❥ think you're funny, think you're smart;;

[trompeur]

 [It's pouring outside and LeBlanc is stuck inside of a shitty hut in the middle of a fucking desert until it stops. She had been heading toward Icathia in hopes of seeking out Malzahar, but the weather--oh the fucking weather.]

T'is a desert. Rain shouldn't happen.

[She throws her cloak over a dusty table that creaks even under the cloth's light weight.]

If the Prophet wasn't so entertaining I wouldn't even bother, but...

[LeBlanc sighs. What the Grand General wills must be done.]

Comments

[thispoisonousdream]

[It is impossible to count time when floating freely in the expanse of space, but it has probably been months since Loki left the Citadel. With the Chitauri on his tail and in every corner of the galaxy imaginable, at least his shapeshifting came in handy for hiding. It had become typical for him to find himself on strange, alien planets. At least the mammal life was rarely too farfetched, making it easy to disguise himself on the occasions when he needed to stop and rest before setting off to wander alone once again.

Today he found himself in a desert during a storm and took shelter in an unstable looking hut. At the sign of a visitor, he shifted into a rat to hide behind something inconspicuous, and waited. Listened. The voice speaking in rhetoric was familiar. Very familiar, and very new to him as well.

And as he peeked out from behind an old box, he discovered that his suspicions -- dare he call it hopes? -- were verified.

He shifted into his true form silently as Leblanc spoke to the warm, humid air around them. In their solitude, he doesn't refrain from letting his eagerness over her presence show on his face.]

Sometimes, things that shouldn't happen simply...do.

[trompeur]

And sometimes one should learn to knock...or squeak in your case.

[God, he nearly gave her a fucking heart attack. Leblanc rolls her eyes, but she hugs him all the same.]

Really, out of all places that I could find you it had to be here, hm? And there's not anything fun to do. A shame, isn't it?

[thispoisonousdream]

[Somehow, Loki hadn't expected the hug -- but definitely the bitchy response -- but that's not to say it wasn't reciprocated.]

Nothing fun to do? What exactly did you have in mind? [Already he's enjoying this welcome; to be honest, this woman has been one of the only things he has truly enjoyed in the past few years.]

[trompeur]

Torturing some poor sod that tries to assassinate me is always fun.

[She chuckles.]

Then again, we never did get to go back to my place. And I actually have a manor here--shame.

[thispoisonousdream]

[Loki's surprise tranlates into a wide grin. How did this lady become more and more amazing with every new thing she spoke?

God, he really did not think he would see her again. He takes a slow step closer to her, as if magnetised. He isn't entirely conscious of it either.]

It is a shame, but I don't require a manor to enjoy my time. Why are you here, and not there?

[trompeur]

Oh, the Grand General was whining about the Prophet not siding with Noxus.

[She hand waves as if it's not important.]

But he can wait~ He's not the handsome man that nearly gave me a heart attack.

[thispoisonousdream]

[Though there is an explanation, it makes little sense to Loki, and he quite frankly doesn't care for it to make sense either.]

I very deeply regret startling you, m'lady. I don't suppose there's something I could do to make it right... [Loki quirks his head to the side with a smirk.] That part about torture sounds awfully fun.

[Is he speaking about torturing others, or is it a euphemism? It's up for LeBlanc to decide.]

[trompeur]

Well, certainly--but who do you plan on torturing, hm~?

[She looks rather pleased with herself as she reaches up to press her hand against Loki's cheek.]

It has been far too long.

[thispoisonousdream]

Whomever you wish, m'lady. Someone with a vendetta, some weak mortal just for fun...

[His eyes shut momentarily at the palm against his face. The deeper side of Loki, the broken semblance of a prince, wants to reel back; everything he comes in contact with turns to rot, and it makes this feel suddenly unsafe... But his arrogance against anything that those emotions ever tell him makes him stand perfectly still.

Blue eyes return to Leblanc's face, and he allows himself this one indulgence, to lift a hand and secure it on the small of the woman's waist.]

I apologise for leaving in the manner that I did; I would have at least given you a proper goodbye, but things don't typically go according to plan for me; something I've been meaning to work on.

[Is he being sentimental? He's convinced he's not, but it's hard to keep track at the moment.]

[trompeur]

And yet this closeness is so tempting...

[She trails off, eyes distant. Here, in Runeterra, she's not supposed to care for people, she's not supposed to desire anything other than the Black Rose's success.

Despite what Leblanc has been taught, she smiles and lets her hand trail down to rest against his chest.]

Oh, t'was nothing I'd ever hold against you. I left shortly after--besides, I'd say this worked out quite swimmingly.

