drybones | test drive meme: pre-game opening #1

[ there was a handful of people, a mere handful,

He saw people as open books, wearing their entire insignificantly dull lives on their faces, clothes, postures. Some were puzzles, sure, but real challenges were difficult to come by. Rare.

It was more than just irritating that this man was one such puzzle. It was also, equally as exciting; the mystery drew his interest like a moth to a flame.

And he wasn't going to leave until said puzzle was solved. ]

Yes. [ It's an immediate answer, as soon its asked. Pale eyes barely move away from the other.

This one's posture? Suggests pride, comfort. He's smug. At what? It's like he knows Sherlock is trying to figure him out. ]

Who are you? [ A name. That was the standard start, wasn't it? ]

Edited 2012-06-14 10:22 (UTC)

[The other seemed frustrated. Perhaps he thought himself a reader of people, someone who could see and discern with a single glance.

Woe to him that he now stands before Loki, a master of a great many things. He raises a brow at the quick answer and gives the other man a warm smile.]

Luke. [A lie, but Loki was the perfect liar.] And you?

[ Normally. He could.

The warm smile is answered with a brief twitch of the corners of Sherlock's lips.

Of course. Names hardly give you anything. They were just names. He needed facts. ]

Mycroft Holmes. [ A lie of his own. Whilst he had no reason, none he could see or deduce anyway, that the man was lying, he also had little reason to believe he wasn't. And besides, this wasn't the first time he'd impersonated his brother.

Oh of course. He had an idea. ] So what do you think of what we were told? That we're simply from someone else's imagination?

[ Sherlock didn't buy it. It was a ridiculous insult. But this wasn't about him right now. He was sending out small tests. Gauging reactions.

what he really wants to do is start shooting off relevant questions. ]

Edited 2012-06-14 11:58 (UTC)

[A twitch. Oh he didn't like being deprived of his answers did he.
Loki doubted the name given was any more honest than his own, but he nods just the same. He makes his manner nervous, glancing away with a half there smile, fingers twitching as he shifted.]

Aha, yes that. It's an interesting theory, at best. It does make one question the occurences in their life. [ Unless you were him of course. Loki knew better. Loki was a God and the idea of people telling stories about him and claiming them myth? He was used to that.

But this fellow seemed downright insulted by it. Proud, demanding, clever. Oh this would be fun.]

[ no, he didn't. deprivation and sherlock never went together well.

his eyes narrow, just a fraction, as he is careful to catch each movment. he turns his head, just a slight bit. ]

No, it doesn't. Unless you're insecure, or more generically, plain and susceptible to whatever creative story some automated woman's voice tells you over a phone about your existence. [ oh yeah. he was insulted. ]

[ a beat. one thing he can say of sure. ] You don't believe it either.

[ the nervous twitching should tell him otherwise, but some hints of anxiety you couldn't fake. that's the thing about sherlock. he doesn't hope he's right. he is. even if he isn't ~~a rarity~~.]

Edited (sdfkhj all my edits. i am sorry ;;) 2012-06-14 12:58 (UTC)

[One wonders how he'll deal with Loki in the long run.
He watches the other take him in, suspicious from the get go. When he speaks, Loki grins, a genuine expression as his body falls still.]

Not at all. I know well what I am. As you know well what you are.

[But could you figure him out, Mr Holmes? He wnated to see you try.]

Edited (thats okay! XD) 2012-06-14 13:15 (UTC)

[ It's a curiousity, that. He might find him intriguing. Or annoying. Both? Only time will tell.

There's another twitch of Sherlock's lips, a single corner this time. It's something of a satisfied smirk -- and just as genuine as the other's grin. But he sees the challenge.

And naturally? Challenge is accepted. ]

Precisely. [ A blink. So the nervousness was feigned. Good. ] So then, the question is, what are you?

[ He lets the smugness creep into his voice as he presses his two palms together, bringing the tips of his fingers to his chin. You could almost see the figurative spark in his eyes.

He no longer wants a straight answer to his question. Because that wouldn't be fun. But he waits for a reaction.]

[And what will Loki think of Sherlock? Annoying? Or something to be played with?
At that smirk, Loki nods, satisfied. Oh very good. Let the game begin.]

Indeed. Thoughts? What do you see?

[He asks this, spreading his hands to the side, face the very picture of intrigue. Meanwhile he makes mental notes of his own. Driven by challenge, no doubt competitive to the core, valuing intelligence. How far could his pride be pushed till it broke? His eyes glint with glee. Don't disappoint him now.
]

[ It will certainly be interesting to find out.

