shadowembraced

[shadowembraced]

He narrowed his eyes just slightly at the comment from the copycat. Guess I got lucky the shadows played along... They never did. Luck or not. To grow your shadow and make shapes out of it was one thing. A true parlor trick. Nothing too complex. But the level of control and refinement that Ryan displayed in that room spoke of something that Mikhail himself took months to perfect, his age notwithstanding. That spoke of a depth to Ryan's own power. Something that Ryan was holding back. And Mikhail wondered if it would be wise to try and get that info out of him. What's your true power, Mr. Estrada? He asked in his mind as he sipped on his drink and still studied the features of the male before him. You just made yourself all the more interesting read. He added, half referencing to his thoughts in their first interaction.

No questions asked, a refill was served to both of them. Mikhail certainly could hold his liquor. He wondered if Ryan could too or if he had also absorbed Mikhail's own resistance. "Don't mention it. We had a deal." He pointed simply and then moved over to the TV, turning on the sound system, just to have background noises as he settled some classic musics to play since Ryan didn't seem like the chattiest person... Unless provoked. And he'd rather have the male with his guard as low as possible.

"By the way. No one calls me Misha."

"i can see why." ryan thought about the best way to present himself in front of a crowd of people he barely knew & who barely knew him. he thought about… using that little trick, he'd seen the actor use it during his …younger years, but he felt it smartest to present something the crowd had seen before to enunciate clearly what it was ryan did. was it classy? probably not. did he feel good about copying others? nah. but it was his god-given gift & so he made use of it as he saw fit. it wasn't like he made a habit of it, like he planned to go around taking everybody's power & declaring their presence here unnecessary. ryan was far … from that mindset. he just wanted to be here, so he could get out there & do what they did …legally. without restraint.

admittedly, ryan thought the offer to get drunk together - if more sophistically worded by the shadow weaver was meant for after the event, but apparently… not. he wasn't sure if skipping the end of it was smart, especially because ryan would profit from knowing everybody's abilities, but .. he was here now, he might as well get what he came for.

"oh, yeah. it's fine." ryan knew that some must think him weak, needing to steal to perform, but he hadn't asked to be born this way & whatever god thought about when he made him… well, ryan had yet to find another way to use his gift. *"guess i got lucky the shadows played along." ryan hummed with a little shrug, chasing the other towards the bar to get his prize. *no, not mikhail.* the booze. only the booze. what the actor didn't quite know - or anybody other than father ( & therefore the team of the institute most likely) .. ryan didn't just absorb … or mimic powers. there was a depth to what he did.. only few could be able to grasp, he felt. the reason he avoided touching others wasn't their powers pouring into him, it was … everything else. sure, the absorbing itself wasn't that much fun either, but it wasn't the actual deal breaker. it was the memories, good & bad - painful, numbing .. enlightening … in misha's case. explained a whole lot why he was the way he was.

& that was the main issue. knowing other people's deepest darkest secrets… knowing everything about them with a single touch… it wasn't … well, besides it giving him a murder migraine.. it also… it just.. he didn't want it. he didn't want to know anything, not like this. in this case … it made him curious, maybe feeling a little sympathetic for the other. "thanks." he sipped his drink, throwing his head back to down it quick. soft hiss, but it was really good.

[shadowembraced]

He was used to showing off. And to being under the constant nagging of PR and unrealistic expectations so it had been no struggle for his part when Ash called him out and invited him to be the first. But the ginger had clearly been out of his element when he called him out about his smile. There was always a time for a red carpet grin to show. But never when his powers were at play and his eyes were darkened for that would give him an unhinged look that was never good on camera so smoldering also worked. He wondered if he should request Izabel's former PR to be hired as well. Considering the woman had awfully high standards and that one managed to survive under her tyranny almost as long as Mikhail himself did. But now was not the time to think about Izabel Oshakova. Or Ash Kestis for that matter. He'd clean whatever mess happened after their departure and Mikhail would have something more interesting to do with his time.

His shadow traveling had brought them back to the living room, coincidentally the same spot they had had their first interaction.

Mikhail let go of Ryan once they found themselves on solid ground and moved calmly and casually around the living room, heading over to the bar, thankfully refilled. "A little parlor trick that can be quite convenient." Since he was never above disappearing out of nowhere when he found himself craving company that wouldn't do any good for him in front of cameras. The most destructive bits about his powers were... Left aside and locked deep within his memories. "Yours isn't bad either if I do say so myself." But there was this bit that bothered him slightly. Sure, Ryan could be a copycat all he wanted but the finesse he displayed showed that, clearly, there was a depth to his powers that could make many feel uneasy. "The level of refinement was astounding... For someone that apparently doesn't deal with shadows that often..." He mused pouring a glass for him and for the shorter male.

