Ruffled: forum

Ruffled stretched her body under the golden light of the morning sun, creeping through the large arched windows from her appartement. She slowly opened her eyes, looking around her new place. It felt nice waking up like this. She finally owned her own place, an old studio with brick walls and large arched windows that let in a great amount of light. Plants have been scattered all over the place due to a lack of owning a garden. The interior was a mix of different antique and vintage finds from thrift stores. 

She swings her legs over the side of the bed and pushes herself to get up. "I need coffee before I can become a functional human" she groans to herself. She grabbed an oversized T-shirt on her way to the kitchen and throws it on. She takes out one of her favorite mugs, one that read: "A yawn is a silent scream for coffee" in curly black letters. She puts it under the luxury machine. The one that grinds fresh beans. She pushes the button for a double espresso firmly. The machine starts making her favorite morning sounds. She walks over to the window that doubles as an emergency exit next to the metal fire stairs on the outside of the building. She opens the window scanning the shopping street below. The morning rush is already in full swing. She walks back to the coffee machine and grabs her mug. She leans over the bar that separates the kitchen from the rest of the appartement. 

That's when she saw the envelope that was slid under her door. She froze. No one should know her new place or even her new identity. All provided by the government after they failed their protection.

She slowly reached out to pick it up from the floor. Her fingers brushed over the parchment. It was high quality, handmade paper. There was no writing on it, just a red waxed seal. She carefully opened it up. It was an anonymous invitation, just an address, hand written in black ink. She stared at it for a while. Where did it come from? Was it even meant for her? She turned over the paper but there was no more information to be found. She walked back to her coffee and stared at it, deciding on what to do with this invitation. She took another sip from her mug and took a deep sigh. "I guess curiosity killed the cat"

She walked over to her closet and stared at her options. A collection of long dresses filled the space. She pulled out one of her favorite pieces. A simple long sleeved, steel blue dress with a split on the side. It had just enough cleavage to be elegant. She changed and walked over to her vanity. She opened a drawer full of jewelry and picked a few golden pieces that matched the dress. A couple of golden cuffs in the shape of a snake. A few simple golden rings with matching earrings, and finally her charm necklace. It was something she would always bring with her. She fumbled it while looking in the mirror. "Not too bad" she mumbled. She quickly did some easy daily make-up, brushed her long red hair and added some oil to the dry tips to make it look healthy. As a final touch she used her perfume. The scent helped her calm her nerves. 

It was time to go. She slid her feet in a pair of high heels and walked downstairs to the shopping street to call a cab as there was no way she was going to use public transport in this place. It took almost twenty minutes to get to the place. She paid the driver and stepped out. She double checked the address, in front of her was a shop that looked completely out of place. Like some magic bubble from a story. She stepped closer to inspect it. The in and outside of the building was pure quality. She was absolutely hypnotized by all  the details when she stepped inside. So much so that she only noticed the gentleman at the counter when she was right across him.

 "Ah excuse me, I have received an invitation" She placed the envelope on the counter. The gentleman nodded and gestured to the staircase. "Thank you" she said. Her high heels on the marble stairs gave away her arrival. The large wooden doors at the top of the stairs looked imposing even though they had the most beautiful flower designs on them. For a second she admired them, before grabbing the brass handles and opening the doors.

She scanned the room. A large table was set up in the centre and multiple people had already arrived, all very different. Some clearly knew each other, while another looked slightly unsure. She stepped inside the room with a sincere smile on her face. "Hello everyone " Her voice was soft and kind.

The interview with Tano was over quicker than Ruffled had expected. She found herself slightly captivated by the way he spoke. Although vehicles were not really a major interest of hers, it was rare to find someone so passionate about things without an underlying motive. She had simply watched him from her place on the other side of the table—her legs crossed, one hand slipped beneath her chin while her arm rested on the armrest.

She smiled genuinely as he left, though her gaze held something else—like a conversation with a friend that wasn't quite finished. She felt as if he had more stories to tell, stories that might have been more appropriate in a different setting than here on the terrace in the morning sun with a glass of water. Or, in Ruff's specific case, without a glass of water... 'Geweldig, wanneer leer ik nadenken voordat ik weer iets idioots doe,' she thought while eyeing Rey's glass, contemplating casually stealing it. Rey might let her, but there was no way the others wouldn't notice.

