EXTRAORDINARY

they were a figure made for greatness; to burn brightly as a spark among dulled lights. once upon a time loneliness and pain coiling tightly together in their stomach, weighing them down and making it hard to breathe. but now, for once they had found a place where they were accepted, their intellect something that they had been so harshly bullied for was not only tolerated, but also revered.

[lcthium]

RYKER VOIGHT​:

With his head lolled back, minutes pass. Long, quiet minutes filled with anything but silence; just his thoughts, glasses clinking, and the movement of sequin dresses. So, the fact that his eyes don’t immediately catch Theo’s is no surprise. To see Theo in there at all is a day he never could have foresaw… and that was telling. It spoke louder than Theo ever would. They were down in the dumps. Extremely so. And he was the perpetrator who put them in such a state. He can’t help it then. The groan slips out. Loud, obnoxiously so, as he rakes his hand through his hair one more time and down the back of his neck. It takes another two minutes for him to physically push himself off the cushion he’d left a deep butt imprint in and, slowly, stride his way over to the available spot next to Theo at the bar. 

And while his entire body wants to just collapse onto the stool, he doesn’t. His movement is smooth, effortlessly as he claims the spot, straight backed and smiling; not a smile that quite reaches his eyes, but one that is more mournful. He knew how it felt to lose someone. It wasn’t a feeling he never wished to repeat. Which is part of the reason why he did what he did. But, it didn’t make this any easier. He snaps his fingers. “Just a water.” A command given in the direction of the bartender. He goes silent then. Chewing over his words. He’s never struggled with them so much. He can’t imagine even going near Gabriel at this rate. But then he doesn’t have to say anything. The bartender returns with the water and he pushes it closer to Theo with his knuckles. “Alcohol isn’t going to help.” Sure, it may dull anyone’s sense for a little while. But not forever.

.

To say that it was a rare sight to see Theo in such a place as this, would not be far from the truth. They rarely ventured outside of the Vetrova Mansion for anything other than books sourced from Behck’s Pages, or when Raven implored them to go to some sort of trendy cafe. Otherwise, they could often be found in their own room or in their personal laboratory. Hence, one could easily identify that something was truly wrong to find Theo examining the glass of bourbon that sat between their fingers as they worried bitterly over one of their closest friends. Theo had never truly had friends before joining the Angels, and once they had begun to collect them, they had treasured the ones that they had made. And Alexei was no exception to the cause. Especially since he often cheered Theo up on days where experiments seemed to go wrong.

Jolting out of their thoughts the moment someone familiar landed in the stool next to them, Theo weakly managed a smile as they took another small sip of the bourbon, wincing at the slight burn before jiggling it in their fingers, wishing desperately that all was not as it was. Finally placing the glass down upon the table, and placing their attention towards Ryker, they raised an eyebrow at the comments as they nodded, before picking up the water, taking a gulp before sighing at the thought of where Alexei could possibly be. What his fate was. If he was okay. If he was hurt. Would he be found? “Thanks.” They mumbled as they took another gulp of the water, not exactly sure what to say back to the other.

[lcthium]

RYKER VOIGHT​:

date: july 29th, 9:43pm. location: deadly seven.  availability: open to anyone.

He pulls a hand from his pocket and runs it through his hair — soft, fluffy, and getting a bit too long. And although he doesn’t show it, he is on edge. Disquieted. The news of Alexei’s disappearance had hit like a dull punch. But it was never really “ news ” to him. It was an expected headline. Words taken with a nod, a deep swallow, then the abrupt return to his work. And that’s all he’s been doing: working. He’d buried himself in his bedroom and accepted no company; aside from the quick chats with his sister under a canopy of stars and shadows. When he wasn’t in his bedroom, though, he was in his office at the Deadly Seven. Functioning on less than acceptable sleep and an ungodly amount of coffee; simply stewing over his next moves with two different women. 