@shadowembraced

ryan didn't like to be the center of attention - he never did & yet he was always forced into it by one person or another. the kids in the group home, the caretakers, his older sisters, teachers. he'd always been the target of attention he didn't want. sure, work as a teacher pushed that a little, but it was a different kind of attention & it was the kind he chose. this entire … situation here, the showcase .. was far from what he was comfortable with. he'd ..watched & he'd listened, quite determined not to give his trick away yet - partially because he didn't want to deal with questions, but also because he just didn't want to… show… off anything.

but the offer made was … it called to him. he'd been determined to get drunk, which he'd been denied, so… yeah, the offer actually sounded good. sure, he didn't want to touch the actor, not at all - not even just a minute, but he didn't know anybody else & iceman… messed up his plans by fucking up. as did charlie, ryan didn't really want to deal with those powers. shadows …it was. he thought he did .. okay. misha seemed to think so, too, because he was still willing to hold up his end of the bargain.

even though he shut off his timer, he still had shadow weaver in his system. he just made a point not to go past his limit, which .. changed with practice. he could go longer, but .. it tended to affect him in ways he didn't want to experience. when he felt the pressure of a hand against his back, he wanted to step aside, but before he could, shadows wrapped around them & then he was elsewhere. "neat trick you got there."

[shadowembraced]

"What can I say... I'm a simple minded man who doesn't read the classics." Some scripts were too deep and demanded a lot of attention. So for books... He liked 'em simple. "It does, doesn't it?" It was about a damn circus. Full of freaks. A lot like the one he had just joined in. Part of him wondered who Boss would gift the bone wings to. And who would be the next to fall... As morbid as it sounded. "But again... It's a good reading." So it wasn't Paragon's. But Malen'kiy's book. "Might have just found one worth reading again." Whatever Malen'kiy understood out of that sentence. "Don't worry. I'll take good care of it."

This book belongs to Ryan Estrada And a pretty handwriting at that...

"I don't think Kestis would like it if I lounged on the couch all sweaty. It is an expensive fabric and a designer piece after all... Good reading, Malen'kiy." And shadows surrounded him as he walked away disappearing into nothingness as those very shadows also carried him back to his room.

ryan held his breath when the other leaned in, waiting for ..something to happen. he wasn't sure why he let him, but so far - it was all about tease, right? it was harmless & he wouldn't touch him .. against his will. no, he wouldn't dare. mikhail would be the one to regret it, surely, so at the end of the day it didn't matter & yet ... he'd rather not. his skin, his rules & no cocky little russian should mess with him that way. he wouldn't let him. while he leaned in, though - ryan couldn't avoid taking in his scent, too. sweat .. had a very distinct scent & ryan would like to raise a formal complaint that he was to be subjected to it. mikhail, the cheater, good to know.

"and yet... you've been looking quite hard for a long, long time. like a man who knew his literature." at least up to some point. he didn't expect him to be on his level in the slightest, "you like this one, says a lot. but by all means, keep lookin'."

the other retreated, as he could - ryan… didn't stop him, but he turned with him…… to watch, as he headed for the door. "i'd like it back when you're done." he spoke up after a moment, debating for another, "living room's big enough for two, gonna head over to the kitchen soon anyway."

[shadowembraced]

I know what I can or can't handle. Those words rang... Deeper than he thought the other meant them to. Still... Mikhail didn't move away. His eyes searching for... Something. Anything. But whichever the other male have been showing him so far... That was probably it? No... It couldn't be. He hoped it wasn't all that there was to be seen from the other's fire. But then again, he wouldn't blame him from retreating if he realized that Mikhail was considering him entertainment.

It's been a while...

He leaned in, taking in a deep breath as if he was about so say something else. Whisper it into the male's ear even. And he almost backed down but... One of those jabs couldn't go unanswered. "You don't know my stand on worthwhile, Malen'kiy." And a deep sigh. He knew when he was being dismissed. And push for anything now would only... Aggravate things. So... Instead... He picked the book and tapped it gently against the male's chest as a thank you. Nothing else to be said just... Turn around and go enjoy his bath. Although... He honestly doubted that the book would be the only holder of his focus for the night.