His eyes narrows again, scanning, determining, thinking. Details, details were key. Small things.

When he speaks, it's a rush of facts, a rush of what he sees and of what he links together. ]

You're calm, confident and proud. You said you know what you are, not who. What means you view yourself as higher than human. Suggests? Narcissism, and a god complex. [ because real gods don't exist so there :| ] Your first two smiles were fake, the third was real. At that point, something piqued you interest. The challenge you just offered means you're sure I won't be able to get anything right, but what I see is a glib and arrogant man who holds himself on a higher pedestal than others simply because you think you are privilaged enough to do so.

Suggests that you were raised within a high-status family. But people like you don't come without insecurities. [ He stops for a moment, gaze locked on the green-eyed man.

So. Did he disappoint too much? ]

[Colour him impressed. Not bad for a mortal he must admit. He may just have to be careful with this one. Loki nods, still smiling, still watching.]

Very good, for the most part.

Tell me, do you think any of that is of real use or are you just getting started?

[ inwardly, Sherlock will gloat at the praise. Though that's shortlived, as his brows draw together for the slightest second.

So he wants more?

There's a shrug, though his mind is already working as he takes a step forward. Two steps, as he clasps his hands behind his back. Normally, this deduction alone would've unsettled a person.

But not this one. It was borderline infuriating. A blink. ] It tells me what type of person you are. Its use is negotiable.

[ He pauses, straightens, if only because he was actually enojoying the challenge. ] You asked what I saw.

[ A snort. Alright, he'll have a go at his insecurities too then. You asked, Loki. ] Your pride comes from your upbringing, and thus, supposedly, you hold some form of power; your arrogance and posture come from having something to prove. But you wouldn't care about what the public thinks. You're detached. [ A blink, a beat. ] No. Search for a closer link. That leaves family. Father issues? Siblings?

[ He stops his pacing, studying the other man's face again. ] Both? But what do you have to prove?

(ooc; is Loki in his Asguardian dress? ;; or, like a suit? )

[The trickster watches, making his notes. Arrogant, assumes he's corret but very sharp, capable of putting two and two together. He paid attention to the details. And it seemed to Loki that he was used to putting others off balance.]

Does it?

[As Sherlock continues, Loki's grin grows. Clever and assumptive. He must be correct so often that it was good enough to assume accuracy... Well...]

Why you don't tell me if you can? [Loki said, stepping past Sherlock to pace around him, taking in his attire. He was content to let this man posture. Correct or not it was little matter. Soon it would be his turn.

ooc: Yup, standard robes from Avengers.]

Edited 2012-06-14 14:43 (UTC)

[ Sherlock was used to seeing people be put off balance by what he says. He didn't strive towards it, the individual was really irritating.

Loki wasn't the latter. No. The man was becoming more of a mystery, the more Sherlock saw.

His back stiffens just a fraction as the other begins his pacing. Otherwise, he hardly seems fazed, eyes instead directed straight in front of him. ] To prove what? Your worth? But that seems too simple for you, too mundane for someone who holds themselves at such a high standing.

[ A brief pause, and a quirk of his brow. Something of an amused sound, as he finally turns, sharply, to face the other man again. ] But given the way you dress -- assuming the extravagance is compensating for something -- maybe it is as simple as showing you're worthy of approval.[ Perhaps he was reaching on the insecurities bit. But he was also certain he must be getting something right.

What stuck out at him is the fact that the man was completely comfortable in clothes even Sherlock would essentially deem odd. ] And naturally, you're not going to tell me if I'm wrong or right.

[ Eyes narrow. ] You're enjoying this? Why.

[ oh and what would Loki assume about Sherlock? This was definitely turning into an interesting game. ]

[He was getting riled up, twitchy even, in his own way. The signs were small but distinctly there and pleasing to Loki.]

And gauging from your earlier assumptions, you'd put that approval...

[He doesn't finish the sentence, stopping his pacing with a chuckle.]

Naturally not. Why ruin your chances, hm?

[Loki rocks back, spreading his hands wide again.] Why not? Such effort to solve a riddle, such work to figure things out. I admire the use of ones mind and you do it well.

[The grin takes a sharp edge.]
The name you gave me is a lie but close enough to be a comfortable one. [He hums.]Family... I assume Holmes at least is your name.

And you're a man that values above all intelligence and find those around you sorely lacking. You're as arrogant and as proud as I am and with good reason considering how easy it is to read everyone around you like an open book. The world to you is predictable, boring because everyone misses the clear and obvious, but does that put them beneath you?