[thispoisonousdream]

It seems that it did.

[Loki lets their respective body heat mingle, soaks in it with their bodies so close. Being on the run times like these are not exactly ideal for such indulgences, but Leblanc is awfully hard to say "no" to.

The hand on his chest inspires his heart to beat a little stronger, and in a way he is unfamiliar with. The silence around them, the deafening rhythm of the rain, the sound of her voice...it's like a soothing spell.

He's had enough of dancing around the idea being hinted at, teased about so seductively with how Leblanc references it, and Loki breaks the gap between them with a kiss. It's simple, almost curious, and definitely gentle. He barely pulls away enough to speak after a few glorious moments.]

Ah, I've wanted to do that for a while.

[trompeur]

[She finds it funny--how a god's heart beats just like a human's. Leblanc refrains from questioning it though. Not now, not when everything feels so perfect. Wanting things like this is dangerous. She shouldn't press this issue any further. With brain signaling for her to get out now before it's too late and her heart singing a completely different tune, Leblanc, for once, feels torn.

But then his lips press against hers and the world around them just seems to fall away. Leblanc's kissed plenty of times before--but Loki is just so gentle--the complete opposite of many of the men she's spent the night with in the past.

She leans into him, but he breaks it off so very quickly. A shame, but perhaps it's for the better.]

Well, it surely did take you long enough.

[Leblanc smirks, eyeing him curiously.]

What inspired you to do such a thing now?

[thispoisonousdream]

Well, seemed like as good an opportunity as any, given the probability of me happening upon your planet, running into you so randomly, was nearly non-existant to begin with.

[Was it fate? Pure luck? Loki believes in neither, just good timing. He lets their foreheads meet, having to lean his head almost comically low to reach Leblanc, but it's no real inconvenience.

The hand on the woman's waist slowly explores up, feeling the solid form of her ribcage with some level of intrigue. His other appears to circle around and rest at the lower curve of her back.]

After regretting not doing so before I left, I would so much rather not regret having not done so now.

[Because no one knew when the Chitauri would finally catch up to him, and make him pay for his failure to them. At this point, the last thing he wanted on his conscience was regrets.]

[trompeur]

Well, seeing you is certainly a treat.

[And she notes how comical it is, the way he has to lean down so far. Leblanc actually laughs as she reaches up to wrap her arms around his neck.]

Why are you so bloody tall?

[When he speaks of regrets the smile fades.]

I see.

Mm, sometimes I do regret choosing power above all else--dying alone is not a fun thing.

[thispoisonousdream]

Dying alone?

[Loki grabs Leblanc by the waist and lifts her up, sitting her on the table's surface. She's only slightly taller now, but Loki then sits in the chair in front of her. There, now she is the tall one.]

Now explain to me this predicament, m'lady. How do you know you are destined to die alone?

[She sounds pretty sure of this, so it sounds less like an issue of immortality and outliving human love interests and more of a...condiiton for being granted her power.]

[trompeur]

[Oh my! Leblanc blinks but other than that shows no surprise as she's lifted up. Well, at least she's the tall one now...]

Mah, it's all very boring, really.

Showing emotion beyond being the 'manipulative tramp' is a dangerous thing. Love, much like hate, clouds judgement. I cannot afford to put myself before my people.

So, yes, dying alone comes with the package so to speak.

[And she shrugs like it doesn't matter at all.]

[thispoisonousdream]

[Loki sees Leblanc being nonchalant, but he find it hard to believe that it doesn't phase her at all.]

I find it difficult to believe that one can simply turn that off, the ability to love. If your people are allowed to love under your protection, I fail to see why that same courtesy can not be extended to you.

[He takes one of her hands into his own, plants a polite kiss atop the back of her hand.

So you're not allowed to have affections for others, but...does that still stop you from having them?

[trompeur]

It's far easier to be assassinated if you just so happen to fall for someone that wants to kill you. T'is merely a precaution.

[God, is he trying to make her blush? Her heart skips a beat--he's just so very gentlemanly. It's hard to believe that he doesn't have ladies throwing themselves at him.]

Of course not. I feel the same as any other sentient being does.

T'is just far more simple to resign oneself to what I am and reap the rewards.

[thispoisonousdream]

[Loki hums, eyes lowered thoughtfully, still holding the mage's hand in his own.]

Then you should really stop being as wonderful as you are, m'lady. It's cruel to lead a man into your web to trap him with your cunning and beauty only to tell him you are unable to love him. You are quite the heartbreaker.

[But he says this all with a smile, staring down at her soft, angular hand, running a thumb over the thin digits. He brings his eyes up to hers finally.]