"Guess I should leave you alone with your distractions. It's been a pleasure." He said simply, and turned around, ready to leave.

mikhail seemed to enjoy this little ...social interaction, which was his own problem, really. ryan wasn't here for his entertainment, nor did he feel overly inclined to provide more than he was comfortable with. not that he was feeling very comfortable right now. "mhm, sure." ryan wasn't that pale. but yeah, tease the apparent bookworm about his pale skin. how unique. & then that accent. it really was him, not some fever dream. "believe it or not, i'm an adult an' i know what i can or can't handle, thanks." he didn't like being this close to him, he didn't like the actor's scent so present in his nose, he didn't like ... feeling the other's warmth in his personal space. he craved warmth more than he was able to admit. the past few months had been some of the hardest of his life.

glad for his gloves, ryan pulled his hand back against his chest together with the book when released. soft growl rumbling within him, but it didn't ... travel very far. & suddenly he was quiet. did ryan find his switch? interesting. "i'm sure you're struggling left an' right." ryan was still glancing up at him, in a way - unsure why he hadn't pulled away just yet. "you won't find anything worthwhile in there." he set the book down on a table nearby & shrugged. "you're a big boy, your choice. i got plenty more to keep me busy." no, he wouldn't elaborate on the how, but he liked showing he was much better prepared to be here for sure. "unless you'd rather spend your days working out an' communicating with the local fauna." with many of them living in their phone screens, ryan doubted he truly wanted to pick that option.

[shadowembraced]

His ow facade almost crumbled as he had to hold back a cackle of glee. He had to go and find out this one's name now. It wouldn't do to ask him at this point. He didn't seen the every bit of the smart ass that he sounded like and that alone was delightful for the actor. Clumsy? He had been at some point. And that was a delightful come back. His words were not calculated. He could see that. And if the male knew who Mikhail was, he didn't let it show with his wits. It's been a while since he felt this refreshed interacting with anyone.

To say Mikhail knew his way around literature would be... a delicate statement. He had read all the big names back when he was younger. But as he grew up... His brain wanted a little bit of a break so he started going for easier books. He wasn't a book snob. But sometimes a book and wine were good ways to spend the day. So yeah... He was disgusted by some tittles in there, having read them in his childhood but repressing the memories. However Be in the male's presence was proving to be as relaxing as it was amusing. And Mikhail made no attempt to conceal his amusement for the whole interaction.

Oh, I want to get so much more than just my hands on the merchandise, Malen'kiy... He thought to himself as his smirk grew wider and wider. "Wouldn't want you getting your soft skin all burn up and red..." Accent seeping in slowly. But since you asked oh so nicely... Sure he wouldn't mind pinning Malen'kiy down to the nearest surface but he figured that it wouldn't be that wise considering he didn't know what sorts of power he had and it could backfire badly for him so, deliberately, he released the book and the male's hands. "You'd be surprised..." He retorted now with a shrug of his own.

brows furrowed behind dark glasses, "so, telling the truth is now called defensive?" brows raised, he eyed him closely & shook his head a little. "sturdier surfaces? so you're clumsy? that's okay." shooting him a sideways grin, feeling quite pleased with himself, ryan returned to his book. he'd made his point & hoped it was enough to shoot down any future tries at ..everything, anything. whatever.

if the other really knew his way around literature, then he'd find the collection present .... decent, at best, which was why ryan had brought his own. he knew not to trust strangers with providing a proper selection of books. he had a suitcase solemnly dedicated to books under his bed & he didn't intend to share - not more than this one book, anyway. he wasn't even sure why he chose this ...guy to be an exception. why him? worst goddamn idea, he shouldn't be putting himself in his vicinity... he wasn't even sure why he was playing with fire like this. maybe because the thrill was ...exhilarating.

he'd been ready to drop the book for him, or hand it over - whichever way mikhail wanted to take him it. but the actor seemed to have something else in mind. in a split second, he found himself facing the other, with practically only the bare minimum distance between them. he ..was tall & broad. fucking russians. ryan was late to pull away, too ...mesmerized by scotch hues that beat down on him mercilessly, to notice the hand coming for his.

the shorter man jolted & pulled regardless, in almost frantic fashion until acceptance sank in that he wasn't going to be released ... that easily. don't touch. "hands off the merchandise." little breath, jaw squared & ready to strike back if needed. "...pretty good 'till you stepped in front of the sun." the russian was an unfair move, but he wasn't going to tell him that. "never heard that sentence before, have you?" he was sure, a pretty actor like him surely didn't struggle with hookups. well, sucked to be him now.