Mayhaps not but their sentiment is tiresome at best.

So you fall to challenge, setting your mind to mysteries that no one else can solve, not from kindness but a desire put your mind to work.

[He gave an amused snort.]

A detective perhaps, unless that is the incorrect word.

[ A sharp smile and he resumes his pacing.]

Edited 2012-06-14 15:38 (UTC)

[ Sherlock's first immediate reaction, a reflex, is to fix him with a glare.

There was something unsettling about how the grin changed, and it sent another wave of suspisions down his spine. ] The name you gave me wasn't right either.

[But what he said then impressed Sherlock as much as it unnerved him. Correcting people who called him a psychopath? That was simple, reflexive.

But this? He was pinned down, while he mistakedly thought he was doing the pinning.

His glare is maintained, following the man before he sticks out his hand. ]

Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective. [ he doesn't want to impressed, but he, bitterly, is. ]

[The look he gets, it's as natural a reaction as breathing. Loki cants his head to the side as a nod.]

No, it wasn't. But you knew that from the start.

[Everything in Sherlocks posture, his face his eyes gave away the truth. No one had ever read him so throroughly in return. He doesn't like losing, or having his world rearranged, Loki surmised. He glanced down at the hand and back up to Sherlocks face.]

A pleasure, Mr Holmes. [He takes the hand, his fingers cooler than they shoulder be a shakes once, grip firm.]

Shall we continue?

Of course. [ He takes a breath in and holds it, shoulders squared.

His eyes drift down when the other takes his hand. He's noting the coldness of his fingers. Colder than average.

Anemia? No. He doesn't look frail enough for that level. A blink, and his pale eyes flicker back to Loki's face. ] I'm sure.

[ Then, he lifts a brow. He's maintaining a collected air, even though he doesn't like this.

He isn't seeing something about this man. Some very crucial, very important detail. But what.]

[ Curtly. ] Oh, by all means do.

Edited 2012-06-14 16:22 (UTC)

[Very good, Mr Holmes. try figuring him out.

Loki releases his hand and steps back, watching the other.]

I've made my move. This turn is yours.

[Loki says this with another soft lingering laugh. The other was on edge, not visibly but the tension was there.]

What have I given away this time?

[ Oh. So this really is a game for him too?

Makes both of them. And whilst on edge, he was by no means about to lose.]

Your hand. [ He's almost carefully choosing his words now, thinking, trying to catch anything he hasn't seen before. ]

Your temperature is colder than average. My first go to would've been anemia, or some form of iron deficiency. Less likely the latter, considering how well groomed you are. A vitamin deficiency would almost be embrassaring, wouldn't it?

Leaves anemia from other causes. Blood loss? Or genes? [ He makes another pause. Another inhale. ] You use the science of deduction. All that tells me is that you're one of the lucky few to posses a higher level IQ, and intelligent enough to know how to use it.

Refreshing, however it tells me little else. [ a beat, before he falls silent, narrow-eyed again.

He knows there's an integral part to this man. A part that will explain everything else. He simply needs a bit more time to find it.]

[It was never anything but. As if sensing Sherlocks determination, Loki's eyes gleam.]

Yes? [Genes struck close to home but no where close enough to make Loki uncofmortable. This mortal had no idea did he? So grounded in his earthly knowledge as he seemed to be.]

You compliment me, Mr Holmes. Might I add, I was sincere when I said this has been a pleasure thus far. It is rare to cross paths with one so clever. [There's something in his tone that implies that he's not quite clever enough perhaps. A little note to goad the other along.]

You're wrong about my hand however. I am in perfect health.

Mm. [ well, you are talking to the same man that 'deleted' the solar system from his 'hardrive', aka brain. so yes, he was grounded in more ways than one.

He sees a flicker. Genes? It had something to do with his genes? It was barely even acknowledged, and the man was definitely comfortable still but -- what could it be?

Oh, oh that tone. There's a clench in Sherlock's jaw. He makes no effort to hide that. ] I'm missing something. Something vital to your very being, but what.

[ he can't venture into anything supernatural, because that doesn't exist but --
Wait. ] Earlier. You expressed that you're confident in your own existence. You know what you are. It's not just a god complex...

[ The clothes, the way he carried himself. That superiority complex...
A head tilt to the side.] You think you are one--

you're delusional.

[ What was wearing thin was his patience. He had good control over himself, a solid grasp, though he also had the smallest, tiniest urge to throttle the information out of the other man.
If only to see how the other acted. Sherlock realized enough about the other to say that that won't work in terms of information, but it might give him some more understanding...]

