[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/iz2aiqF.jpeg[/img]

[sup][img]https://i.imgur.com/9qIY4OK.jpeg[/img]
[color=a8f9ff][b]#a8f9ff[/b][/color] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c].....[/color] [color=808080][b]prism[/b][/color] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c].....[/color] [url=https://imgur.com/G18buhV][color=808080][b]outfit[/b][/color][/url] [color=2e2c2c].....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c].....[/color] [color=808080][b]descendant tower[/b][/color] [color=2e2c2c].........................................[/color] [color=00aeef][b]#00aeef[/b][/color] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c].....[/color] [url=https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/0198967d-1a17-74f6-8cfa-40da92e7e1c5.webp][color=808080][b]outfit[/b][/color][/url] [color=2e2c2c].....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c].....[/color] [color=808080][b]descendant tower[/b][/color] [color=2e2c2c]..............[/color]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/9qIY4OK.jpeg[/img][/sup][/center]

[indent][indent][indent][indent][justify][color=808080]Imogen sighed, rested her forearms against the edge of the pool and laced her fingers together. She watched as Luke left, waiting until the door closed behind him… and then waited a bit longer. Her head fell slightly, staring at the pebbled coloring of the pavement that surrounded the pool. [color=a8f9ff]"That wasn’t exactly what I meant when I said I wanted you alone."[/color] There was a soft laugh that followed her words but it was forced and a bit forlorn. [color=a8f9ff]"You don’t have to stay because of me."[/color] Her quiet voice sounded almost like a shout in the silent emptiness of the pool and surrounding patio. He lips pursed as her hand fell to absentmindedly twirl her empty glass by spinning the stem between her fingers. 

Magni nodded slowly, twisting to rest his back against the edge of the pool. He turned his head to face Imogen, a small smile upon his lips. [color=00aeef]"I wish the departure of our companions were under a better cloud, but I will not curse the Norns for the outcome."[/color] He moved a hand to delicately rest upon Imogen's forearm, craning his head to stay within her field of view. [color=00aeef]"It would be my honor to keep thee company, in merriment or in sorrow. "[/color] He turned his gaze back towards the Tower itself, a shining monolith that he always admired. [color=00aeef]"I do not need to read thy thoughts to tell the news hath affected thee, and I refuse to leave thee to thy misery alone."[/color]

A faint smile of somber sincerity crossed Imogen’s lips as her gaze fell to his hand upon her forearm. Imogen slowly shifted her attention toward the moonlight that reflected off the black waters of the ocean. [color=a8f9ff]"I think what’s worse is… I don’t even know if it’s misery anymore. Just… [i]acceptance.[/i]"[/color] Her brows furrowed in deep contemplation as she tried to find the grief and sadness somewhere within her, but in the end it felt like another drop into the void. [color=a8f9ff]"I think once my dad went missing it really hit me that none of us are safe. That it’s only a matter of time before I disappear too."[/color] Her head tilted to the side as she weighed her words and feelings. [color=a8f9ff]"I just selfishly wish that I go first."[/color] The thought was darker than she had intended and was only made more foreboding by the soft laugh that slipped out.

Magni shook his head, closing his eyes for a moment to truly listen to her words. He did not feel the same way she did, in regards to feeling the danger of being taken. Perhaps it was foolish of him to expect some safety in their numbers, but he had fought great threats with fewer men than present here. He tightened his grip on Imogen for a moment, just enough to draw her attention to it. [color=00aeef]"’Tis a greater burden to be the savior than the saved."[/color] His statement was simple, and he let it hang in the air. His voice was soft as he said it, like ripples in a still pond. He craned his head again into her view, attempting to look her in the eyes. [color=00aeef]"I would rather have been taken than remain searching for my father… but I will not deny that I am pleased to have been reunited with old comrades and new companions while taking up this greater burden."[/color] It was not meant to be a flirtatious statement, but Imogen was one of the first that came to mind as he thought of allies. 

Her gaze fell to his hand as he squeezed her arm. Magni was the savior type, not her. One glance at someone like him and she could tell he was a hero, a warrior, someone who would do anything and everything to save those who needed saving. Imogen was none of those things. She came to the academy and trained for what? To be a tabloid heiress and diplomat in training. She’s never been in a fight, never used her abilities for anything beyond show or temporary aggressive outbursts. Her burden wasn’t being the savior, it was being useless. She blinked before looking over at him as he turned towards her seeking her gaze. Having allies helped, she just hoped it was enough. Imogen couldn’t ignore the sinking feeling in her gut that she was setting herself up for further heartbreak. Making friends was terrifying when they could disappear and she didn’t know if she could handle losing another person important to her.