[shadowembraced]

Do not call unwanted attention to yourself. One of the voices pipped in but the others quickly subdued it. Mikhail mentally cursed himself at not paying better attention when he got the names of his housemates otherwise he'd have something better to refer to him by instead of simply 'cute nerd'. "Hey, no need to get defensive. My house also could do just fine. Probably sturdier surfaces." If the guy knew who he was he also knew about his reputation and his talk show persona. The one that gave easy and shallow answers to interviews and kept a bright smile all the way through a innuendo joke without blushing or stuttering. This is not unwanted attention apparently... He retorted mentally to himself.

Oh little nerd... You have no idea what you're getting yourself into...

And yet... He kept his attention on the books, glowering at some spines. Who the hell decided that they couldn't have Marie Lu in that house would have to respond to him. He'd definitely have to ship his own books in. He couldn't just work out and train all day. And he had no projects in the incoming future so.. No lines to practice. He'd have to find something else to entertain himself. And pick the nerd as a target sounded... To be expected. And he'd rather avoid playing into his stereotypes. At least in the institute.

But apparently... The nerd wouldn't make his job any easier.

He felt the thud of a hard cover book against his back and turned around, trying, he really did try, not to impose too much with his height against the other. but when his hand closed around the book spine, he deliberately made sure to also capture two leather clad fingers within his grasp. "I'm out of my league you say... How's the view from your high horse, Malen'kiy?" He asked now setting foot within the other's personal space, head actually tilting down to look at the other. Multi layered jab...

Check. Your move.

ryan could tell him it was one of the books he brought in, but he chose not to. there was already too much of a connection between them & he could live with one less book in his collection - or pick up another copy eventually just to get the other out of his face & fast before he forgot himself & would forever regret it. eyes back on the book, he tried to resume reading, content to let the other search a book he felt like reading, although that comment didn't quite let him go. especially when their eyes met again & the other ...returned .. the remark? hm. maybe he wasn't as simple as ryan thought he was. the pretty ones usually were. not that he judged. the world needed all kinds of people. those like him & ...well, him. "you'd never set even just a single foot into my house. trust me, you're out of your league. " which could be interpreted a many different ways, but if the other was as smart as he surely thought he was, he'd get it & know there was no chance, so he didn't even have to try.

save yourself the trouble, go find someone easy, little jock.

& yet... he went to offer his book. he ..didn't know why. the collection was decent, surely he'd find something else to keep him busy. ryan had filled the shelves when he came in & more were coming in daily, so there shouldn't be a lack. at all. he didn't even notice how tall the other was when he'd still sat, which made him feel like in school all over again. he'd .... not had a good time with his height. or lack thereof. he could feel the russian's eyes on him & he wondered what it was he thought, because for all he knew ..it was nothing. why was he staring then? why did his eyes roam? there was literally nothing there for him to find. a peek of tongue shouldn't worry him & yet it did. who knew what a pr-trained actor could pull out of his ass to get him kicked or something. pffht.

eyes formed little slits when the obvious innuendo was shot his way & he let out a little huff of really? shaking his head a little, he chose to ignore it. he'd already shared his opinion on their future & he'd stand by it. besides, ryan wasn't one to go for sloppy seconds. he wasn't desperate. also, touching him? last fucking thing he could imagine doing right now. admittedly, he'd never expected to be so vehemently against him, because he .... shouldn't... hadn't... he wasn't.. before, but seeing him waltz around in his proximity just .. his defenses went all the way up. mikhail couldn't know the truth. never. "did. it's good. like i said. you want it, you can have it." another shrug, because ryan could go for another. he re-read books sometimes & usually he'd never stop a book in the middle, even during a reread, but ... he was willing to make an exception. for his peace.

the russian turned away & the former teacher couldn't help roll his eyes when he returned to looking for a book. fucking stubborn little kid. so, because he was oh so much of an adult, ryan smacked the book against the other's broad…. broad back. "jus' take it, geez. i can see your miserable face from a damn mile away."

[shadowembraced]

"Lucky indeed... I don't see that pair of wings often in book stores... But then again, I dont always get the chance to just linger around and look for books at my own leisure so..." He mused distractedly, eyes narrowing as he tried to read the spine of books for anything interesting. Sometimes he struggled with a new book, a new character, a new series, so he tended to reread things he enjoyed and was fond of. Maybe he could talk to someone about getting his personal collection shipped to him... You look the type. Wait what?