He’s decided to take a quick break from that tonight, however. After a roll of his extremely hunched forward shoulders that led to several loud cracks, he’d abandoned his paperwork in the office and plopped himself down on the plush, velvety red sitting downstairs. Near the bar. Though, the glass of whiskey he’d acquired  thirty minutes ago has only created a ring of condensation on the table, simply abandoned, as he instead rolled his head back and stared upward towards the ceiling, not giving a lick of attention either to the heavenly bodies that roll and twist their hips on stage. He lips open in want to release a large groan, but he stifles the urge. It’s been a long week.

.

Theo wasn’t quite sure how they had found their presence at Deadly Seven, but here they were. Gabriel had often harped in their ear something about the soothing presence of alcohol to dull one’s senses, and perhaps that was what they had needed. After several sleepless nights tossing and turning, imagining Alexei’s fate — Theo desperately needed to shut their brain down. They worried about what his disappearance meant for the Angels, but also they just missed his presence. Infinitely so. Perhaps Theo found it difficult to express themselves occasionally around those that were within their presence, but they knew that there was a gaping hole in their day to day activities without Alexei by their side. And Theo agonised internally about where he could possibly be. 

A glass of whiskey that had been offered by one of the bartenders to Theo rolling between their fingers, Theo found it difficult to enjoy the taste like they knew so many others did. But perhaps this was what they needed in order to calm down and frazzle their nerves. Taking a small sip of the liquid courage, Theo found the burn at the back of their throat rather not satisfying at all. What was it about alcohol that drew people? Their attention diverting towards those closest towards them, Theo’s eyes briefly caught the exhausted look upon Ryker’s features before they turned their attention back towards the glass. Another victim probably falling to sleepless nights with the disappearance of Lex. Man, Theo really missed him.

[lcthium]

where: theo’s laboratory. when: 28th july, 11:53pm. who: theo alexeeva && adelaide leclair / @supvrnova​

It had been a long 48 hours. Tumultuous. Theo worried over their friend. Alexei was an integral part of their life, and they had been accustomed to have them there by their side when it came to conducting experiments. That, and the fact that Theo enjoyed teaching him about their world of Science, and their comforting presence. Theo’s hands shaking as they finally brought the beaker down from over the Bunsen burner, they worried over his disappearance, hoping that all was well, and that nothing dastardly had happened to him. Their fingers tapping frantically over the bench, they murmured, “I hope you’re alright Lex.” That, and that he was safe. Or at least relatively safe. Yet as their thoughts continued to mull over Alexei, their attention got diverted by the entrance of Adelaide. Jumping slightly at the disturbance, Theo weakly smiled as they commented, “Oh hello Adelaide — you surprised me, apologies.”

[lcthium]

THEO’S INSTAGRAM PAGE

i. warm sweaters for days. honestly. ii. isn’t there nothing better than to have a bunch of equations that are perfectly aligned like this? iii. some cute doodles to pass the time whilst waiting for experiments to reach boiling point. iv. some of my favourite books and some that are on my reading list. v. my first ever microscope.  vi. do you guys like my new sunglasses as much as i do!!?!

[lcthium]

RYKER VOIGHT​:

.

“I always am.” The response quickly followed by his infamous grin. He couldn’t help but be a little bit cocky in all situations. Even more so when he was around the renowned “genius”. Not to bruise their ego, but more as a lighthearted dig. This was the epitome of him going: ‘ ha ha. I’m right. You’re wrong ’. Without all the extra flare or exact words. Theo clearly didn’t like words anyways unless it was about their science experiments, so he kept his short. To the point. “Try harder.” He continues to reprimand, but without his admonishing tone this time. He attempts to be softer while still demanding of them to be better at other aspects of this life they’ve chosen. For their own sake. “It’s part of what I’m here for, yes. We are a family, all of us. Family protects one another.” Even members like Ivan, he begrudgingly thinks but does not say. “But if I’m not around…” Because one day he might not be around. “I would like to have the comfort of knowing you are capable of protecting yourself and others — like Raven.” Raven, who they both cared about and would never want to see hurt. A better motivator for Theo to care.