For future reference, of course. Simply...something I've observed. [Yes, an obvservation; nothing that he is currently feeling, not at all.]

[trompeur]

Wonderful? Me?

But darling, I'm a murderer and a cheat~

[Oh, how she sometimes wishes that she could be that wonderful person--but she simply cannot.]

But are you sure that what you are saying does not mirror what you are feeling?

[She smiles knowingly. You can't deceive the Deceiver, Loki.]

[thispoisonousdream]

Yes you are, and you are simply brilliant.

[Ahh Leblanc, nothing slips by you. Well, Loki hasn't exactly been careful about hiding his fondness for her either, so he can't be entirely surprised that she's caught on. Hell, he's been pretty damn open about it, which is pretty strange for him.]

What does it matter? Wouldn't that just makes things more...complicated? Would you honestly want to know?

[More like, do you really want to hear Loki tell you the truth? Not that he minds; he is actually well-versed in complicated situations. He lets go of Leblanc's hand and rests his own on her thigh, fingers slipping up at a torturously slow pace.]

[trompeur]

That I can agree with.

[At Citadel she felt more than willing to be a bit more open about her emotions. Things all ready are complicated. He's not even from the same world, but shouldn't the rules apply to him as well?]

If I didn't honestly want to know, I wouldn't have asked in the first place.

[Oh my, are they playing a game of chicken now? Leblanc smirks, eyes unreadable. You can fluster her that easily, Loki.]

[thispoisonousdream]

Well, I can't argue with that. [Loki chuckles up at Leblanc, letting his hand slide sideways and up the curve of her hip now.]

What is it that you wish me to say, that you don't already know, or suspect? That I find you completely irresistible? That I know nothing could come of this, but it still makes me desire you?

[Loki's never felt attraction to someone before (hell, he's never been this open before, what is he even thinking?) and he's not entirely sure that he wants to let himself slip into this indulgence if it's just going to leave him hanging in the end...but he honestly can't help himself, either.]

[trompeur]

And what do you wish of me to say? That I do not want to die alone? That I desire a family that isn't dead? A house that actually feels like a home?

[And for once Leblanc actually looks sad--truly sad--because a part of her knows that it could never happen. She's getting to the age that bearing children gets complicated. Plus, who the hell would even want to marry her?]

[thispoisonousdream]

[Loki is alarmed when he swears he can feel the sadness on Leblanc's face deep in his chest. He sends his other hand up to cup her face in a reassuring gester.]

You and I lack a family, a home. We can...lack them together.

[He knows Leblanc wouldn't abandon her people. Perhaps he can stay here on this planet, as insane as it sounds. Somehow, his thirst to boost his ego and prove himself more worthy of the Odinson just doesn't seem to matter as much when he thinks of what he craves from Leblanc. He desperately refuses to think of if the Chitauri find him here, what they would do to the rest of the people on this planet along with him...]

I realise how fast and straightforward this all is. Wooing females is not exactly a common practice for me. [It's obvious, isn't it? Now horses, on the other hand... Ah, should he even mention that?]

[trompeur]

[Oh. That just makes her hear break a little because, really, someone like him shouldn't be alone in the first place. Leblanc smiles at his words and then proceeds to wrap her arms around him.]

And actually caring for the man that is doing the wooing is not exactly common practice for me, either.

[thispoisonousdream]

[The smirk on Loki's lips is proud.]

I knew you would come around eventually...

[He leans in to plant his lips on Leblanc's throat, softly painting kisses along the expanse of skin. Any other day he would happily throw the woman down and have her there, but there was something about the weight of his situation -- their situation -- that left him feeling...safe. Has he ever felt so safe with another person before?

He knows this can't last. Leblanc has duties, and he is on the wrong end of a cat-and-mouse chase. So long as it lasts long enough to enjoy, he can live with it.]

[trompeur]

Or are you the one that needed to come around?

[Leblanc closes her eyes, relishing the feeling of someone wanting to be with her. It's an odd feeling and the likelihood of it lasting isn't hopeful in the slightest--but why not enjoy this while she can?

She runs a hand through his hair, nails scraping against his scalp.]

Loki?

[It's about time that he learnt her real name.]

[thispoisonousdream]

[Perhaps it was mutual, "needing to come around." They are almost too alike, but that's probably what draws Loki to her so strongly. The moth to a flame analogy is tacky, but oh so appropriate.

The Aesir almost doesn't realise when Leblanc speaks, but being so close to her throat, he can feel her voice...feel it all the way down into his lap.]

Yes, m'lady...?

[trompeur]

Evaine is my given name. You may call me that.

[But now it's time for her to have some fun. Leblanc slides a leg in between his eyes and smirks.]