Head whipped to the side and scotch eyes locked onto cubic frame. Was he meant to be cute or was that meant to be a jab? He wondered... And figured that could always get a little more fun out of the seemingly quiet ones. "Oh, my... For me to be walking around in your house shirtless... We've very likely to have been in a deeper state of undressing. For equally straining physical activities." His eyes roamed around the male, sadly there wasn't much to look at with him folded onto himself so Mikhail made it quite obvious by looks and smirks alone what he meant, wondering what kind of response would draw out of the other.

He had turned around again, resuming his hunt for a book but he had managed to see from the corner of his eyes as the other unfurled from his cube form and got up. Adorable. Mikhail wondered if that one was just the every bit of the cute nerd that he appeared to be. And so he waited as he approached him and offered that book. Mikhail just wondered if he didn't look as predatory as he once again studied the male and wet his lips before a smirk grazed them. "I could go for something else..." He retorted and clearly he didn't mean the books... "You finish it. And then tell me if you liked." He winked and seemed to find somethi... Nope. Disgusting. Next. The hunt continued. Whichever prey he scored... Remained to be seen.

ryan hadn't really looked at other people in a long, long time. he'd not had reason to, he'd been … well, he'd been happy. from the bottom of his heart. he'd found the life he always prayed for & truly thought he could live that dream until the day he died. boy, had he been wrong. now, he wasn't …looking. it'd been months, sure, but what about it? months couldn't heal the wounds he bore, nor had it been long enough to forget. how could he? he might've left his old life behind, but memories? they … weren't as easy to abandon as four walls & a roof.

& yet, when presented with a …specimen of his quite peculiar taste, even ryan - who thought of himself as resilient & determined… might lose himself for a short moment. & that he did, in … thoughts & … wishful thinking… yeah, a lot of thinking. that little voice in the back of his head that never spoke up ever, poking him gently & still viciously in the side about how easy it would be to find an excuse to get a whiff. or how delicious he would most likely smell after that workout. but ryan knew that was his body talking, not his mind. not. his. mind. he might as well walk around the mansion naked with as much skin as he put on display. ryan himself was … almost fully covered, including his gloves - so the only bare skin that showed would be his ankles with the position he was in & his neck & up. he'd never been much for showing off.

"lucky they got one here then, i guess." ryan rumbled in return, not really too keen on getting book advice from a guy walking around like that here. part of him knew he wasn't an outsider, but part of him also couldn't believe the universe would bring him here … to him. what were the odds for that? "you look the type." shrug, which yes - was managed despite still remaining a cube. mostly. in fact, he looked like … a lot more, but ryan bit his tongue. this time. "welcome to the states." he knew the other had been here … for years, he knew because he'd seen him in an american production before, he knew that he might not be able to keep the facade up forever, but he also knew he would have to try. nobody deserved to have that power over him.

he'd wanted him to piss off, had chosen his words wisely & yet when he did, he felt that little pang of ….why abandon me? in his chest regardless of any rational thought process going on. unfurling from his existence as a cube on the couch, ryan stood & stretched a little, his shirt riding up just a tad to bear a glimpse of smooth skin underneath & then he counted to five. silently. to brace himself for impact, because he walked over to the russian, standing dangerously close - closer than he had put himself willingly to anybody in the mansion in the first week of his stay & then lips parted around a breath. book held up, gloves fingers holding it in .. a semi-secure grip. "you want it? i can go for somethin' else." glancing up at him through his glasses, brows furled in a way that almost made his face look sad - like a sad puppy, though it happened without his consent or knowledge. "can go for somethin' else."

[shadowembraced]

He was used to being stared at. Seen not heard when he grew up. And that only went in further when he landed his first role. Perfection. A bar set a little too high. For his looks, his posture, his mannerisms. Calculated and curated. Could he even play the... What was even the world... Oh right... Spontaneous. Could he even be the spontaneous guy without if being carefully scripted and rehearsed? Well... At this point in life... Just felt... Natural. Always a role to play and strive.

So he took the opportunity to stare back. Hunched and wrapped around himself, he wondered if that sort of posture was even comfortable and if he could mimic that to transmit some sort of vulnerability... He'd have to test it out later during some photoshoot if they needed that. And then there were those surprised brown eyes looking at him over eyeframes that... Interestingly enough, didn't seem to age him. Misha knew damn well that some eyeglasses just made you look 10 years older if you weren't careful picking them... And the pushing glasses up nose... Such an instinctive action and could give away someone's intention depending on how they've done it. Sure, no one was as deliberated in the way they moved but... It never hurt to study one's movements.

Habits.

