice having you around. I don’t think I could do this without you."[/color]

June’s mouth fell open for a second, surprise fluttering across her face and then her smile turned into something soft and vulnerable. Jim was…oblivous, but it doesn’t surprise her too much. He’d always been a little on the clueless side when it came to how other people felt toward him, but it didn’t change the fact that he meant well. She squeezed his shoulder, tempted to rest her head there but fighting her demons on it. [color=375a87]"I’d be lost without you here."[/color] She admitted quietly, looking down at the weapons she’d piled up in the seat beside them. Lost, but not helpless. Jim was like a rock, he kept her steady through everything, as long as he was here the new team didn’t seem quite as daunting. 

She considered telling him about her plans then, about the fail safes she’d set up in the system during her stress test. About how she’d hacked through J.A.R.V.I.S and H.E.L.E.N until she knew their defense systems inside and out, and had improved them tenfold as a simple paranoid precaution. June, for a split second, considered telling Jim about her ultimate trump card, about her last resort if they couldn’t get any leads on their fathers. Her free hand drifted up toward the stitches, eyes growing distant as more and more plans rose up in response to her train of thought. She relied a little too heavily, in that moment, on the fact that Imogen was likely too far away to listen in on her thoughts. That plan was a last resort, and it was one no one would know about until it [i]happened.[/i] If it happened, she wasn’t that desperate quite yet. 

The abrupt movement seemed to dissuade Luke almost instantly, the man’s face twisting into one of utter confusion. At least with Tobias he could understand, the other man was undeniably attractive, but Stark was just…he shook his head, and turned toward Magni. June shot an apologetic look toward Tobias once she’d gotten settled, cheeks flushed. Jim was going to kill her later. 

[color=995749]"Those pants are a little tight for swimming, aren’t they Magni?"[/color] Luke’s voice carried across the pool, and June relaxed a touch more as she realized his attention was fully off of them.

Magni smiled broadly, his own chuckle echoing about the space with ease. He looked down, just now seeming to realize how tight his under-clothing had been. He shrugged his shoulders. [color=00aeef]"’Tis more than I would deem desirable. I oft prefer to wear nothing when engaging in a leisurely swim, but I do recall how prudish thy customs are."[/color] He turned himself around and let himself hang by his shoulders at the edge of the pool, submerging his lower half in the water as he looked up towards Luke, and then across towards June. [color=00aeef]"I thought it was Midgardian custom to have special attire for a dip… Has that changed so quickly?"[/color]

[color=995749]"Well, I wouldn’t complain."[/color] Luke grinned at Magni, stretching muscled arms back to stretch them out. It had been a long drive to get to the tower, the cool water felt refreshing, all he needed now was a drink. His gaze followed Magni’s toward June, smile flattering some. 

Lucian wasn’t used to being denied something he’d clearly wanted, even back at the Academy he’d landed Imogen of all people. He’d wanted to be able to notch off both Wayne’s, it would have been immensely satisfying for his ego, but there she was saddled up with the skinny twink Stark. Maybe, in due time, he could change her mind. Luke turned, refocusing on the Asgardian. [color=995749]"They usually do, though it’s not law. I’d imagine women like Frost and Wayne care less about what they’re wearing, and more about the experience."[/color] He chuckled, dunking his head beneath the water for a moment simply so he could feel fully refreshed.

Magni raised an eyebrow, turning his gaze back towards Luke. He caught onto the flirting this time, but opted not to say anything. His thoughts were still on a prize, and a small smile pulled at the corner of his lips. [color=00aeef]"I would not be so certain of that… Imogen and Lady Wayne do seem like the sort to care for what they wear."[/color] He chuckled slightly to himself, tapping Luke on the shoulder playfully. [color=00aeef]"Though judging by the armaments born, I would be wary of approaching a woman clothed around these grounds… unless ye hath a fondness for skewering."[/color] He motioned in June's direction and let loose a bellowing laugh. 