Ryker repositioned himself, taking his hand off his chin and pulling out the schematics he drew of one of Mikhailov’s motors’ warehouses. Not their biggest one. But, not their smallest one either. It was big enough, however, to put a dent in their funds and supplies if Theo was able to blow it up. Which shouldn’t even be a question. Theo could and would be blowing the warehouse to smithereens. “The warehouse closest to Cherry woods. The one they use as a storage unit for older cars, parts, and, most importantly, a good chunk of their weapon supply.” Leaned into the table, slightly bent over as he points out different parts and openings of the warehouse, he looks towards Theo. “Think you got something good enough for this? I want all those parts and weapons damaged beyond repair.”

.

Theo couldn’t help but be slightly intimidated everytime they were within Ryker’s presence. Perhaps it was Ryker’s broad frame or perhaps it was the frightening propensity for the evil that lurked beneath his facade. It was inevitable. After all, he was much more capable at ending Theo’s life, than Theo was at ending his own, unless they were equipped with their experiments. But despite this all, they didn’t mind Ryker’s company down in the laboratory, as long as he didn’t disturb their time when it came to conducting important experiments. Rolling their eyes at his continued remarks, Theo’s lips inevitably pulled to a slight smile before the ends of them slightly withered at the thought of having to protect themselves any anyone else in a shootout. That wasn’t their job. It wasn’t what they had ever signed up for. And they had no assurance for themselves with a gun in their hand. Explosives? Much more up their alley. “Fine. I’ll try harder.” They finally replied softly, before awaiting for Ryker to finally reveal the reason why he had come down to their lab.

Raising their eyebrow at the notion of multiple explosives, Theo quickly glanced around their laboratory for some of their latest prototypes, ones that would easily be able to be used in that type of situation. “Some of these would be perfect for that.” Theo replied, moving away from their bench to one of their designs that they had improved upon yesterday to yield an explosive that could detonate km’s away, decimating everything in its path. “This could be what you’re looking for.” Theo continued, handing over the slim silver disk as they said, “This would obliterate the warehouse and anything in a mile radius if adjusted according to the dimensions.”

[lcthium]

RAVEN MIRSKY:

.

The questions, both mental and voiced ones, catch her attention the moment she hears them. Today and yesterday have been unusually quiet; she’d purposefully withdrawn from the center of the Angels’ activities, had instructed the staff that she would need no orders until told otherwise, had told her mother she would spend the next few days in solitude instead of social circles. The loudest sound had been the constant buzzing of her phone ( notifications have reached triple digits now ), but even that has been silent for today. So when she hears the person outside her bedroom door, particularly one whose company she always enjoys, suddenly there’s life in her again.

A hand tosses the book somewhere in her bed; the rest of her body shifts and moves until she stands next to her bed. A buzzing sense of excitement fills her as Raven heads toward the door. Her fingers wrap around the handle with ease and it takes no effort at all when she pulls it open, coming face to face with her best friend ( are they the bestest friend now? ). “Theo!” The girl exclaims. And temporarily, all negative emotions exit her being, and only genuine delight remains. “Did you send me a text you’re coming? Because, I have to confess” —her eyes flick to her phone on the bedside table— “I have barely read any texts from anyone.” She drops her gaze to her own socks, embarrassment painting her cheeks with a charming shade of red blush. But it doesn’t last long because, less than a minute later, she lifts her eyes up again, meeting theirs. “I’m truly sorry,” she adds, one hand gently taking Theo’s hand into hers. “It’s been intense and I just— I needed a little social media / technology break so I could have some me-time.” Her lips curve into an apologetic smile. “Forgive me?”

.

