here we go again

[iwasrussian]

Who: Natasha and OPEN!
What: Getting settled
When: First week after returning
Where: Various
Warnings: Will update

It was like déjà vu, only of another world and not her own, though she knew exactly what the fate of her outcome was there. Now she was caught in some kind of middle plane that no one quite knew a lot about. Even the ones who'd been there years and before that somewhere else that had all of the same uncanny similarities.

Natasha woke up in her old suite at Magnolia and found the basket at the end of the kitchen island. In it were the same items from home and the same invitation to a party at the Tower. Everything was so damn reminiscent of the last time she had arrived that she had to look at the date on her phone to understand why she felt so unsettled. And that's when she saw it. The date. Last she remembered, it was February. Now it was July 1st.

So, where the hell did five months go?

She spends her first week passing through each of the districts, refamiliarizing herself and taking note of what was still there and what wasn't, all the while keeping an eye out for a certain Atlantean King who she steadily lost faith would be returning as days wore on. But, she spent time at the shoreline down at the end of Chicory Way where she had her modest-sized bungalow kept waiting for her.

In the second half of the week, Natasha connects with other Chosen and willingly engages with anyone she remembers or with those who look slightly out of sorts. If she's not dining in at one of the various restaurants or stops in to grab a drink at The Blind Beggar or The Lounge.

Comments

[abeautifulgame]

That first week, when she passes by the Red Currant in the Red Lantern District, there's a man sitting on a bench outside. He's stretched out, presumably to take pressure off of his left leg as it's wrapped from mid-thigh to ankle in a leg brace, smoking a cigarette. He probably could be doing all of this inside, but it's force of habit, still, to go outside to smoke. It doesn't hurt that the people-watching is just as good out here as it is inside, and that's exactly what he's doing.

He makes no secret of that, either, as when she pauses nearby, he eyes her for a moment, before, "Lost, sweetheart?"

There's nothing inherently lecherous in the question, despite where they are and the term of endearment. It's a causal thing -- a way of starting a conversation. Never mind the fact that he probably won't be able to give directions in the first place for all that he's brand new.

[brandingproblem]

She'll probably notice someone when she makes her way around the Coliseum district. Or even around the City at large. At some point, Clint's going to learn about the sins each are associated with. And he's going to be darkly amused at the whole thing.

Because he's trying not to be that, anymore. Maybe, maybe if he had shown up about, oh, ten years ago, it might've been pride. But the specter of the man in black and gold is haunting, and while he never fully subscribed to the idea of a ledger of the soul to balance, he knows there's no real making up for what he did.

But he'll make the most of the situation. The building he woke up in comes with a shooting range, which is absolutely nuts, and ideal. Now if only he had his damn bow on him. He doesn't, though in a bustling Earth-y city, he's sure he can find one. What he does have is the sword. Nestled among all the goodies from a weird world with names that mean absolutely nothing.

Fascinating. He fucking hates this place already, and he doesn't know thing one about it.

So he does his own recon. Obviously. Can't trust this place, and can't trust anyone in it, but he can trust his own senses, and his eyes are as good as they ever were.

His knees, maybe not as much. But good enough for some building climbing (well, stairwell climbing, no need to make things more difficult than they have to be) and rooftop scampering. People don't tend to look up in their daily lives. But he does see better from a distance, and if he's going to get out of here and figure out just where in the god damn he is, then he needs to scout.

[doesnotsparkle]

It was at one of her stops at The Blind Beggar, that another of the newer chosen was there. Michael had changed out of his suit before leaving the Coliseum, back into his street clothes. His color was a little better from having had a few bottles of the blood substitute since his arrival, still looking very, very pale. Pale enough to make the bruise across the left side of his face, and another showing from where his shirt was half open, very noticeable.

He had come in a few minutes after her, taking a seat at the bar and ordering a glass of red wine, of all things. Looking over once his drink was sat down, he had never met Natasha in his world, he had no idea he was sitting next to the Black Widow. In the bar, he didn't care so much about hiding his vampiric features. Those glowy red eyes catching watching a few people in the mirror, but drawn back to her.

[sendsregards]

Those who were residents before had a certainty and a confidence as they moved through the districts. Perhaps not complete at home, but adjusted to everything about their situation. It is enviable, but it's difficult to imagine being here for such a long time that you would feel so comfortable. At the very least, it's an asset for those still lost and confused, which Kosem is.

Shops are one thing, but restaurants require more adjustment for a woman out of her time. She's placed at a table near Natasha, eyeing the menu with a bit of confusion. English is a fourth language and reading could still make her stumble.