Luke laughed alongside him, it was a fair observation. The sheer amount of weapons June had stashed on her person had been a little startling, and he found himself wondering if she slept with knives strapped to her. He grinned a Magni, lighthearted and clearly unable to take a hint. [color=995749]"I’m never opposed to skewering."[/color]

Imogen was still in the lounge and sitting on a barstool. The empty pitcher and glass were sitting on the counter beside her as she stared down at the illuminated screen in the bar. While she knew she was just going to get a refill for herself, she didn’t have a clue what to get Magni. It honestly should have been a no brainer, pick a beer… any beer, and he would have been content. But Imogen being the type of woman who put a lot of pride in the gifts she got for others, no matter how small, couldn’t settle for a miscellaneous beer. It just… wasn’t her. And [i]maybe[/i] there was a part of her that wanted to surprise him. [i]But that wasn’t the point.[/i]

She spent the better part of ten minutes scrolling through every beer, lager, IPA, and mead until something caught her eye. It was a European brand she couldn’t pronounce even if she wanted to. It was a red mead, which she didn’t even know existed. But as she read the flavor profile it mentioned being a honeyed [i]cherry[/i] mead. That piqued her interest. Perhaps it was a little cheesy, but she thought of the cherries in her own cocktail and the one she shared with him back at the pool. For a moment her thoughts drifted to Magni’s lips grazing her fingers and… [i]Stop it, Imogen.[/i] She cleared her throat and chose it before she could talk herself out of it. Either way, she highly doubted Magni would even notice beyond the red color. 

After choosing another Rob Roy, the empty martini glass and pitcher dipped beneath the counter. A minute or so later, the hatch opened up returning them full to the brim with their intended drink. Imogen scooped both of them up and made her way back to the pool. This time she had to be a little slower and careful where she stepped. All she needed was to wipe out slipping on the water she trailed into the tower in the first place. At the end of the hall she turned her back to the door and pushed it open with a little thrust of her hips. 

She got about two feet through the door and was stopped dead in her tracks by the sight of June getting [i]very[/i] comfortable in Jim’s lap. Reflexively, Imogen shut down her telepathy, withdrawing her psionic tendrils before she got a glimpse into anything she definitely didn’t want to see… or hear. Her gaze flitted between the both of them with pursed lips and a knowing expression, but she didn’t say anything. Her attention shifted over to the pool where she saw Magni still waiting. The corners of her mouth tugged upwards and her mask began to fall until she saw Luke lounging in the water beside him. Her heart sank. Imogen had to force her smile to stay in place. She was already visible by… well, everyone, so there was no leaving either. A soft sigh slipped from her lips as she steeled her nerves and made her way towards them. The last thing she wanted to deal with was Luke, let alone Luke while she was also getting the opportunity to spend time with Magni. It all fucking sucked. Whatever hopes she had of relaxing slipped out with the ocean’s tide. There was absolutely no way she was going to be comfortable. She could already feel the tension slipping back into her shoulders. 

When she reached the side of the pool her gaze fell to Magni, probably the only time she’d ever stand taller than him. [color=a8f9ff]"Back,"[/color] she spoke softly but her words were missing the faint bit of flirty edge they had before. She leaned over and set down both of their drinks in front of him without any flare or exaggerated movements to entice his gaze. Her feet carried her up to the edge of the pool beside her drink which let Magni’s dominating presence fill the space between her and Luke. She lowered herself to sit on the side and let her feet slip into the water, but she didn’t get in. Originally she had some grand plan to ask for the Asgardian’s help getting back in as well, but the thought ran away along with her lighter mood.

The second Imogen had stepped out, Magni's attention had shifted only to her like a pointing dog. His smile widened into an ear to ear grin. Seeing her beautiful strut with two drinks in hand, it was just about all he could ask for. However, her smile was different. She hesitated, pausing before continuing down towards them. She gave a single word to him as she returned, and sat down without any more fanfare or flirting. He was confused. He hadn't done anything since she had left. The boys had arrived, along with a different couple. Was she upset that he had invited others? That's the only thing that made sense to him.

Magni placed his left hand on her knee, careful not to touch any higher than that. His thumb stroked the side of it softly, while he turned his entire head towards her. His brows were knot in a somewhat serious expression. He put his feet back under him so he did not slip under the water, and lifted his right hand to tap his forehead. It was about as subtle as he could be in asking her to read his thoughts. [color=00aeef][i]Had I known thou did not wish for more company, I would not have invited others. I am sorry.[/i][/color] The apology was simple enough, and delivered with as much sincerity a thought could. Knowing that he should at least say something, he spoke. [color=00aeef]"I appreciate thy aid in attaining a beverage. Thou hast earned a boon, at thy leisure."[/color] He tried to keep an upbeat smile, attempting to put on the same show she was.