He was used to being stared at. Seen not heard when he grew up. And that only went in further when he landed his first role. Perfection. A bar set a little too high. For his looks, his posture, his mannerisms. Calculated and curated. Could he even play the… What was even the world… Oh right… Spontaneous. Could he even be the spontaneous guy without if being carefully scripted and rehearsed? Well… At this point in life… Just felt… Natural. Always a role to play and strive.

So he took the opportunity to stare back. Hunched and wrapped around himself, he wondered if that sort of posture was even comfortable and if he could mimic that to transmit some sort of vulnerability… He'd have to test it out later during some photoshoot if they needed that. And then there were those surprised brown eyes looking at him over eyeframes that… Interestingly enough, didn't seem to age him. Misha knew damn well that some eyeglasses just made you look 10 years older if you weren't careful picking them… And the pushing glasses up nose… Such an instinctive action and could give away someone's intention depending on how they've done it. Sure, no one was as deliberated in the way they moved but… It never hurt to study one's movements.

Habits.

"Good read. Not… Too heavy. Like to reread it from time to time but didn't bring my copy with me." He mused and then couldn't help but chuckle as the other made such… amusing comments. Either he was oblivious to his own surroundings or he purposely ignored the fellow inhabitants of the mansion. "It's cute you think I'm a visitor… Implies that I make it an habit of walking around shirtless in people's places after making use of their private, state of the art, gyms…" Arms crossed on his chest and he tilted his head to the side, eyebrows knitting together just slightly. "I'm from Russia. Colorado's… Something alright." He shrugged but then turned around and resumed looking along the selves.

If the book he wanted was being used, he better find something else to distract himself. Especially he planned to draw a bubble bath to relax.

ryan … liked silence, on occasion. well, not just on occasion. he needed his peace, his quiet & his calm. or else he was … struggling. he didn't even remember when exactly all that started - this urge to control his surroundings, but he would like to think that it slowly developed over the years due to the lack of influence on his childhood. he'd been other people's playball for the longest time & he didn't really envy the little boy that had craved nothing more than stability & being left alone to live his life in peace. maybe that was why … he was struggling in this house, more than he assumed he would. because he lost the stability that kept him grounded for the past twenty years - just like that.

most of the guys here had absolutely zero understanding for his kind of .. existence. they walked there they wanted, they did what they wanted, they were as loud as they wanted & some .. left the place in a damn mess when they wanted. they always did. the fact someone just walked in without even checking if the room was clear only confirmed it. he didn't bother glancing up though & very feverishly tried to ignore the intrusion by reading even more determinedly. his glasses hanging low on his nose with his head tucked against his chest. it wasn't until the intruder decided humming wasn't enough to disturb any ounce of peace ryan had built for himself, no. he started singing, if .. not quite full-throttle.. it was enough to catch his attention.

unfortunately.

because when he glanced up, only to be presented with a strong back & sinfully low-hanging sweats. not a rare sight in this place, at all. it wasn't the looks that caught him not at all, it was the singing, because … he knew that song & it really wasn't one he'd expected to hear in this place. most of the kids here wouldn't know good music if it hit them in the face & even though it was short-lasted, ryan could … he could hear there was more to that voice. the depth, the almost … it was… yeah, he didn't like it.

it wasn't until the guy turned around & hopefully he didn't catch him eyeing his back, because ryan hadn't been eyeing his back, not consciously. he'd just .. been fishing for a little more of that voice, yeah. nothing else. well, other than the plan to glare at him if he ever acknowledged ryan's voiced complaint. he didn't. when the stranger spun around & ryan was presented with the full-blown, undeniably familiar visage… it took him a lot of restraint not to …. not to what? yell, faint, drool? fanboy? ugh.

how on earth could this be? since when did the institute let humans stay? he had to be, right? it couldn't be pure fucking coincidence - surely. the sweat didn't go unnoticed, neither did the scruff, or the dark patches all over his exposed skin. he didn't look as hairy in the movie. no, stop it. when the other spoke, ryan ….stared, still somewhat dumb-founded, unsure of whether or not he might've fallen asleep on the couch & someone had let the movie run on the living room tv - fueling this …dream? logical explanation. but when he was stared at in return, he …. couldn't help admit he was indeed not asleep. gloved finger pushed his glasses up on his nose, head tilted to the side a moment until he caught on. the book. "so i've been told." if only he could find a quiet place to read to find out for himself.

"you lost? visitor's hours aren't until later. pr ain't here yet." the living room was the place for those meetings with the outside world, but … hm. they hardly ever let the humans mingle like this & why the hell was he half naked? "might wanna put on some clothes before heading out, colorado's not known too kind this time of the year."