It was rare for Theo to not have one of their closest friends by their side when it came to working down in the laboratories in the Vetrova Mansion. Especially when it was Raven that would consistently remind Theo of the normal mundane things that they would forget to do. And without those pesky little reminders, Theo had found themselves rather lonely as they were conducting their various experiments. Deciding that their experiments would be able to remain untouched for the next couple of hours, they had gone in search of Raven, wondering where exactly she was.

Theo guessed that Raven was probably sick, as this sort of behaviour was out of the ordinary for her, but nevertheless her fears would be assuaged when she finally was able to see Raven in the flesh for herself. A small smile breaking upon their features as Raven finally opened the door, looking rather healthy and normal — all body parts looking functional and in place, Theo greeted Raven with a grin as they replied warmly, “Raven — I was looking for you!” Shaking their head at sending a text, Theo moved forward to give the other an embrace before continuing, “No, I thought a twenty-four hour disappearance warranted a search in person, and I might have left my phone back in the lab in my haste to find where you were.” A sheepish looking appearing upon their features, they moved quickly to change the subject as Theo continued, “There’s no need for forgiveness. Are you doing okay though?” Honestly, they hadn’t been keeping up with the latest gossip from the Angels ever since the explosions — having spent their time down in the laboratory, and thus was wondering why exactly Raven seemed not her usual self.

[byunni]

[lcthium]

where: outside raven’s bedroom. when: 14th july, 11:03pm. who: theo alexeeva && raven mirsky / @telepcth​.

Theo had never been one for human interactions. They much preferred to spend their time in the laboratory, conducting their experiments – undisturbed by anyone else. Well, except for Raven and Alexei. Raven, because they were their staple. Best friend. Person that they knew they could depend upon all others. And Alexei, because they had come to the other a friend. That and he made for a great helper when it came to complicated experiments. But Theo hadn’t seen Raven in over 24 hours. Well at least they were certain it had been that long, but they weren’t completely sure. But that was unusual for the pair not to spend at least a couple hours together each day as they ensured that their tasks were done. So here Theo was, outside Raven’s bedroom, nibbling their lip lightly as they wondered what had been happening with Theo. Perhaps Raven was sick? Or they were just extremely busy. Nevertheless, Theo knocked upon the door, their head tilted as they awaited for a response. “Raven, are you in here?” They asked, as they shifted from one foot to the other, hoping that the other was okay.

[lcthium]

RYKER VOIGHT​:

.

“Theo.” That same admonishing tone. “You always have the ‘do not disturbed’,” he adds his own air quotes with his fingers for extra measure, “sign on the door.” He gives them a pointed look then. “I have to disturbed you at some point.” If not for the sake of the Angels, for the sake of them. Being cooped up all alone for hours on end, everyday, didn’t make for a great life. They needed to explore more. Live more. And they wouldn’t live long in this world either if they became off kilter at him briskly walking, and loudly may he add, into their laboratory. Besides, signs were for people who weren’t Ryker. Ryker walked in when he pleased and they should be used to that by now. 

“And why is that?” He questions, swiveling in his chair to look at the petite frame of Theo. Between Theo and Raven, he was going to be as gray as his father was in his late forties before Ryker even made it to thirty-five. “Have you been putting in the effort?” He puts a hand up before they can interrupt or began making excuses. “And I mean actual effort. Genuine care over knowing how to handle yourself.” His features grow more serious. Grave. “This isn’t a game, Theo.” That’s rich coming from him. “One wrong encounter and the Angels could be burying you next.” He didn’t want to see that. He wanted Theo to remain alive. They were never not an exceptional pawn on his board which took out a hefty amount of the enemy in one explosive move. He scoffs, side eyeing Theo. “He is that bad.” Ryker enjoyed risks, too. But calculated risks. Risks he knew he would benefit from in the end. Not chaos for the sake of chaos. Placing his elbows down on the freshly cleaned table, he leans his chin against his hands. “I need you to take out an entire warehouse.” He didn’t come here to browse. He came with the intent to rope Theo into his next plan.