Feeling his concerned touch against her knee drew a faint, but more sincere smile from her. Imogen’s hand shifted to rest on top of his as gentle reassurance. When he gestured for her to slip into his mind she slowly dropped the walls and let him back in, hoping June and Jim’s thoughts stayed… [i]Silent.[/i] Her head tilted slightly as she held his gaze. She was surprised at how perceptive he was and the way he sought to lighten her mood. [color=a8f9ff][i]You don’t need to apologize,[/i][/color] her mind spoke into his softly with a comforting tenderness. [color=a8f9ff][i]I was selfishly enjoying having you to myself,[/i][/color] she confessed with the privacy of his mind while the corner of her mouth tugged faintly into something warmer. 

[color=a8f9ff]"I hope you like it,"[/color] she replied to him with words rather than thoughts. While Imogen couldn’t fully let herself slip back into the comfort they had in private before, she did her best to find a happy middle so the moment wasn’t ruined entirely. [color=a8f9ff]"I spent [i]way[/i] too long trying to decide."[/color] She then, hesitantly, held out her hands toward him once again, this time asking silently for assistance slipping back into the pool.

[color=00aeef]"I am interested to discover what thou has selected for me."[/color] He stood up and circled around towards Imogen's front, his hand remaining on her knee. Once in front of her, he slid his left hand up her outer thigh until he was holding her by the hip, placing his right hand on the other side. It took no effort at all to lift her up off the ground, a brief thought of just hoisting her over his shoulder and carrying her off lingering in his thoughts as he took a step back with her in his arms. He let her extend her legs downward so he could lower her back into the water, squatting to help keep her level on the way down. Once she was standing in the pool, he began to stand up while taking a step towards her. His hands lingered at her waist, his fingers tracing up towards the band of fabric. He smiled down at her, a small twinkle in his eye. [color=00aeef][i]Thou can have me all to thineself at any time. Just issue the order, and I will follow thee.[/i][/color] His thoughts shifted to their game of silent flirting, curious to see what her reaction could be.

Imogen’s hands rested on his shoulders as he lowered her into the water. Her heart quickly returned to the elevated state from the glint in his eyes and the electricity he sent along her skin from a single touch. [color=a8f9ff][i]Good things come to those who wait,[/i][/color] she teased, even through the wisps of thoughts her voice purred within his mind. While his hand still remained on her waist, she turned around to get her drink, letting his fingers brush along her skin wherever he pleased. With the stem of the glass pinched between her fingers, she leaned her forearms against the side of the pool and finally let her gaze drift over to Luke. [color=a8f9ff]"It’s been awhile. You’ve changed."[/color]

Luke was relaxed as he observed their interaction, knowing instantly that he was barking up the wrong tree if he made a move on either of them. He couldn’t remember them being close back at the Academy…but he’d left long before the others, and time had a funny way of changing people and their relationships. He offered a genuine smile to Imogen, running a hand through his wet hair. His tattoos were a stark contrast against his pale skin, black ink telling a story in their own ways, but when Lucian turned ever so slightly to the side it was the scars that lined his back that would have been the biggest change about him to those he once knew. 

Each one was done with surgical precision, neat lines of raised skin that lined his back in little rows. There was a fresh one on the edge of his shoulder blade, red and angry looking but Luke appeared unbothered by the pain of having it soak in chlorine. [color=995749]"We all have,"[/color] he said smoothly, turning toward where he’d left his bag. His phone was ringing quietly across the pool, and he sighed. [color=995749]"Work never stops, even when I’m on sabbatical, excuse me."[/color] Luke turned away from them, his plans for a relaxing evening at the pool falling to the wayside as he hefted himself over the edge and out of the water. The muscles in his arms and back flexed with the movement, and they could see that the scars ended just above the hem of his boxers, there looked to be about forty six marks in total.