Someone seems just a tick excited~

[thispoisonousdream]

Evaine... [Her name comes out on a hot breath against her neck, spoken from Loki as if he were in a trance. In her scent and body heat, he feels like he could very well be.

He chuckles lowly, letting one of his hands come back down Leblanc's thigh, a thumb gently lining the innermost side of the limb.] Forgive me; you've made me wait so long, I can hardly keep myself contained.

[Can you blame him, though?]

[trompeur]

Oh, I forgive you.

Now hush.

[Leblanc presses her lips against his and bites down on his lower lip for good measure. She may not mind him being the more dominant of the two, but he's going to have to work for it. Besides, the rougher the better and Leblanc is rather certain that Loki won't like a woman trying to be the ringleader.]

[thispoisonousdream]

[The nipping on his mouth is awakening, almost energizing for Loki, and his hands grip at their hold on Leblanc in excitement. He figured that she would be a little feisty in bed, and really, he is glad for it. With such a lack of openness about his thoughts and feelings, channeling it through this is very possibly just what he needs...and he can only do so with her. Also, he likes the challenge.

He stands and steps closer to Leblanc, taking his place between her legs as she sits on the table. His hands glide up her ribs, palms grazing the sides of her breasts. If he can't have her indefinitely, he will make her his now.]

[trompeur]

[He's such a demanding man, it's hard to deny him. That's the fun part though, and god knows Leblanc loves to have fun. Leblanc tugs at the buttons on his shirt impatiently--she wants the clothes off. She's had to rely on her imagination, but goodness knows this man has a wonderful body.

Now she has to look up to him--it's a little irritating, she doesn't like feeling so small and breakable. Loki could break her so, so easily yet he chooses not to--perhaps it's because they have so much in common. Then again, what could a god and human possibly have in common? She's not so sure, but at the moment she refuses to question what she feels.

Leblanc pulls her corset up and over her head, casting it aside without a care in the world. Despite the bra, half of what appears to be a large bruise is visible on her chest. She never asks for men to be gentle with her--it's too easy to give into love and want if the sex is gentle.]

[thispoisonousdream]

[Leblanc's corset breaks their kissing and falls away to the dusty floor of the rickety shack. Loki takes the opportunity to formally introduce himself to her breasts, hands cupping them eagerly but gently, head leaning down to begin kissing and licking at the smooth, pale skin of her upper chest. He lets little of the open air between him and Leblanc's torso, but he wants to see her as well as indulge in her body. He'll need to paint a thorough mental picture for when they take their separate paths that will lead them far away from each other.

Loki thinks the bruise a shadow on her chest, but when it doesn't reshape and bend with the light, he pauses. It's first concern that waves over his face, then clarity...then jealousy. He straightens himself up.]

Quite the mark you have, m'lady. A wound from battle? [It is less of an inquiry and more of a challenge. Go ahead and lie to him, Leblanc. See what it will result in.]

[trompeur]

[She sighs as Loki kisses and licks at her breasts, eyes fluttering shut as she simply enjoys his touch. Leblanc wants to remember what his touch feels like--he seems to be so very good at knowing just the right places to kiss.

Loki's question breaks the trance and she blinks. Oh, is he looking for her to lie? Leblanc eyes him cautiously--he should know better than that.]

A rather roguish assassin and I had sex on a balcony. I've not seen you in months, Loki. That tone of voice you've taken is unnecessary.

[thispoisonousdream]

[Loki knows it's been an uncountable amount of weeks since they last saw each other -- with the greatest possibility of never seeing each other ever again; he knows that Leblanc jumps from man to man at will for nothing more than sexual release, and knows that she is not, and will never be truly his... Yet somehow, none of that reaches him as angry jealousy turns into adrenaline in his blood, because no matter what happens here, she will continue on without him, and he without her.

Ah, now he recalls why he has always kept his distance from people, placed his emotions and vulnerability into a fortress which no one could ever penetrate. No one except Leblanc.

His hands reach around Leblanc's back and grips at her bra before ripping it open roughly. His eyes are focused on hers as he tugs it off and away from her body, leaving her exposed.]

I'll take whatever tone I wish...m'lady.

[And he will take whatever he wants, have it to himself, claim it as his own, whatever the circumstances may be. He reaches up and grasps the back of Leblanc's head unkindly before pulling her in for a heated kiss, tongue demanding entrance into her.]

[trompeur]

[Her heart's pounding as she looks up at him, eyes wide and doe like. His anger makes the air around them feel heavy, but at the same time she feels petulant. How dare he speak to her like that. It's not even the roughness that bothers her, it's simply the way he speaks.