.

"Fine. You’re right.” Theo finally acquised, knowing that arguments if they weren’t upon scientific grounds with Ryker were little less than fruitful. Especially when Theo desperately wanted to go back to their experiment, so hopefully this conversation wouldn’t take too long. That, and they still had other analysis to do on the beaker that was currently seated upon the Bunsen burner. Washing their hands clean free of any of the substances, they kept a quiet eye upon their seated experiments before half turning their attention upon Ryker who seemed intent on continuing their conversation on Theo being able to fully defend themselves from any enemy. Well if they never left the Mansion there was little need for that wasn’t there?

A loud sigh escaping Theo’s lips they shrugged as they nodded. “Well you know I attend all the sessions you and Masha mandated me to. And I try my best.” Well, best wasn’t exactly the correct word when Theo attempted to use firearms or any type of weapon. But they did try. Somewhat. “I know. But that’s what you’re around for, right?” Theo replied, a slight attempt to inject some sort of humour into the conversation before placing the rag in their hands down upon the table shaking their head in mirth at the thought. Ivan wasn’t bad company, especially when they combined their talents together to create explosions. Such a pity that Ryker didn’t seem to share the same views when it came to him. “If you say so.” Theo replied with a slight shrug before finally taking their attention towards Ryker’s plans. Raising an eyebrow at the thought of causing an explosion to take out a warehouse. “What type of warehouse? How big? One explosion or several small ones?” Rapid questions escaping Theo’s lips, they immediately began to calculate several possibilities for what they could create. Now he was talking Theo’s language.

[lcthium]

MASHA VETROVA​:

.

“Good,” she said in simple reply, a small smile on her lips. Bingo on it being Bechk’s then. Masha understood that Theo was one of her most important Angels, and certainly one of the most talented. Whether Theo understood that, Masha wasn’t sure. She gestured back the way they had come, set a fast, distinct pace as she walked. The streets emptied in front of them - Masha tended to have that effect. She watched Theo with a sideways glance as they walked, made some silent assessments. They looked too light for Rosnovy’s streets, too delicate. “Keep your eyes up”, she reprimanded gently, shooting Theo a slightly melancholic smile, “there’s armour in confidence.” 

When she could see it, Masha nodded towards the sign of the Red Dart. She didn’t frequent it often, wasn’t sure if Theo had ever been. There was something in the air though, something had been growing over the years. An angel unarmed was a chance. After the festival, Masha no longer wanted to take any chances. Still, it made her heart tighten slightly, though she’d trained Theo before. The deal had been laboratory work for laboratory funding, and Masha likes to keep her word. But it would be far easier to protect Theo if they were trying to protect themself too. “I haven’t seen you shoot for a while,” she murmured, scanning her companion’s face for a few moments, “have any anger you need to get out?”. Masha didn’t wait to hear the answer before she ducked in, beckoning for them to follow.

.

Theo was utterly grateful that it had been Masha, and not anyone else — especially if it had been one of those prominent Reapers. Thank goodness! Beginning to increase their pace to match Masha’s own, they almost struggled to keep up with the brisk pace, as Theo made sure to keep a close glance upon the other coupled together with not tripping over the cobblestone pathways. That would certainly be embarrassing, especially with Masha there by their side. And at Masha’s slight reprimand, they began to look up towards the other, a small smile appearing upon their features as they tried to embody the confidence that they were sure that Masha intended to glimpse. “I try my best.” Theo replied, with a soft sigh before attempting to steel themselves especially with how exposed they were. 