Her focus snapped back to the other side of the table as Tano rose from his chair. She gave a bittersweet smile. "I hope you'll be able to show us what you can do. If not on a mission, then perhaps under other circumstances." She removed her hand from underneath her face and gave a casual wave as she watched him go. She noticed the smile on Rey's face and couldn't help but find it strangely catching, the corner of her own mouth curling up ever so slightly.

The sudden silence stretched among them again. Everyone was lost in their own thoughts until Rey asked for their opinion.

"I like his passion and fire. It is rare to find someone so passionate ever since I came to Torn. He seems honest..."

—or at least, he had seemed so in the brief time they had during the interview. She hadn't seen anything in his eyes that gave him away; all she had detected was genuine interest and loyalty.

Her mind was still analyzing when the next driver stepped out onto the terrace. A dangerous beauty. Where Tano had been a wildfire, this woman had gained control of the flames and sharpened them. Her movements were clean, confident, and completely efficient. It wasn't arrogance, although her achievements certainly raised questions. Her body language spoke of truth and certainty. She looked like the type of person you would call to hide a body, and the only question she would ask is how deep to dig.

Filo was around the same age as her, which made Ruffled curious. They shared similarities, but in a lot of ways, they looked completely different. While Ruff preferred her flowy dresses, antique golden jewelry, and softness, Filo was a dominant presence. The black leather, the metal studs, the heels... She couldn't help but stare for a moment, her eyes taking in the little details, from the stitching of Filo's jacket to the 'ruffled' state of her own hair. She couldn't help but smile a little at the thought. It was a classic example of opposites attracting.

Filo had presented herself as more than capable. Her strength was undeniable.

"What are the things you won't be able to do? What are your weak points—the things we should try to avoid?"

Ruffled let out a long breath. This whole situation had escalated quicker than an all-you-can-eat seafood restaurant with undercooked shrimp and a clogged toilet.

'But oh well, if the world was already burning, better get out those marshmallows and get toasty,' she thought. Skellington was trying to get some information, but clearly his phone was giving him less clearance than a crystal ball at a mystical fair...

Herc, on the other hand, had completely blown their cover. May Valhalla be open for him...

So she did what every sensible woman would do in a situation like this: sit her ass down and order a drink. A strong one that could probably be mistaken for a car window defroster. A lot of things seemed to be running through her mind, but most of these were no longer options now that she couldn't pretend to be a customer or maybe even an employee anymore.

"Alright, can I get a whiskey, please?" she asked as she sat back down.

Ruffled moved quickly when the sound cracked through the air like thunder. She could not hear the source of it, but she moved into Herc’s arms automatically as he pulled her close. She didn't see much from her new position, so she closed her eyes for a second, taking a deep breath to gain back control in a moment of panic. She smelled the sharp and acrid scent of gunsmoke, luckily without the lingering metallic scent of blood—as far as she could tell for now.

Her eyes locked onto Herc as the bartender spoke. They could still get out. If they pretended they didn't know Skellington, she had no obligation to stay. She could just walk out of this without regret. Probably... maybe? She sighed; it wasn't how her mind worked, unfortunately. Her stubbornness simply wouldn't let her. She had chosen to come, so she would stick it out.

Herc was trying to shield her, but the tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. She placed a hand on his arm as she stepped next to him. She looked around the room as she spoke calmly but clearly to all of them. "Let us all calm down and sit. I wish to hear what all of this is about before people start adding extra holes to each other." She gestured to a table. "Please," she added softly, but her tone held no room for discussion.

Tano’s attitude had shifted, as if he were slowly being picked apart and rearranged. The mask of indifference was slipping away, slowly but surely getting peeled off in this meeting. Ruffled leaned back and slowly crossed her legs, a satisfied smile visible on her face. The layers were being peeled back by a team that looked more like predators this morning, leaving no stone unturned.

Every breath Tano took, every movement, and every facial expression was carefully registered. The guy went from a laid-back, cocky dude to a person stripped of pretense and thrown back into an ocean of memories from a different lifetime—one that made his eyes shimmer with passion and warmth. It revealed a spark, although a ghost of what once was. But maybe there was also hope for something that still could be. She liked that spark; it was something to hold on to when life decided to mess you up.