Magni's eyes lingered on Luke as he turned to leave, briefly thinking through the possibilities of what they could mean. He did not think for long, however, as his fingers were too busy lightly squeezing Imogen's exposed rear. He was a little disappointed to see Luke leave so soon, but Imogen had gotten her wish, in a way. Magni smiled as he leaned forward, no longer feeling the need to speak only in his mind. [color=00aeef]"Thou has gotten thy wish… Or perhaps thou wast seeking further privacy?"[/color] His tone was a bit deeper than before, his words stirring from deep within his core. He kept things to a whisper, inching ever so slightly to Imogen as he spoke. Before she knew it, he was pressed up against her back. His chest grazed her shoulders. He slid both his hands up to the wall of the pool, pinning her in. He pressed himself against her lower back, a clear heat running down from her spine to her left cheek. [color=00aeef]"I must inform thee… whilst my intentions are to treat thee with great respect and honor…"[/color] He leaned in closer, his hot breath brushing across her ear as he spoke. [color=00aeef]"Gods do not wait long."[/color] He let the words linger while his left hand reached out for his pitcher, lifting the glass to his lips to get a good, long taste of what she had prepared for him.

A heat radiated from Imogen’s core and danced along her skin in anticipation as Magni began closing the space between them. Her body tensed as she felt his bare chest brush against her exposed back. Her gaze locked onto his hand as he pressed it against the side of the pool and pinned her in place. Something quiet and imperceivable, like the whisper of a moan escaped her lips as she felt all of him pressed against her. She turned her head slightly to the side, hiding her face from everyone else at the pool while simultaneously letting her glance up at him over her shoulder. The warmth of his breath tickled her ear and sent a chill down her spine. [color=a8f9ff]"I’m worth waiting for,"[/color] she purred as she looked up at him from beneath her long eyelashes. 

While Magni reached for the pitcher, Imogen grabbed her own drink. Rather than sipping it delicately, as intended, she brought the brim to her lips and drank every drop. After setting the empty glass down, she picked up the garnish and pulled the cherries off all at once with a drag of her teeth along the toothpick. She waited until he had gotten a taste for his drink, then subtly pressed her hips back into him as she spoke. [color=a8f9ff]"How does it taste?"[/color]

A smile formed on his lips as he got the first taste of the beverage she had chosen. The taste of cherry was rather strong, but a little less delicious than the ones she had fed him. The gesture, though, warmed his chest… or maybe it was the alcohol. Either way, he gulped down a few mouthfuls, letting the taste settle in. Her question nearly elicited a basic response, but her gesture had silenced any words he would have spoken. It was well-evident that he liked the move. A devilish grin formed on his lips, his eyes closing for a second as he restrained himself slightly. He didn’t exactly care about civility anymore. [color=00aeef]"I’ll show you."[/color] He quickly lifted the pitcher up and took a bit of the red mead into his mouth. He made sure to coat his tongue with it before swallowing the contents. Without another word, he set the glass down and reached up to hold Imogen’s chin. He leaned in, pressing his mouth against hers for a passionate kiss. His tongue brushed up against her lips, requesting entrance so she could get a taste for the drink she had gotten him.

Imogen’s heart skipped a beat as she registered the meaning from the deep words that resonated from him. Her body yielded to the gentle guidance of his hand on her chin. Her back arched, hips pressing more firmly into him as her head tilted back. When Magni kissed her the rest of the world melted away and all that mattered was him. The tease of his tongue eased her lips apart allowing her to taste the hint of cherry mead that lingered in his mouth. Her right hand reached up and hooked around the back of his neck while her fingers entangled themselves in his golden locks. Heavy breaths mingled in the brief moments their lips parted before she deepened the kiss, hungrily caressing his tongue with her own. 

[color=796e9c]"I see Magni hasn’t changed,"[/color] Tobias muttered under his breath to no one in particular. He pressed the palms of his hands together and pinned them between his knees. He opted to keep his gaze focused on the tapping of his thumbs together rather than anything else. There wasn’t a safe place to look or person to talk to. His choices were between Luke’s lecherous gaze and advances, June sitting on the stark kid in revealing lingerie or Magni making out with Imogen who [i]also[/i] wore revealing lingerie. The whole scene made a forgotten pang of loneliness pinch in his chest. He no longer had Helena to confide in and had been without romantic companionship even longer. A soft sigh escaped his lips as he moved his hands to hold the edge of the pool on either side of his thighs. Tobias had no desire in being a third or fifth or whatever number wheel. He chewed on the inside of his cheek. [i]Would it be rude if he left?[/i]

June had glanced once toward Imogen and Magni, and then quickly twisted around so she was 90% of Jim’s gaze. She didn’t want him to catch sight of what his sister was doing over there and decide to leave before she’d even gotten a chance to get into the pool with him. Luke moved to the furthest side of the space to answer his call, voice so soft and muffled that she couldn’t discern any of what he was saying, nor did she care to. [color=375a87]"What was the academy like?"[/color] She asked Tobias, a little louder than she usually would, desperately trying to distract them all.