[shadowembraced]

He was used to being stared at. Seen not heard when he grew up. And that only went in further when he landed his first role. Perfection. A bar set a little too high. For his looks, his posture, his mannerisms. Calculated and curated. Could he even play the... What was even the world... Oh right... Spontaneous. Could he even be the spontaneous guy without if being carefully scripted and rehearsed? Well... At this point in life... Just felt... Natural. Always a role to play and strive.

So he took the opportunity to stare back. Hunched and wrapped around himself, he wondered if that sort of posture was even comfortable and if he could mimic that to transmit some sort of vulnerability... He'd have to test it out later during some photoshoot if they needed that. And then there were those surprised brown eyes looking at him over eyeframes that... Interestingly enough, didn't seem to age him. Misha knew damn well that some eyeglasses just made you look 10 years older if you weren't careful picking them... And the pushing glasses up nose... Such an instinctive action and could give away someone's intention depending on how they've done it. Sure, no one was as deliberated in the way they moved but... It never hurt to study one's movements. Habits.

"Good read. Not... Too heavy. Like to reread it from time to time but didn't bring my copy with me." He mused and then couldn't help but chuckle as the other made such... amusing comments. Either he was oblivious to his own surroundings or he purposely ignored the fellow inhabitants of the mansion. "It's cute you think I'm a visitor... Implies that I make it an habit of walking around shirtless in people's places after making use of their private, state of the art, gyms..." Arms crossed on his chest and he tilted his head to the side, eyebrows knitting together just slightly. "I"m from Russia. Colorado's... Something alright." He shrugged but then turned around and resumed looking along the selves.

If the book he wanted was being used, he better find something else to distract himself. Especially he planned to draw a bubble bath to relax.

ryan … liked silence, on occasion. well, not just on occasion. he needed his peace, his quiet & his calm. or else he was … struggling. he didn't even remember when exactly all that started - this urge to control his surroundings, but he would like to think that it slowly developed over the years due to the lack of influence on his childhood. he'd been other people's playball for the longest time & he didn't really envy the little boy that had craved nothing more than stability & being left alone to live his life in peace. maybe that was why … he was struggling in this house, more than he assumed he would. because he lost the stability that kept him grounded for the past twenty years - just like that.

most of the guys here had absolutely zero understanding for his kind of .. existence. they walked there they wanted, they did what they wanted, they were as loud as they wanted & some .. left the place in a damn mess when they wanted. they always did. the fact someone just walked in without even checking if the room was clear only confirmed it. he didn't bother glancing up though & very feverishly tried to ignore the intrusion by reading even more determinedly. his glasses hanging low on his nose with his head tucked against his chest. it wasn't until the intruder decided humming wasn't enough to disturb any ounce of peace ryan had built for himself, no. he started singing, if .. not quite full-throttle.. it was enough to catch his attention.

unfortunately.

because when he glanced up, only to be presented with a strong back & sinfully low-hanging sweats. not a rare sight in this place, at all. it wasn't the looks that caught him not at all, it was the singing, because … he knew that song & it really wasn't one he'd expected to hear in this place. most of the kids here wouldn't know good music if it hit them in the face & even though it was short-lasted, ryan could … he could hear there was more to that voice. the depth, the almost … it was… yeah, he didn't like it.

it wasn't until the guy turned around & hopefully he didn't catch him eyeing his back, because ryan hadn't been eyeing his back, not consciously. he'd just .. been fishing for a little more of that voice, yeah. nothing else. well, other than the plan to glare at him if he ever acknowledged ryan's voiced complaint. he didn't. when the stranger spun around & ryan was presented with the full-blown, undeniably familiar visage… it took him a lot of restraint not to …. not to what? yell, faint, drool? fanboy? ugh.

how on earth could this be? since when did the institute let humans stay? he had to be, right? it couldn't be pure fucking coincidence - surely. the sweat didn't go unnoticed, neither did the scruff, or the dark patches all over his exposed skin. he didn't look as hairy in the movie. no, stop it. when the other spoke, ryan ….stared, still somewhat dumb-founded, unsure of whether or not he might've fallen asleep on the couch & someone had let the movie run on the living room tv - fueling this …dream? logical explanation. but when he was stared at in return, he …. couldn't help admit he was indeed not asleep. gloved finger pushed his glasses up on his nose, head tilted to the side a moment until he caught on. the book. "so i've been told." if only he could find a quiet place to read to find out for himself.