[color=a8f9ff]"It was a better turn out than I imagined,"[/color] she admitted. [color=a8f9ff]"An omega level mutant and a God definitely tip the scales a bit… Even if your arrival was just a happy coincidence."[/color] Imogen’s lips curved in a faint but warm smile. [color=a8f9ff]"Probably could have done without my ex showing up but… He has his uses too."[/color] She shrugged her shoulders while tapping her fingers along the rough concrete around the pool.

Magni tilted his head at that last statement. His failing memory of Imogen unfortunately meant he couldn't quite remember who she had dated. Definitely not Tobias, that was known. He faintly remembered Lucian dating a blonde… could that have been it? It would certainly describe her more dour mood when she came back with drinks. He was surprised none of his former bedfellows had answered whatever call was issued, but perhaps it was for the best. He had what he needed here. [color=00aeef]"I have always been more keen on complimenting fate, rather than coincidence, for my good fortune."[/color] He smiled warmly, lifting his other hand towards Imogen's back. He gently stroked down her spine, towards the divot in her lower back. [color=00aeef]"’Tis my great fortune to have met thee again properly."[/color]

The subtle confession in his thoughts made her breath catch in her throat. He had what he needed… There was a part of Imogen that wanted to dissect the thought and dive in deeper to know what [i]exactly[/i] he met. She blinked once, twice, trying to push away her own desperation as she knew old feelings were clouding her mind. [color=a8f9ff]"Fate,"[/color] she mused. There was almost a humorous sort of irony in how a warrior, such as himself, was so unwaveringly optimistic, yet a woman who grew up knowing only a privileged way of life saw everything through a pragmatic lens. 

She shivered as Magni’s touch followed the curve of her spine. The caress was gentle and innocent, mostly… aside from her own wandering thoughts. Feeling his fingers against her body reignited a fire in her core that Luke’s words had extinguished. A soft exhale slipped between her parted lips. Imogen had a strong desire to kiss him again but her brain overpowered her heart as she tried to remind herself that she deserved more than a single night of passion. Even if Magni was making it more difficult for her to resist him with every compliment and touch. Her head tilted to the side, chin dipping toward her shoulder as she held his gaze. There was a moment where she nearly brushed off his comment with a sarcastic remark to discredit the sincerity in his words but there was something about his warm authenticity that made it hard for her to be ungrateful. [color=a8f9ff]"I thought I’d never see you again… I’m glad I was wrong,"[/color] she confessed before averting her gaze to stare at their empty glasses as her cheeks grew warm. 

Magni smiled, taking a step closer. He lifted his left hand up to gently guide Imogen's chin so that she looked him in the eyes. His words were soft, his brows knit as he carefully observed her face. Her statement had warmed his heart, but he needed to know what she meant. So, he asked the most obvious question. [color=00aeef]"Why?"[/color]

Her heart pounded in her chest as Magni made her hold his gaze. The thrum of her pulse rushed in her ears and beat beneath his hand on her chin. Imogen blinked, trying to find an answer, [i]any[/i] answer that masked the truth she kept trying to push down. [color=a8f9ff]"Because I enjoy your company."[/color] While the answer was sincere, it wasn’t the reason… not really. But looking up into his eyes in the vulnerable silence, the truth crept up and spilled out before she could stop herself. [color=a8f9ff]"Because even though you were never mine… After ten years, my heart still raced the second I saw you land on the lawn today."[/color] She held her breath as the confession hovered in the air between them.

Magni remained totally still for a moment, his gaze steady. He became conscious of his own heart's increased beating. He wasn't sure what he wanted to hear. Perhaps a part of him hoped that she simply wanted his body, for its strength or for a more intimate purpose. It was less complicated that way. He was used to being wanted as another warrior in the arsenal, or would offer pleasure in the hopes for something down the line. They didn't care if he knew, he was never in a position to decline. Imogen's answers were like daggers to his heart. Guilt still clouded his mind, despite knowing that it would almost certainly have ended poorly if he had indulged in his desires back then.