Jim got a single glance of his sister getting manhandled by a god before his vision had been entirely replaced by June's chest. His cheeks were red, and he quickly looked off to the side. He fetched his book with his left hand, figuring June could balance herself well enough without more help. His right hand clung to her side tightly just to be safe. His hand was poised awkwardly, but years of reading while eating had made it feel like second nature to him. He disengaged from the conversation, his mind desperately trying to focus on the short story so he did not have to think about what his sister was up to or June's body pressed against him.

Tobias was caught off guard by the loud question. He turned his head slightly to look back over his shoulder toward June but let his gaze focus on some spot on the ground. [color=796e9c]"Um…"[/color] His brows tugged together as he tried to find the answer. Helena had asked him multiple times before and still he found it hard to describe beyond college [i]for superheroes.[/i] His hand raised to rub the back of his neck. [color=796e9c]"A lot of training… A lot of that,"[/color] he added as he motioned his other hand toward Magni. His expression not showing a single ounce of surprise like he had grown used to it a decade ago. 

[color=375a87]"Do you feel like the academy prepared you for…"[/color] she waved vaguely around them, clearly not indicating toward the scene at the pool but rather why they were all there to begin with. [color=375a87]"All of this?"[/color] June found herself relaxing against Jim, the moment of tense awkwardness after she’d slipped seamlessly into his lap passing just as quickly as it came. She knew, logically, she ought not to be so comfortable perched where she was, but he was warm and made for a surprisingly good seat even if being so close to him, smelling the musk of his aftershave, made her stomach flutter. [color=375a87]"Art school didn’t prepare me for any of this."[/color] 

[color=796e9c]"I don’t know if I’m the best person to ask,"[/color] Tobias admitted, hesitantly looking back over his shoulder toward her. [color=796e9c]"I learned most of what I know from my dad… Before I came."[/color] He pursed his lips a bit in thought. [color=796e9c]"The academy gave me friends though. Showed me that strength can from other places than just power and fear."[/color] The corner of his mouth tugged to the side, not really a smile but not a frown either. Magneto’s way of teaching often involved being the strongest and most powerful person in the room. Demand respect and fealty through fear and control. The academy taught him there were better ways to make bonds, stronger bonds that lasted and could withstand more than fear. 

[color=375a87]"I learned everything from my dad, too."[/color] June admitted this softly, voice just loud enough for Tobias to hear her from where he sat. She looked guilty and uncomfortable for admitting it, well aware the way they’d both learnt everything they knew likely varied drastically. [color=375a87]"I know it’s not the same, sorry. I also don’t–I mean, I’m not used to working in a team. We’re usually a little too paranoid for that."[/color] And this didn’t change anything, she was still too paranoid to trust her team fully, that’s why she had failsafe upon failsafe. Her smile twisted into something grim and determined, because no matter how paranoid they had been it hadn’t saved them from disappearing. It would be different for June, though. If she vanished, she refused to let it be without a trace. [color=375a87]"I’ll get used to it, making new friends is…fun."[/color] 

[color=796e9c]"It’s fine,"[/color] Tobias replied quietly as his gaze fell to his hands resting in his lap. It was no secret how differently his life was compared to others. He imagined Bruce Wayne was a far more loving and attentive father. He couldn’t even begin to understand what that felt like. But he had his mom. She filled all the spaces where Magneto failed… Which was most of them. [color=796e9c]"I suggest letting an extrovert adopt you,"[/color] he added with a slightly annoyed expression as he pointed at Magni still deep in Imogen’s throat. [color=796e9c]"It’s easier that way."[/color]

