the early bird gets the worm (r)

The block he had perched on had been deadly quiet for a long while. Cars skidded by and the noise of rubber on asphalt was all that accompanied the setting. Alex shut his eyes for a moment, trying to choose a destination while resting his legs. He could just go home... But he had errands to run. The buzz was fading rapidly and he was already aching for more. As his mind was consumed by these thoughts, his ear twitched at a step coming from his left side. Lids fluttered open to reveal dark red irises that searched for the source. He locked on an individual making his way towards him, the color of his eyes matching his own but with a glow that was almost inhuman.

Alex grew tense as he watched the procession of the suspicious newcomer. The idling man had no weapon on him at the moment and began to curse silently at his idiocy. His heartbeat sped as he noticed the individual slow in his steps and Alex shifted uneasily. The reds of his eyes were burning with some unknown anticipation and Alex took a deep breath to appear calm. He relaxed into the back of the bench and stared viciously at the other. 

He noticed the man seemed as tense as he was. The features of the opposer were stiff and this put Alex a bit at ease. If this was true than this encounter was in fact chance and he had nothing to worry about. Alexander shifted again before mustering up the courage to spit words at the gawking pedestrian before him. 

"Can I help you?"

The return jab that had been made at Alexander caught him off guard. Usually when such words were spoken on his part, the opposite individual's natural reaction would be to scamper off as if they had never even heard him speak. The mere fact that this boyish fellow even challenged him with his own sarcasm peaked Alexander's growing interest. 

The inquiry of perhaps meeting him before also caught managed to surprise him. There was no possible way this man could know of him if Alexander himself didn't know the questioner. However... There was a certain something about this ghostly apparition of a human that seemed familiar. Those eyes were the real selling point. Reptilian red eyes...

Ah, the answer neatly clicked into his mind's eye. This man was probably that rambunctious terrorist placed in control of the only other gang in the city that Alex actually considered a threat. This man must be the aptly deemed "Black Mamba" of the Tunnel Vipers. Alexander grinned at this realization as soon as it struck him. "Perhaps you do know me. Similarly to how I may know you."

Alexander knew better than to provoke this snake. Rumors that circuited through the city had warned of this guy's short fuse and the last thing Alexander needed was a bullet to the chest or worse. He decided to test his theory in a subtle way. Subtlety was always something of a favorite of his. 

"You know, I never liked reptiles. More a fan of the avians than anything else, you know?" 

His lips curled slightly as he analyzed Zane's face. The forward step into starting a conversation would surely yield results, Alexander just had to look for them.

Alexander smirked at the younger man's obvious taunt. Did Zane really think Alex cared for such fame? The less people knew about his operations the better. "You've got a big head, don't you." He murmured before standing up abruptly. 

Alex was not on the short side, not at all. He stood tall, taller than Zane, and looked down with a judgmental glare. "Ah, but don't forget that your petty serpents whom rely to heavily on venom never truly can outwit the innovativeness that comes so easily to the birds." The metaphor had practically run its course, but Alex knew it was an effective way to send the message. Intimidation only worked on him when the opponent that was trying to do so was known for their cleverness. This guy was all braun and no brain, an instinctual beast.

Alex could visualize the concealed weapon that Zane had on him, and was cautious not to set off any triggers. He placed his hands in his pockets instead, and remained silent as he waited for Zane's next move.

The subject of their argument was hidden underneath these opposing animal views. Alex knew what Zane was ensuing. He didn't see The Crows as a threat. Well, that naïveté would be corrected in time, certainly. Alex was impressed that Zane knew what he did however, and felt an uneasiness about his gang's growing prevalence. 

Alexander shifted from foot to foot before addressing Zane again. "What would you say to a... friendly drink, eh? I mean, I know you probably don't want to spend time with your gang's upcoming successor but I'm sure you'd like to know more about what you're going up against" Alexander grinned and offered him a wink. It would keep this from getting violent and would ensure Alex's survival. Plus, if this snake got drunk enough he may forget all about Alexander and who he is. It was worth a shot.

"What do you say, Mamba? I'll buy."

ooc: idk :c