"you lost? visitor's hours aren't until later. pr ain't here yet." the living room was the place for those meetings with the outside world, but … hm. they hardly ever let the humans mingle like this & why the hell was he half naked? "might wanna put on some clothes before heading out, colorado's not known too kind this time of the year."

[shadowembraced]

He had just finished his own work out regimen and that also meant taking some quality time in silence with his thoughts in the steam sauna. Mikhail was pleasantly surprised to see that the institute's state of the art structures and appliances would allow him to keep up with his routine between projects while also making it possible to keep himself in shape.

Body dripping with sweat as he made his way over to the showers to wash off he stopped by the locker to grab his shower gel when he heard the comment from the other and while he did have plenty remarks on his tongue, the embarrassment on the guy's face was enough entertainment in and of itself.

"Cute." He snorted turning his attention back to his belongings for a moment, towel loose enough to show the not so subtle hint of a healthy bush. "But if someone wanted to dropped their soap... Hey. No judgement. You can always wash it all out again." He smirked and winked at the other.

@shadowembraced location: Paragon gym locker rooms

Following a new workout routine and hot shower, Morgan cooled off in Paragon's locker room. He adjusted the white towel around his waist before collecting a few of his belongings. Out of the blue, the phantom's entire wallet fell to the tile floor with an anticlimactic slap.

Witnessing his own clumsiness first hand made Morgan audibly snort, and a bad joke slipped right out afterward, "This is not a place you want to drop soap."

Turning his head toward whoever stood beside him, hopeful they'd agree, Morgan instantly froze with shock and embarrassment. It was that guy, Mikhail, the fucking superstar actor. "Uhgf..." Morgan gasped and pushed air out all at once before leaning down to collect the wallet. Wishing to erase the last five seconds. "Just 'cause... suds stain, you know?"

Internally screaming, wishing invisibility was part of his ghostly repertoire, Morgan turned away in hopes he wouldn't bother the celebrity further.

[shadowembraced]

Routines were important. Izabel was right about that. And despite everything else she put him through, that little habit was the one thing that kept him from spiraling or just snapping earlier than he ever did. And sometimes he wondered if he would have reached that level of finesse with his powers if it weren't for daily training religiously at the same time under the ever so watchful and merciless eyes of her. Even now... Sometimes he could still feel the cold daggers she could glare into his skull when he was less than perfect. But there were no cameras around for him to show off so, perfection could chill a little bit.

Tank top damp with sweat from his last work out session hanging in the back of his pants as he walked into the living room, sweatpants hanging low on his hips as it was, the healthy fur coat on his chest continuing down his stomach and the not so subtle hint that there was no underwear underneath the grey fabric.

Mikhail didn't even realize that there was someone else in the living room as he looked over the seemingly endless shelves for a very specific book that he knew existed within the mansion. He just found it odd that the door had been closed. Earplugs in place, he hummed the beginning of Never Enough. Well... Said song could never remain just a hum whenever it came up and since he thought he was alone, he started singing a little bit, his voice very soft at the start. He loved the build up of that tune.

"All the shine of thousand spotlights... All the... Hey! That's the book I'm looking for!" Yes, he had sang the build up. The modulation. And still didn't sound as breathless as he should. Just... A little bit as he paused the song and took off one earbud. "Nice pick." He added with one of his red carpet grins.

@shadowembraced

ryan didn't like to be the center of attention - he never did & yet he was always forced into it by one person or another. the kids in the group home, the caretakers, his older sisters, teachers. he'd always been the target of attention he didn't want. sure, work as a teacher pushed that a little, but it was a different kind of attention & it was the kind he chose. this entire … situation here, the showcase .. was far from what he was comfortable with. he'd ..watched & he'd listened, quite determined not to give his trick away yet - partially because he didn't want to deal with questions, but also because he just didn't want to… show… off anything.

but the offer made was … it called to him. he'd been determined to get drunk, which he'd been denied, so… yeah, the offer actually sounded good. sure, he didn't want to touch the actor, not at all - not even just a minute, but he didn't know anybody else & iceman… messed up his plans by fucking up. as did charlie, ryan didn't really want to deal with those powers. shadows …it was. he thought he did .. okay. misha seemed to think so, too, because he was still willing to hold up his end of the bargain.

even though he shut off his timer, he still had shadow weaver in his system. he just made a point not to go past his limit, which .. changed with practice. he could go longer, but .. it tended to affect him in ways he didn't want to experience. when he felt the pressure of a hand against his back, he wanted to step aside, but before he could, shadows wrapped around them & then he was elsewhere. "neat trick you got there."

[shadowembraced]