June raised a hand, keeping the book up and over Jim’s face and very notably not looking toward Imogen and Magni. [color=375a87]"I don’t know if I’m the type of person extroverts adopt,"[/color] she laughed, pointer finger tapping at the edge of the book's cover. Did Imogen fit the bill of an extrovert? Probably, her and Magni would be menaces if they ended up together, no one would know peace. [color=375a87]"I’ve been told I’m a little prickly, like a cactus."[/color] Jim’s chest was warm against her arm, the heat seeping into her side, and she only narrowly avoided the intrusive thought to rub a hand over his stomach just to see his reaction. June was behaving, someone around here had to. [color=375a87]"Jim, believe it or not, is the more social of the two of us. I just fake it until I make it."[/color] 

Jim raised an eyebrow, his eyes still glued to his book for his own sake. He turned a page with his thumb, shaking his head slightly. He had been listening, but he had been trying to stay silent for everyone's sake. June's prodding urged him into action. [color=ed1c24]"I don't think lying to him is setting a good example."[/color] Jim's eyes darted up towards June's face, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. [color=ed1c24]"If you're the prickly one, I really don't want to know what people say about me."[/color] He angled his book slightly to look towards Tobias, giving him a little nod in acknowledgement. [color=ed1c24]"It's good to have some fresh eyes on things. Just stick with bending metal spoons and not my suit and we should be fine."[/color] He looked back towards June, smirk still present. He had a reputation to uphold, and June wasn't going to mess with that.

[color=796e9c]"I could venture a guess,"[/color] Tobias replied, commenting about what people said about Jim. Given how their meeting went earlier he doubted it was anything good. Arrogant, peacocking, asshole… to name a few. He met the man’s gaze and gave him a similar nod. [color=796e9c]"I’ve graduated from spoons but your suit is safe. No promises if you piss me off,"[/color] he added with a weak chuckle. Honestly most of the ways Tobias could be pissed off were either missing or back on Genosha. He highly doubted Stark could do anything to piss him off. Although he seemed to have a knack for it… So perhaps he was speaking too soon. 

He slowly swung his legs through the cool water. [color=796e9c]"I think we’re lacking a bit in the extrovert category… If you ignore the lecherous ones."[/color]

June couldn’t help but to grin at Jim, but her smile twisted some as Tobias finished talking. Her eyes snapped toward the other man, and then toward the sky, a hum leaving her throat. She was certain it was meant as a joke, an attempt to remain lighthearted, but…she was a Wayne, and Wayne’s were paranoid bastards. Her mental track shifted, like she was sorting through files in a cabinet, and she added a mental note to come up with a fail safe for Tobias first and foremost. The brief but graphic imagery of Jim in a twisted and gnarled metal suit left her with a jumping pulse and weak knees; she'd sooner die than see that happen. 

[color=375a87]"We have more than one? I don’t know if I can withstand more than one guy being vaguely creepy on the team."[/color] Her eyes slid toward Luke, who looked as if his phone conversation wasn’t going in his favor. His face was tight and drawn, skin paler than it had been a few minutes before, and tension lined his shoulders. Her eyes lingered on the scars, head tilting ever so slightly as she noted how they were clearly self-inflicted and precise. [color=375a87]"What do you think those represent?"[/color] Her voice was more mellow, a touch of apprehension in her tone. It took a certain kind of dedication to inflict wounds you know would scar in such a way. 

[color=796e9c]"Well, Magni counts for like five if his appetites haven’t changed since his academy days,"[/color] he added with a little more seriousness than levity in his voice. Tobias’s gaze followed June’s to Luke’s back. The precise methodic tally marks made his blood run cold. He hadn’t noticed them before, probably because he was trying his best not to give the man more ammunition to come after him. He needed a break. [color=796e9c]"Kills, probably."[/color] The words slipped out before he could filter his thoughts. His face tensed slightly as he looked away. He had seen guys with similar shit in the Brotherhood. It could be nothing, but it struck a cord with him that left Tobias a little uneasy. [color=796e9c]"I’m probably being dramatic. Likely fallen comrades or something,"[/color] he glossed over his first thought, trying to convince himself as much as June and Jim.

Jim gave Luke a quick glance from afar, his eyes lingering on the scars. Fallen comrades seemed like the most obvious option. Luke didn't seem like a crazed Gotham serial killer, so confirmed executions seemed unlikely. But given the patterns, another idea came to mind. He shrugged, turning the page as he looked back to his book. [color=ed1c24]"Probably lost a fight with a cheese grater… maybe the offspring of that mustard guy your dad used to beat up."[/color] While he didn't look in June's direction, the barb at Batman's more eclectic villain was clear. If Luke lost to the child of the Condiment King, he wouldn't be much help around here.