Their curious gaze flickering over the various places that they had passed, Theo wondered where exactly Masha intended to take them. Was it to converse with no overhearing bodies about further explosions they could create in retaliation to the Reapers? Or perhaps more experimentation with powers and abilities with humans and Angels alike? Yet as they moved towards the Red Dart, a small amount of apprehension began to arise as they sighed at the thought of having to use a gun. Their ability with calculations and science may have been unparalleled, but when it came to using weaponry. And especially guns — their aim was almost always skewed. Never quite landing on the target. “Not particularly.” They replied apprehensively, before finally following Masha.

[byunni]

[montygreen]

I decided to ask Amy to marry me all on my own on April 28th

[lcthium]

RYKER VOIGHT:

Walking into the laboratory he found an… expected sight. Theo hunched over a desk, protective eyewear on and hair mildly frazzled, while scribbling furiously on a notepad. It didn’t look like coherent writing to him but hey, as long as they could read it. Ryker almost hated to interrupt them. Almost. But, everything ran on his time and it was time he checked up on the mad scientist in their laboratory ( he might need something to go boom soon. perhaps a second warehouse? ). And what was also expected was their response. Or lack there of one until he got all the way up behind them, giving a terse but hushed greeting right by their ear. They jumped. Glass shattered. Ryker sighed. He pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose and held in his sigh at their continued lack of awareness. 

“Theo,” he began in a chiding tone. “Again. You need to work on your observation skills outside of watching chemicals mix. I could have shot you dead,” he says while patting his gun still tucked in the waistband of his dark blue jeans. “Then what would I do without your brains and explosive skills.” He doesn’t give them even a second to answer. “I’d be stuck with Ivan’s insufferable self and that would be a waste of my breath.” He takes a seat on the stool previously occupied by Theo, not asking. “It’s been almost over a week without any, hmm, let’s say retaliation, from the Reapers. And I don’t plan on waiting for them to make a move. I say we make a move first. A move involving your help.” He finally looks at the mess on the counter they made when Ryker casually strolled in. “So what do you have cooking up in here?”

.

They had been in the zone. And Ryker had come in and disturbed them yet again, appearing out of thin air to startle them. What if Theo had been handling more dangerous chemicals that caused an explosion to dismantle part of the Vetrova Castle? He was fortunate that they had only been playing around with liquids that wouldn’t spontaneously combust unless Theo added the final product. Finally turning their attention towards Ryker after having cleaned up the mess, Theo rolled their eyes as they replied, “Well maybe don’t disturb the scientist when they have a ‘do not disturb sign’ outside the lab?” Not that Ryker ever paid any sort of attention to the warning signs that Theo had up outside their door, he ran the show as he sought fit. 

“And you know my observational and weaponry skills are poor, no matter how much training you try to make me attend.” And wasn’t that the truth? Theo could easily calculate multiple computations in their head when it came to scientific experiments, but calibration and weapons? A completely different language. “Ivan’s not that bad.” Theo rebuked softly, before finally wiping off their hands on a dry cloth, and turning off their Bunsen burner so that nothing possibly could react without their complete attention set upon the various solutions set up upon the table. “It depends on what you’re looking for.” Theo replied thoughtfully, their gaze shifting towards the beakers and test tube, wondering what explosives Ryker was contemplating upon.

[lcthium]

ANASTASIA SOKOLOVA​:

𝐖𝐇𝐎: Anastasia & @lcthium​. 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍: July 7th, 2020. 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄: Central Rosnovy.

𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐒 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑, 𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐒, all wobbly like a spindly-legged fawn, four-legged with her crutches. Yet, Anastasia had insisted that she needed to get her strength up, or she’d never walk again. It manages to convince her to at least walk through Central Rosnovy to pick up her painkillers. The car had dropped her off only a block away, and hobbling towards the pharmacy, she’s met with the sharp scent of antiseptic, all the while figuring out how she could run off, steal a couple seconds for herself. Everyone had insisted on keeping a close eye on her, but underneath the magnified scope of the Reapers, she’d wilted. No, she did her best work undercover, unnoticed by most others, hating the attention that most other gang members craved.