[ooc: I see you there, subscribin'.;D

And he reacts to goading. What a temper this man could have. Loki wondered if he could drag it out.

He continues to smile the same pleased smile as Sherlock follows the trail, jumping from fact to fact until...]

Am I? [Pleasure, eager and wild passes over Loki's face.] Well then, that is an interesting assumption. [Like they were not stolen from their realms and brought here, like they hadn't been flushed into a world filled with the walking dead.]

How will you prove to me that I am not? Can you prove it? [Loki steps forward, letting his presence press into the others personal space.]

Edited 2012-06-14 17:38 (UTC)

ooc; i see you subsribin' back ;) and Loki, feel free to retaliate, block, hit, whatever. ~~sherlock deserves it all anyway.~~

[ Press the right buttons, and you just might.

There's a barely, barely noticeable flinch at the change of expression, and the lightest twitch of the lips, again. ] But which god...

[ The walking dead was entirely different problem, one Sherlock deemed considerably less interesting than the one at hand. even how they ended up here had been shoved to the side.

and yes, he considered this man a problem. A problem that needed solving.

There's a newfound rigidity to his spine as he bristles, as the other invades his personal space.

But it's not like Sherlock is going to back away either. His eyes don't move from the man's.

He cants his head lightly to the side, a brief movement, and a more confident flicker of a smirk. ] Well, since you asked.

Gods aren't human. Their superior. Implies superior skill, and all that nonsense. [ a beat. His tone lowers, but given their proximity, he knows the other will hear. ] Gods aren't supposed to bruise, are they?

[ And as fast as his own reflexes would allow, he pulled back a fist, and aimed for that face. ]

ooc: ;D I have this moriarty bro you should tag, here:http://drybones.dreamwidth.org/276.html?thread=176916#cmt176916

[How desperate was he to figure Loki out? Hard hard would he push? How hard could he be pushed?]

Yes, which?

[The way his bristles is a delight to Loki, but he holds his ground. Brave. Bold, yes. He wondered if it was courage or the simple fact that he did not believe. The smirk is a warning and his eyes shine with excited glee.

When the other strikes out, Loki catches his fist and retaliates, planting his hand in the others chest and giving a shove that even on his weakest day, could break rock.]

That depends upon what hits us.

[ Sherlock was stubborn; it was one of those characteristics that jumped out at you. Therefore, if he wanted to figure something out? He would. And would push until he did.

Or in this case, he came to realize that it might have been him being pushed.

He blinked, winced as his hit was caught, but the real shock came a second later.
It felt like a freight train just crashed into his chest.

He staggers, goes down. It's hard to breathe, and momentarily, it's hard to even focus as his vision blurs, brightens and the ringing in his ears gets louder.

But it's his pride that forces him to move, albeit to rise to one knee, to somehow level himself slightly, as he tries to recover a breath. Air. To stay conscious.

His lifts his face upwards. If looks could kill, Loki...

Was he afraid? No, though he supposed he should be. But fear was an irrational emotion. Sherlock has felt fear before, but not for his life. But anger, anger was a far more controllable emotion, and one he would gladly let show. He will not cower in front of this man. No. That would bring the other too much satisfaction, won't it?

So instead, he glares.

Was this even possible? It can't be -- can it? Who was he? Some sort of failed experiment like H.O.U.N.D.?

Or was there even the slightest possibility this man wasn't delusional at all...

Another attempt at breathing. It's painful. ] Who -- what -- are you?

[ Give him a few seconds, he might try and stand.]

kjdgh yay!! :'D

\o/

\o/

This is glorious. Already.

Yes. So much. <3

<3!

<3!

Re: <3!

you're an awesome Loki dfkhjk and i hope sherlock didnt say too much? D:

And yo are beautiful. Unf. Sherlock, gorgeous.

sdkgj gosh thanks ;~;

You're welcome!

feel free to unsettle sherlock in any way you want; just for future ref? xD;;

Will do! Not sure how to though. Loki will figure it out. Hows this?

its perfect omg ;;

8D

:'D

Oh this is the best.

it really, really is. thank you for threading with meeee

Thank YOU for tagging me. We need to do this again.

<3 OH WE WILL THEN i think i saw you around in memes?? ;;

You are welcome to tag me at any time, though I fail at slash, fyi. Also

OKAY same goes for you!! AND TELL ME IF THIS IS OK and aha oh god me too ;; also

OMG GLORIOUS. Sherlock you fool.

HE REALLY IS :| and thanks for the link! :3