June hummed, eyes moving back to the sky. It seemed unlikely that it represented his kills, though Tobias had voiced her first instinct. Luke, as sleazy as he was, didn’t seem to have the fortitude for that. It was probably fallen comrades, and he probably used it as a gross sympathizer to sleep with people. She snorted at Jim’s theory, rolling her eyes fondly. [color=375a87]"I’m pretty sure the Condiment King is the only one Alfred truly hates,"[/color] she mock shuddered, face brightening with her amusement. [color=375a87]"The stains were [i]everywhere.[/i]"[/color]

It felt better, joking between the three of them than focusing on the heavy. It was a weak coping mechanism, they all likely knew it, but it was a nice breath nonetheless. Tomorrow, they’d have to focus on everything else, but June found herself willing to give up the edges of her night to this. 

Lucian’s phone shut, and he moved back toward the pool. Unfortunately for June, who had just started to relax, when he spoke next his voice carried to them all. [color=995749]"My informant at the I.H.A. just let me know, another hero disappeared today."[/color] His voice was hard, but there was an undertone of fear there that was undeniable. June realized that Luke likely worked closely with the people going missing, and that each one probably felt like a personal failure on his part, just as her brother and father going missing had felt like one for her. [color=995749]"Iceman was taken from his home, about an hour ago. They only found what was left…"[/color] The man shook his head, and looked toward the ocean. He looked like he was thinking about leaving, and it was the meaner part of June that he wished he would.

The snap of Luke’s phone shutting sent a jolt through Imogen and immediately erased the rose tinted clouds around her. She broke the kiss, pulling back just enough to look up into Magni’s eyes as her hand slowly slipped from his hair. She didn’t want to stop. That was actually the [i]last[/i] thing she wanted to do but she was trying not to be rude, and trying desperately to find a thread of reservations within her so she didn’t fall into Magni’s bed and become the exact thing she didn’t want to be… a conquest. The tip of her tongue flicked along her bottom lip, the faint taste of cherry still lingering on her skin. Her breaths were heavy, flushed chest rising and falling before she finally managed to peel her gaze from his. 

Luke’s news was terrible. She had met Bobby Drake. Imogen didn’t know him as well as her mom did but that didn’t make it any easier. She needed to focus but her mind was racing with thoughts plagued by Magni, the softness of his lips, taste of his tongue, the roughness of his calloused fingers against her skin. [i]Fuck.[/i] Imogen immediately submerged herself into the water hoping to cool herself off. She resurfaced with a deep exhale as she pushed her wet hair back from her face. [color=a8f9ff]"Where was he taken?"[/color] she asked, filling the silence as she pressed her palms against the edge of the pool. 

Luke shifted, looking horribly uncomfortable and it had nothing to do with the fact that Imogen and Magni were just making out in front of everyone. [color=995749]"It’s classified,"[/color] he glanced around at them all, and then shrugged in a sort of helpless way. [color=995749]"[i]But[/i] he lived in Westchester County, New York. Looks like he was planning to head here, but…"[/color] Luke sighed, and his hands curled into fists. The metal of his phone creaked in protest, and he lessened his grip some. [color=995749]"They found his wife dead. No sign of their daughter yet, doesn’t look like she was taken when Bobby was."[/color]

[color=a8f9ff]"[i]Classified,[/i]"[/color] she repeated under her breath with a shake of her head. Imogen didn’t know what was more frustrating that heroes keep disappearing or that the I.H.A. didn’t share any information. Her head fell slightly as she strummed her fingers against the trim of the pool. [color=a8f9ff]"Thanks… For telling us."[/color] She didn’t look up, her soft words echoing off the water’s surface back up to her like a mocking whisper.

Magni had shifted himself the second Luke had approached with grave news. His eyes had narrowed, studying the man's expression as he leaned against the pool himself. He had slipped between Imogen and Luke subconsciously, chewing on his inner cheek as he stewed in his thoughts. They were all getting picked off one by one, and now families were in danger. He was going to need to contact his brother and his mother soon. And yet, despite the gravity, Magni's face was mostly unchanged. There would be more death to follow, surely, but the fate of warriors was known and pleasant. They would save who they could, punish those who caused great harm, and the story would be sung in the halls of Valhalla. He reached for his pitcher again, wordlessly downing over half the glass in a few gulps before setting it down again.