The greater guilt, though, came from his lack of knowledge. He had not known her well then, and knew her less now. He was not gifted with the ability to peer into her mind, to know her thoughts. He trusted her words, but it was all he could rely upon. Even as he stood frozen, he knew she could hear his selfish thoughts. He needed to speak, to answer questions unmasked.

Magni glided his fingers up to caress Imogen's cheek, still holding her gaze. His voice carried across the waters, his tone a little more serious. [color=00aeef]"The man you knew has perished. Time hath killed and born me anew."[/color] He paused, his other hand tenderly pressing up Imogen's spine as he attempted to still his breath. [color=00aeef]"Passion without purpose is meaningless to me."[/color] He slid his hand up to brush stray strands of hair behind Imogen's ear. [color=00aeef]"What does thou desire?"[/color]

As Magni’s thoughts rolled through his mind like roulette, Imogen began to panic. [i]Why the fuck did I say that?[/i] She should have stopped at enjoying his company. That was enough. It was the truth. She had already embarrassed herself earlier by admitting she used to have a crush on him when he didn’t even remember her, now it was a million times worse. [i]Fuck.[/i] This was not what she meant to happen. She shouldn’t have kissed him, shouldn’t have flirted with him… deluding herself. The breath she had been holding in came out shaky followed by a heave of her chest as she inhaled. She should leave, pretend it didn’t happen… Blame it on the alcohol. 

[color=a8f9ff]"I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—"[/color] Imogen began to say and went to turn away but Magni’s hand caught her cheek. His touch was gentle as he held her gaze. As if he knew she was trying to run away, his other hand pressed against her back holding her in place. Her breaths were heavy and sporadic, catching in her chest and trembling in her throat from the racing of her heart. [color=a8f9ff]"If I could die tomorrow I don’t want to waste my time on something fleeting. I want happiness, a partner… Someone who will stand by my side."[/color] Her gaze fell, focusing on the ripples of the water that bounced between them. Imogen needed to stop talking but his gentle touch and silent desire to know her thoughts coaxed forbidden thoughts from her lips. Her hand slowly raised and rested on his arm in the crook of his elbow. Her erratic pulse made her fingers tremble slightly. [color=a8f9ff]"... I want you."[/color] The words slipped out with a breath, nearly inaudible as her eyes remained fixed anywhere but him.

The raging questions were silenced as Imogen spoke. It was clear he hung on every word, mulling over and processing her meaning as he looked at her face. He held on to her tighter as she tried to slip away. Her final admission had seemed to melt any apprehension in his face, his smile growing a little wider. He subconsciously inched his head a little closer to hers. A surge of thoughts and feelings crept up into his throat. He believed her. He wanted something deeper. He had tried to drown out that nagging loneliness with every vice and fix he could and always just seemed to fall further and further into isolation. The idea of having a partner… his father had always scoffed at the idea, the notion of sharing a life with a single person.

At that moment, it felt right.

[color=00aeef]"I am in thy service."[/color] He smiled warmly, his words reverberating through his bones like a solemn oath. [color=00aeef]"It would be mine honor to be thy mate… to walk this path in each other's embrace."[/color] He placed his right hand on Imogen’s back to pull her in close, his left hand resting upon her jaw to guide her face towards him. As their own heavy breaths intermingled in the shrinking gap between them, Magni whispered, [color=00aeef]"I will wait, if thou wills it… but I would sooner demonstrate my affections till thou art satisfied."[/color] Every muscle in his body seemed tense, as if poised to act in a moment’s notice. His thoughts portrayed just how deep his affections lied, flashing images of tender embraces interposed with lustful aggression. The Asgardian’s imagination was as vivid as ever, but he was a man of his word. He would make up for the past decade, but only if she wished it.

Imogen expected him to pull away and retreat in the way most men did when faced with emotional vulnerability or the prospect of commitment of any kind beyond casual sex. Rather than letting her go he held her tighter. His smile grew warmer, relieved with her confession, not burdened. Her heart skipped when Magni pledged himself effortlessly to her without a second’s hesitation. Was she dreaming? She had to be. There was no fathomable way someone like him, [i]a God[/i], would bind himself to her after one night. She had to be going crazy… Delusional. But his mind was as clear as the water they stood in. A light shined behind his smile that stole the breath from her lungs. 