Soon enough, she has the little paper bag in her hand, pills in its bottle, and she eases herself into a nearby bench and swallows two dry. She figures she has about two minutes before someone comes looking for her, with just enough time to let her slip away, unnoticed. She’d had her phone and wallet on her anyways. What’s an hour to them if she could have some peace and quiet, alone, out in the fresh air?

Immediately, she rises, crutching away from the pharmacy, half-looking over her shoulder for anyone tailing her, knowing that she’d never outrun anyone with her crutches. It’s only as she faces forwards that she realizes she’s turned back too late. A shoulder lands square into her chest, and her right leg falls, a sharp zap shooting up her leg, and she curses, loudly.

“Fuck!” It takes her a few seconds to gather her bearings, and when she does, her eyes land on a familiar face, though it isn’t one she knows too well. “Um, sorry. I wasn’t watching where I was going…” And remembering her mission, she whips her head back again. This time, she spots a figure exiting the dark car, and she yelps, pulling the other with her into an alleyway nearby.  

Venturing outside the Vetrova mansion was a foolish game. But since Masha had shifted their plans, the last time they had intended on seeking out Bechk’s Pages, they had thought that perhaps now was the perfect opportunity Their cautious gaze flickering over the nearby passing individuals, they hoped that they could pass by towards the bookstore unscathed by any sort of conflict or confrontation from anyone, or even worse — a Reaper. Their fingers tightly balled into fists, and a cold sweat breaking upon the back of their neck, Theo quickly passed through the street before almost knocking into an already overturned figure upon the cobblestone pathway.

Skidding her feet to a stop, Theo quickly darted their gaze towards Anastasia, vaguely recognising her to be a Reaper, albeit not one that they were sure that would end up in a skirmish with. Well that was what they anticipated, especially since they were only armed with a small pocket knife. A small gaze of sympathy appearing upon their features at the crutches coupled together with the bandage, they offered a hand towards Anastasia, realising that this had been one of the injured Reapers in the attack. “No worries, you look like you could use a hand.” Theo replied, before worriedly turning their gaze towards the dark car as Anastasia pulled them into the near alleyway. Please, please let their kind intentions end up in an attack. Ryker would absolutely throttle them.

[lcthium]

MASHA VETROVA:

Masha’s instructions to her Angels had been clear - stay discreet, stay cautious. Such orders were more of a courtesy than a necessity, the Scarlet Angels were entwined with the very fabric of Rosnovy. Of course, there was an ‘independent police department’, but Masha had a cordial working relationship with them. It was the city’s most open secret that Masha Vetrova played archangel . She walked the streets of Central Rosnovy with calm certainty. 

 – She hadn’t, however, expected a collision. Before her eyes even landed on the person, Vetrova instincts kicked in. Rosnovy was her city, but she knew better than to trust the safety of the streets. Her gun, previously tucked away, reacted to her very instincts as if it was listening. It was up and against the person’s back (hovering of its own accord?) in the blink of an eye. 

–Just a second passed, and Masha recognised them as Theo. Her arm reached out to steady them. “Theo,” she acknowledged, gun slipping back gracefully - “My apologies, I didn’t see who I was going into.” Masha was surprised to bump into them (surprised to bump into anyone, most people tended to notice her), Theo was usually in the mansion on her radar. Tension was still high in the city, blood yet to dry. She could feel that Theo was unarmed - likely headed where? Bechk’s? Somewhere that could wait.“But this is perhaps fortuitous, can I divert you?”

.