Tobias's gaze slowly drifted over to Luke. Whatever levity had been floating amongst them was snuffed with a few words. So it was no longer just kidnappings, they were killing families too? The thought sent a chill down his spine. How the fuck could he sit around a pool relaxing when more of that shit was happening? It wasn't helping Helena. It didn't help Iceman and his family either. Without a word, he slipped his legs out of the water and got to his feet. He walked over to the lounge chair where his belongings rested and began collecting his things. He threw his bag over his good shoulder, tucked his shoes under his arm, and slipped his fingers through the eye slits of the helmet. [color=796e9c]"I'll… see everyone in the morning,"[/color] he said to no one in particular. His voice sounded distant and strained like he wore the burden of every disappearance on his shoulders. Tobias didn't meet anyone's gaze as he made his way to the door and vanished inside the tower.

The announcement had a similar effect on June, her face closed off, body going rigid as her own sense of guilt began to fill the spaces between her bones. She was lounging in Jim’s lap at the pool while families were being murdered, and it could happen to any of them who had remaining family left. The idea of her mom shot and dead simply so someone could have gotten to her dad and brother made her feel sick. She squeezed Jim’s shoulder softly, giving him a sad look before she pushed herself out of his lap and began to pick up all her weapons. 

[color=375a87]"I should go too, I have…you know, that appointment in Gotham."[/color] She glanced between Imogen and Jim, face drawn tight so not even a fraction of her hurt was visible. She handled her armful of weapons with great care, not fumbling even a little as she swept them up in her skirt and headed for the door without another word. Jim took that as his own cue, waiting a moment to calm down before he too gathered up his book and towel and made back for the tower. He did his best to avoid looking at his sister and her new toy as he did so. 

Luke sighed, rubbing a hand across the stubble of his chin. [color=995749]"Sorry to kill the mood, guys."[/color] He glanced apologetically at Magni and Imogen. [color=995749]"I didn’t want to keep it from you all, you would have heard about it in the morning anyways…I should go too, I guess. Someone has to alert Bobby’s next of kin, and we need to find his daughter."[/color] He shrugged helplessly, clearly work never did stop for him.

[color=a8f9ff]"No,"[/color] Imogen sighed softly as she rubbed the back of her neck. [color=a8f9ff]"I appreciate it. I’d rather not learn [i]everything[/i] from the news."[/color] While her annoyance wasn’t directed at Luke, there was still a subtle sharpness to her words. She went to grab her drink and brought the glass halfway to her lips only to notice it was empty. She completely forgot. [color=a8f9ff]"Damn,"[/color] she whispered to herself. [color=a8f9ff]"It’s fine, Luke,"[/color] she added, trying to sound more sincere. [color=a8f9ff]"We all know why we’re here. I can’t speak for everyone else but… I think we just feel guilty for [i]living[/i]."[/color] She shrugged.

Magni nodded to Luke, only a little frustrated from the interruption. His news was, nonetheless, important. Out of everyone gathered, the son of the great Captain America was the best option to console what family remained. [color=00aeef]"I wish thee safety in thy cause, Lucian, and I do appreciate thy ill tidings. Do well not to count thyself among the missing… we shall need all the allies we can avail ourselves of."[/color] He lifted his pitcher to his lips yet again, downing the rest of the contents. It was improper to let thy cups be full when remembering the dead, lest their memory be dishonored.

Luke nodded to both of them, grabbing his bag and discarded clothes, turning to follow the others out of the pool area. His phone was already back in his hand, dialing someone he had on speed dial as he strode away. It would be a long night for many of them, he was sure.[/color][/justify][/indent][/indent][/indent][/indent]

[center][sup][img]https://i.imgur.com/9qIY4OK.jpeg[/img]
[color=808080][b]interactions[/b] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c]....[/color] tobias, june, jim, luke, magni & imogen [color=2e2c2c]...............[/color] [b]mentions[/b] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c]....[/color] none [color=2e2c2c]...............[/color] [b]collabs[/b] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c]....[/color] [@webboysurf] [@Sleepy Tani][/color]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/9qIY4OK.jpeg[/img][/sup][/center]