Leblanc tenses as he kisses her, blood rushing to her head as her world spins. Why is he being like this? He, of all people, should understand. He knows how soul-crushingly lonely the life she leads is, so why--

But then, through the confusion, there is anger. Pure rage. How dare he treat her like this when she trusted him. A low growl escapes her lips as they part, her nails digging into his chest as a sign of protest.]

[thispoisonousdream]

[Loki's tongue meets and melds with Leblanc's, but the sound that echoes out of her causes the Aesir a moment of mental pause. The hands on him are pushing against him, resisting him. It's enough for Loki to break the kiss, pull back enough to look at the mage before him. He forgets to censor the conflict on his face, the war between anger and pain strong within him.]

Do not resist me.

[He wants it to sound like a demand -- a threat even -- but he falters and there is an undercurent of something resembling a plea. He has never been too great at masking his emotions when they are as volatile as anger, or anything vulnerable.

His hand relaxes but barely; he has nothing else other than this, and he refuses to stop now.]

[trompeur]

If I was resisting you, I would be long gone.

[She smiles distantly, not really sure as to what this is leading up to. Leblanc hesitates before leaning up to press her lips against his neck, teeth suddenly digging into his throat. It's hard enough to draw blood, but not hard enough to leave any permanent damage.

Leblanc pulls away, red staining her lips as she smirks. She licks off the blood, a rather odd look in her eyes as she ponders:]

Should I trust you?

[thispoisonousdream]

[Loki has little time to relish in his relief over Leblanc's response before the woman leans in to grasp the flesh of his neck between her teeth. His mouth gapes open silently as he obediently takes the assault; it is a release to feel this type and level of pain. His body only tenses at the wave of arousal that sweeps through him as a result.

The sight of his blood on Leblanc's lips is alarming and beautiful, and he actually regrets her licking it away from her face.]

Perhaps not, depending on who you ask. And they might be right...

[He leans in to lick some of the blood that she happened to miss from below her bottom lip. With his array of abilities, he could heal from such a wound immediately, but he chooses the dull rhythmic pain and the blood trickling slowly down his throat.]

But I trust you. [And that says a lot.]

[trompeur]

[There's something about blood on such pale, flawless skin. It's a beautiful thing, especially where Loki is concerned. The fact that he trusts her--or at least claims to--means more to Leblanc than he'll ever know

She reaches over to brush her fingertips along his jawline, eyeing him with a sneaking sort of suspicion.]

Is the god--Loki--in love with a human?

[thispoisonousdream]

Of course not, m'lady. That would be silly...dangerous even. You're not interested in love, and I am incapable of such an emotion. You wouldn't want me to love you.

[It's spoken in irony, a mocking challenge to the truth of the situation. Yet there is a hint of disappointment in his tone, but he brushes it aside with a...kind smile. He doesn't want to say it; that is dangerous for him. Showing her, however, is much safer. It is up to interpretation that way.

He relinquishes Leblanc from his grip in favour to dislodge the decorative armor and straps from his torso, hands moving in an easy, flowing motion. Their attachments are intricate and he can nagivate out of them in his sleep.

The outerwear falls to the floor, kicking up dust on impact. It is so much more comfortable wearing just a shirt now, in the humid desert heat.]

[trompeur]

You cannot deceive the Deceiver, Loki.

[In other words, she loves you too, you scheming son of a bitch. Leblanc shrugs off the rather minimal amount of clothes she was wearing to begin with. She has some rather ugly scars here and there, many of them are on her back and stomach. She's died so many times, but she always comes back. ]

So, you do have a nice body under all that armor.

[thispoisonousdream]

Did you ever doubt me, a warrior and a god? Tsk tsk.

[Loki sheds the remaining shirt from his upper body and it slides off of his arms and into the void of the floor somewhere. His lips burn to be on Leblanc's again, and as he leans in to press their mouths together, his hands wrap around her ribs, just below her breasts.

Her body is warm and soft, sensations Loki is so desperately starved of. His hands stick to her in the wet air and for a moment, he feels like he is melding with her. He urges her back, to lay upon the table top, wanting to see just how close to melding to her he can get.]

[trompeur]

T'is never doubt, merely strategic cynicism.

[Leblanc smiles mischievously as he pushes her against the table, arms wrapping around him as she returns the kiss. It's been so long since she's felt this way--felt like she's actually wanted for more than just her power.

But the table creaks...]

Oh--

[And then proceeds to break! Leblanc manages to smash her head against the ground when she falls. Her head feels heavy as her vision blurs, blood staining her hair as she reaches up to touch a large gash on the right side of her head.]