WATCHFUL GOLDEN eyes observe, catch sight of that mischievous smirk as it forms, displays sharp teeth like those of a shark. The wraith is not unlike a shark, a powerful predator, unyielding and sitting comfortably toward the top of the food chain – in its own territory, at least. Reaper has made Talon his territory, has perhaps made the whole world his territory, and he takes what he wants with no concern for the rest. He is volatile; Akande knows to trust Reaper more than he would trust a shark. Because of this, it’s that smirk that has him on edge, has him lowering his hand to instead sink his hands into the pockets of his lounge pants.
It’s dangerous, and he knows it. The tone the wraith takes is playful, but menacingly so, and Akande thinks perhaps he should back down now. Despite all his confidence, he knows to pick his battles, and he’s not sure where such a road shrouded in smoke would lead him. While Reaper does not seem capable of stealing Akande’s heart, there’s still a certain risk in getting physically involved with the creature, even for one instance – and oh, he knows he can never seem to keep things to one instance, especially with someone as enticing as the wraith.
❝ Are you inviting me to take what I want? ❞ he challenges, an eyebrow raised. It’s almost tempting to accept the invitation, but not tempting enough. It feels too much as though he would be playing right into Reaper’s hand, and he’s not yet sure what said hand is. He eyes the wraith warily, ghost of a smirk upon full lips. ❝ You act far too much like a spider with a freshly spun web, Reaper. ❞ A spider not simply waiting for prey, but luring it. Akande has never considered himself prey.
He takes a rather small step toward Reaper, noticeably taller than the other man as he gazes down upon him. He makes no move to touch him, simply keeps his hands inside his own pockets. ❝ What is it that you want from me, if you think you know what I desire from you? ❞
A slight tilt to his head is given, crimson eyes backed only by pitch black searching for a moment. It’s quick, sharp, slight movements that decorate his movements, before his shoulders come up and his head moves to the side, a snort escaping, followed quickly by an amused chuckle. For once it’s genuine from him; he finds humor here. He goes to turn back to speak, only to break into more chuckles, putting a single clawed index finger up to ask for a moment to collect himself.
“I never expected to be the spider when we already have one. Come on, now. Don’t insult the poor lady.” Perhaps it’s so funny because of his close working relationship to Widowmaker, perhaps the way Akande catches on so quick amuses him. He’s not about to put his finger on it any time soon, and as far as he’s concerned; he doesn’t care. Small genuine things are so rare for him, should he not enjoy what little he finds?
“I don’t pretend to know you.” His tone shifts, a more serious look coming down over his face in an instant, that genuine smile from a moment ago now a mere forgotten memory. It’s as if he flipped a switch, turned it all off. It’s what made him good at his job. “And I make sure none of you know me. Isn’t that the good old mercenary creed? Or is it for assassins? I don’t keep track.”
“That aside, I would have thought I made myself very clear around here. When it comes to interpersonal matters with persons of interest to me, I make myself a very free agent, never with any strings attached.” His claws raise, making a puppeteering motion, a mirthless laugh escaping him as he does so. There are many of whom he pulls the strings on, and to him, it’s nothing but a game. However, there are definite power players on the field, of whom do not deserve to be so wrapped up in Reaper’s more sadistic games. No, it’s a fight to be had, dramatics to be presented; all in due time.
“You do have my respect, Akande, make no mistake. I am not one to,” His body shifts its state, allowing the wraith to glide around the other with ease, allowing the smoke to linger and trail around him before Reaper comes back to his full standing position, “wrap you up in all this. I’m not interested in strings when it comes to people like you. There’s no harm in the physical side of the world, now is there? As long as you keep your human side locked away,” Oh, that’s a terrible pun that has him grinning much akin to one who told a terrible inside joke. “I see no problems.”
“Now, do you see why I gave you invitation? Or should I try to play less and be a little more crass in my wording?”