She held his deep blue gaze, unable to look away. Imogen’s hands fell to his waist as he pulled her closer until their bodies pressed together. The beating of their hearts reverberated through her chest in a sporadic rhythm. Images of them in the throes of passion poured from Magni’s thoughts and flooded her mind. Visions of his hands and lips memorizing every curve of her body made her flustered as a warmth grew within her core beneath the water. Her left hand slowly ran up the bare skin of his chest, along his collarbone, then hooked around the back of his neck. She shifted her weight to the tips of her toes while guiding his head lower to close the distance until their lips met. 

Unlike their first kiss that was all passion and an explosion of sexual tension, this was tender and affectionate. Imogen’s movements were slow and deep like she was savoring every caress. Magni tasted faintly of cherries, safety, and a decade of longing. Their lips only separated to take in a shaky breath before returning to their intimate embrace with more fervor. The sensual brush of his tongue against hers sent a shiver of elation through her body. She only pulled away when her need for air was stronger than her need for him. Imogen kept her face close to his, feeling the warmth of his breath against her skin. [color=a8f9ff]"Take me,"[/color] she whispered against his lips before slowly opening her eyes to look up at him.

Magni was surprised by how sweet their kiss was. It warmed his chest and his stomach, his insides seeming to feel almost weightless. But as she leaned in to him, he held on to her tighter. She seemed to suck the wind from his lungs, leaving him breathy as their lips finally broke and she made her intentions perfectly clear. He needed no further clarification. His hands quickly slid down Imogen’s back and over her curves until he gripped onto the backs of her thighs. He effortlessly pulled her legs up and around his waist, holding on to her firmly. [color=00aeef]"Hold me tightly."[/color] He gave her a moment to wrap her arms around him snugly. He slowed his breath, the wind around them twirling around them and whipping their hair. He leaned his head in again, sealing their lips in another soft kiss. When she was locked in, he leapt up. It only took a little effort for him to launch himself up out of the water, the air seeming to rush up to cushion the landing on the tiles adjacent to the waters.

He only needed one hand to hold Imogen up, his hand scooped up under her to give her a seat to perch upon as his kisses grew more greedy. His steps were quick and deliberate, scooping up what he could recover of their stuff in his hand in the small breaks for air. He only really managed to scoop all of her stuff, lifting her clothes for her to hold as she clung to him. He abandoned his own boots and jeans, but did manage to grab his shirt and her phone before giving in to his baser desires. He wanted her, he needed her, and it felt like he was going to break free of the heavy breeches he wore. He broke the kiss for a moment, almost grunting out a simple question. [color=00aeef]"What floor?"[/color]

A soft gasp escaped her lips as Magni’s hands ran down her body then hoisted her up in the air. His body pressed between her thighs made her shutter as she wrapped her legs around him and hooked her feet together behind his back. Imogen’s arms slipped around his shoulders, pressing their chests together and embracing him tighter as commanded. So much was happening all at once that the only thing her mind could focus on was the desperate way his lips found hers and the heat between their bodies. She felt his grunt rumble against her chest as he broke the kiss. Her chest heaved as she struggled through breathless pants to find the words. [color=a8f9ff]"48."[/color] The floor barely rolled off her tongue before she was seeking his lips again.

That was all he needed. His movements became a blur. It took every ounce of restraint he had not to rip open the door back into the tower. His lumbering, rushed steps made clear just how desperate he was to make it upstairs. Every step, every movement of his hips against hers, sent new jolts of boundless desire up his spine. He regretted even leaving the pool. Every wall looked like a good enough spot to stop. But he pressed on, winding his way until he found the elevator bay. He tapped the button with his elbow as he pinned Imogen up against the wall, breaking the kiss on her lips to let his lips press up against the base of her neck, his tongue tracing a line across her muscles in the eternal seconds they were stuck waiting for the elevator doors to open.

When they did, they shuffled up into the back of the elevator, fumbling with the panel before he selected her floor. As he shoved her against the wall of the elevator with enough force to shake it slightly, the hand holding her up shifted slightly. As the doors began to slide back, so too did the thin layers of fabric that kept them apart.[/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] none [color=2e2c2c]...............[/color] [b]mentions[/b] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c]....[/color] luke & tobias [color=2e2c2c]...............[/color] [b]collabs[/b] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c]....[/color] [@webboysurf][/color]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/9qIY4OK.jpeg[/img][/sup][/center]