Theo had definitely been taking a risk with venturing outside of the Vetrova Mansion, but when it came to acquiring new knowledge, they had been sure that it was surely worth the chance. Especially when they knew that Ryker and Masha would be insistent on new experiments in order to be able to one up the Reapers. Yet, with their thoughts scattered upon possible next experiments, their concentration on their surroundings had certainly diminished which caused them to fall embarrassingly into Masha’s arms. “Oof, Masha — sorry!” They squeaked, as they steadied themselves in their brace, not even noticing the gun that had appeared at Masha’s whims, instead concentrating on Masha’s next words as they planted their hands in their pockets. “Divert? Of course, I’m sure I can get my books delivered later.” They replied, knowing that Masha’s request would most likely be time sensitive, especially considering the attacks that had happened in the previous few days. And at least with Masha by their side, they would be able to relax — especially since no one would want to touch Theo with the famed leader of the Scarlet Angels there.

[lcthium]

MATEO REYES​:

         Mateo had no business being on the shopping district, God knows he wished to be anywhere else, but there was still the issue of having police being complete idiots and not doing their jobs, and of course placing a lot of heat on The Reapers -instead of finding the actual culprits, they keep blaming us? as if we would hurt our own! had become sort of Mateo’s rants to anyone who would listen to him for more than a minute, he was still angry, at who exactly? at times it was hard to tell. He was keeping an eye out for things, and a voice in the back of his head kept telling him he looked suspicious, he was probably going to have to do some actual shopping -just his luck!- in case something happened, but it was while lost in his thoughts that he almost missed the body colliding against him. His first instinct was to reach out and try to steady them, softly holding onto one of their shoulders and one of their elbows, ❝no worries❞ he tried to reassure them, ❝no harm done, everything’s oka-❞ he stopped mid-sentence, words catching up in his throat, the face currently trying to look away from him was a familiar one, for a second Mateo didn’t know if his grip on them should tighten or loosen, for what seemed like the nth time since the shooting, he felt lost, not knowing what to do next. 

.

Of course, today of all days — Theo would be their usual clumsy self because they hadn’t been looking at their surroundings. Too preoccupied in thinking about what their next research project would be with the new books that they were receiving from Bechk’s Pages, they had easily slipped over the cobblestones and into Mateo’s grip. A bright flush appearing easily upon Theo’s features, they tried to avoid Mateo’s gaze at first — especially as they recognised that out of all people to fall upon, it was a Reaper. Not that Theo knew them well at all, except for their reputation. But to be fair — did Theo know many people outside the Scarlet Angels at all? Not truly, when most of their time was spent within the laboratory, or with Raven. “Thank you.” They breathed out as they finally steadied themselves to plant their feet firmly upon the ground. Yet, even as they were steadied by the other, Theo’s features shifted to become slightly perplexed as it seemed Mateo wasn’t letting their arm grip slacken. They sincerely hoped that this wouldn’t end in a confrontation. Especially since they had nothing but the small pocketknife that Ryker had made them promise to always keep on their person.

[lcthium]

where: theo’s laboratory, vetrova mansion. when: 6th july, 11:58pm. who: theo alexeeva && ryker voight / @ofgamesandblades​.

A small sigh escaping their lips, Theo lowered their safety glasses towards their eyes as they decided to examine the experiment again. Whilst most scientists would have been exasperated at yet another failed trial, Theo found it invigorating, always seeking to delve further into their research in order to uncover the truth. Pulling the test tube closer towards their eyesight, they looked at the chemical reaction that they had just combined, a determined look began to appear upon their features as they began to note down various observations and colour changes that had occurred in the past hour. Continuing to jot down anything of note, Theo easily ignored their surroundings as per usual, their concentration focussed solely upon their experiment — and not noticing the opened door of their laboratory. And perhaps if they had, they would have placed the test tube to be conscious of the intruder, but instead Theo held the test tube in one hand, and continued to notate their observations. 

And as Ryker appeared before them suddenly, a loud gasp escaped Theo’s lips at the sudden surprise, as they immediately dropped the test tube upon the table, startled out of their concentration. Moving towards the sink to grab a rag to clean up the shattered mess, Theo scolded, “You scared me!” as they began to move to wipe up the liquid, thankful that it hadn’t been any dangerous content that they had been utilising.