Ruffled saw that spark of his connect with Rey as he answered Herc’s question. She could not help but show the ghost of a smile on her face. There was a connection between those two men that spoke louder than words. A promise that was unspoken but never broken. It was a loyalty that was earned, not given. He spoke of a promise; the words themselves didn't mean anything to Ruffled—she had heard enough pretty lies for two lifetimes. But in his eyes, she could not find a lie.

That was the moment her glass hit the floor—the unfortunate sacrifice of pure crystal that hit the lovely terrace tile work. It was a shame, one she would probably regret later, like a memory filed away somewhere with the same intent as burying one's head in the sand. Much like that souvenir on her skin that she should at least have tried to... yeah, no. She held no regrets about that one. For now, at least.

The sharp sound of the shattering glass was like a shockwave to the others. Tano's reaction was immediate, locating the sound and potential threats. His body instinctively tensed in anticipation. His movements were fast and efficient, with no wasted energy or time. She saw how his eyes lingered on the glass, rolling from its place of impact as his brain caught up.

In the corner of her eye, she saw Rey next to her. His reaction started with the exact same focus, but he connected the dots rather quickly, just as she expected. That little glint of mischief in his eye, that tilt of his head—she held back a grin but couldn't help the corner of her mouth tilting upwards slightly. She couldn't deny that sitting so close to him brought back feelings she would never confess to.

She looked back at the group. Herc stood in a fighting stance, his face holding a blush that could rival Ruffled's hair color. Shiro, on the other hand, reacted differently than she had expected. He was alert, but he seemed off, pressing his fingers to his temple. "That's odd," she thought.

The interrogation had come to an end as her focus went back to the man who looked like he had lost a fight with a bottle of hair dye.

"Thank you for your time. That's all for now, unless you would be willing to demonstrate your driving skills next."

Ruffled felt the sudden strain in her muscles as the mountain of a man yanked her upward by the hand. It happened in a blur, leaving her no time to react. Pulled onto her tiptoes, she slammed her free hand against his chest to break her momentum, but the impact still left her pinned flush against his massive frame.

Suspended inches above the floor, her fingers twitched against his chest. She braced for his next move, the muscles in her arm coiling like a loaded spring. One wrong twist from his iron grip could dislocate her shoulder or snap her bone. A sharp knee to the groin crossed her mind, but since the brute wasn't actively attacking, she chose a smoother angle.

She waited a beat, giving him a chance to set her down as the bartender had ordered. "Hulk," she murmured, tilting her head with a deceptive softness that masked the throbbing ache in her arm. "Would you please put me down, sweetheart?" She desperately needed to finish this request without lengthening her violations report—it was already dangerously close to looking like a grocery list.

Suddenly, a heavy arm slid around her waist. She bit her lip to kill a sharp yelp, instantly bracing her weight against Herc. The moment her heels touched the floor, she spun out of his space, pivoting silently like a cat. Dropping into a low crouch, she loaded her weight onto her back leg, ready to strike. Adrenaline flooded her chest, her breath coming in shallow, heavy hitches as she locked eyes with him, waiting for his next move.

Ruffled took a sip of her water; the cool liquid felt refreshing on the terrace. There was a soft breeze that held traces of salt and jasmine moving through the space, softly tugging at a strand of her red hair. She gently tucked it behind her ear and sat back, crossing her legs. She looked over to the still-empty chair opposite them.

She had noticed their expressions as soon as she had stepped out. At first, Shiro gave her a calculated look that immediately shifted into something a dad would give his teenage daughter—not a young man his age. Then there was Herc; it took him a little longer until a sound of realization escaped him. Rey was unapologetic in his gaze, his pupils dilating slightly as they landed on her neck. She gently swiped the length of her hair over the spot as she hid a grin.

Then the temperature dropped like the wind changing its course as Rey snapped his fingers. She looked at him; the head of security was back. She listened to the information given and nodded. A driver, local, trusted by Rey. It was a good start, but she had to see the guy to judge for herself. She would trust no one based on words alone.

That's when her eyes snapped to the figure that emerged. The guy was enormous... she hadn't expected that.

