Into the Unknown with darkseidofmoon

[have_no_mercy]

It's not unusual for Tess to remain working in the study into the wee hours of the morning. What isn't usual is for her to be waiting for company, even if the hours aren't quite so wee as yet. It's still late and worse, she has little idea what she may be getting herself into.

Which also isn't usual, but sometimes these kinds of risks have to be taken and she's the only one, in her opinion, who can put themselves on the line right now.

That doesn't mean Tess isn't going to be pacing until her guest arrives.

Comments

[darkseidofmoon.livejournal.com]

Darkseid arrives in very little time, as promised, and quickly makes his way to Tess' study when security lets him in. He enters seconds later, smiling at her and closing the door soundlessly behind him.

"Tess."

[have_no_mercy]

By the time he enters the room Tess has her composure completely together and offers him a smile in greeting.

"Darkseid. Interesting name, by the way."

[darkseidofmoon.livejournal.com]

His smile widens slightly at that, and he steps closer to her. "I'm glad you think so," he replies with a nod. "I've always liked it."

[have_no_mercy]

"Not your original one, then? Wow. I'm shocked," Tess deadpans, still smiling. And as he steps closer, she steps back, finally turning and walking over to the wet bar. "Nightcap?"

[darkseidofmoon.livejournal.com]

Darkseid's eyes follow her as she moves, and after a moment's consideration, he gives her another nod. "I don't see why not. The plan is to enjoy ourselves, after all."

[have_no_mercy]

"Exactly." She pours a scotch for him - she has enough of it after all - and water for herself, then walks back to where he's standing.

After handing him his glass, she holds up her own. "To enjoying ourselves."

[darkseidofmoon.livejournal.com]

He gives her water a knowing glance, accompanied by a knowing smile, before taking the glass offered to him.

"To enjoying ourselves," he echoes, lifting his own glass to touch hers.

[have_no_mercy]

Tess takes a small sip, watching him over the glass, then sets it down on one of the numerous little tables in the room.

"So. Darkseid." That time she doesn't quite make it without a brief, soft laugh. "I think we may need to find a nickname for you."

[darkseidofmoon.livejournal.com]

"Oh?" Darkseid asks, a brow raised and another smile playing at his lips. "What sort of nickname did you have in mind?" He takes a sip from his own drink as he poses the question.

[have_no_mercy]

She studies him critically for a few moments before sighing with a shrug. "I think I'm going to need to get to know you better first. But seriously, a name like that is only going to get you a whole lot of Star Wars jokes. But who knows," she continues, taking a step toward him this time. "Maybe I'll come up with something soon."

[darkseidofmoon.livejournal.com]

This time a small laugh escapes him. "My...public image isn't overly important," he informs her, setting his drink down on one of the tables and stepping toward her, as well. "But if you'd like to give me a nickname, Tess, you're more than welcome to."

[have_no_mercy]

His public image isn't important. Tess files that little tidbit of information away for now and simply smiles back. This time she'll keep her place.

"I suppose I could just call you 'D'. Very vague and mysterious. For the time being, anyway."

[darkseidofmoon.livejournal.com]

Darkseid raises his eyebrows, an amused smile gracing his lips. "'D'? Well, that almost has an...intimate sound to it."

[have_no_mercy]

"Does it?" Whether she agrees or not isn't overly discernible. One step closer. "Too intimate?"

[darkseidofmoon.livejournal.com]

In response, he'll take another step of his own. "Now, I didn't say that. I wouldn't want to impose any limits on you."

[have_no_mercy]

There's just a step's worth of space between them at this point and Tess stops a half step short.

"Well," she starts, voice soft and lowered, "I did say it would be only temporary until I came up with a better one."

[darkseidofmoon.livejournal.com]

Darkseid stands his ground this time, leaving that last half step between them. For the moment.

"You did," he agrees, his own voice just as soft. "And what do you think will need to be done for you to be able to come up with this...better one?"

[have_no_mercy]

Tess half shrugs, maintaining the small distance. "Probably just time. I suppose I could keep using Secret Admirer, but it's not very accurate anymore and it's such a mouthful."

[darkseidofmoon.livejournal.com]

He gives her a half smile and tilts his head to one side. "Well, I'd hate for the intrigue to be lost. Because underneath that beautiful mask of annoyance, I think you like the vagueness and mysteriousness. On some level, at least."

[have_no_mercy]

She raises an eyebrow at that and mimics his headtilt. "Then that makes two of us."

[darkseidofmoon.livejournal.com]

And in response, he'll mimic her raised eyebrow with one of his own. "Oh?" He also may lean in a little closer, though his feet remain planted in place.

[have_no_mercy]

"Oh, come on," Tess replies softly, keeping her gaze locked on his. "You're getting a kick out of knowing more about us than we know about you, certainly, but you like it even more when someone can surprise you."

[darkseidofmoon.livejournal.com]

"Surprise me?" Darkseid inquires, his expression remaining the same as he takes a moment to search her eyes. "Surprise me how?"

[have_no_mercy]

She just smiles back at him for a moment.

"I'm sure someone's managed to accomplish it, now and then."

[darkseidofmoon.livejournal.com]

He half shrugs. "I don't often let people surprise me, as I don't often like surprises." He pauses and regards her again. "Though I suppose I would, if it were a pleasant surprise."