"Guess he won't be driving around in a Fiat 500?"

And then there was the gold. It attracted her like a moth to a flame. Luckily, it wasn't worth anything but its weight. It was modern—not her taste, she decided. Then her eyes inspected the rest: colorfully dyed hair, the long scar, the clothes, the way he carried himself...It was a lot.

There was this concept of dressing for the male or female gaze, but his appearance was directed at pure attention. It felt nearly staged, like the guy might suddenly climb onto a stage as the lead singer of a boy band. It didn't feel genuine, and that was probably what bothered her most. This guy just had so many layers; she didn't know where to start peeling. Every move, every look somehow felt performed. Even that laid-back attitude of his.

Shiro took the lead with their introductions, and he did it without hesitation. He was efficient, to say the least. She didn't feel the need to interrupt; instead, she took this moment to observe the dynamics between them. Shiro was working quickly, probably pulling out files on this guy that were hidden away better than the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. Or maybe he was just ordering flowers for the driver's funeral—who could know?

Herc, on the other hand, had a different approach. He had stood up, and now that everyone else was sitting, his height and build really stood out. She looked back at him as he scanned the table, her eyebrows slightly raised. The man moved around the table and loomed over the driver. The question he posed was simple, but it was in the back of all their minds: Can we trust you with our lives? It was the million-dollar question.

A driver who burned through cars probably just as fast as his partners—what was his motivation to join? She would be trapped in a small box on wheels, completely dependent on this guy. She would not be able to get out if things went south. And that was a lot to ask of someone participating in organized crime for the first time in her life.

She narrowed her eyes, finding a moment when no one was paying attention to "accidentally" knock over her glass of water. It shattered while she watched the driver out of the corner of her eye, calculating his reaction.

She knew no one would be fooled by it. It was a test, and it might seem foolish to others in a den full of wolves. But body language was a lot harder to fake than words. She didn't move to pick up the shards; instead, she observed everyone at the table. There was movement from one of the guards in the shadows for a fraction of a second, probably discreetly communicating with the others about the origin of the sound.

"Oh dear, I'm so sorry!" she gasped as she suddenly stood from her chair, wiping some of the water from her bare legs.

Ruffled followed Herc with a pleasing smile, gratefully taking the spot he just offered in the booth. She elegantly brushed the back of her dress tight to create a barricade between her skin and the sticky, heavily used faux leather. She tried not to dwell on it, but as she shifted a little to make more room for Herc, a small patch of her skin made contact. She closed her eyes for a second, taking a breath to smooth out the revolting feeling that sparked in her stomach.

She relaxed in her seat, her muscles losing their tension. For a split second, she was unsure where to place her hands, as every surface looked like it carried enough diseases to start a pandemic. She'd rather start licking raw chicken as a way to pass the time and call it Russian roulette. She was about to place her hand on Herc’s thigh but settled on his upper arm, running her nails over his biceps as she looked at the menu. Her body pressed ever so slightly against his arm.

Her eyes slid over the different, slightly toxic beverages. Beers in these kinds of places were usually not her go-to pick; she hated lukewarm drinks. Most other options would probably be strong enough to strip paint off the walls. She decided on cheap whiskey. The stuff could probably kill a couple dozen bacteria, if she was lucky.

She didn't make eye contact with Skellington right away; the hand pressed against Herc told her all she needed to know for now. He had made eye contact with him already. She pretended to still be debating what drink to order, looking like she was reading the Declaration of Independence. She was grateful Herc held the menu for her, as the once-shiny plastic looked like it was starting to grow a life of its own. Her eyes drifted ever so slightly toward the bartender, who was trying to clean a table. It was a clear red flag—not only because the cloth wasn't really damp, but because his movements were impractical, smearing grime in all directions. She knew Herc felt something was off as well, as his muscles tensed.

She followed his eyes, looking not only at Skellington and the bartender, but at a figure in the shadows. The man was massive, clearly neither a customer nor a regular bouncer for an establishment like this. Skellington made the first move, which served as the signal for everyone else. Herc followed, not breaking character, stepping into the role of the lady's protector from whatever threat was currently stirring.

Ruffled did not wait; as Herc stood, she did as well. She smoothed her dress, avoiding eye contact with the giant in the shadow at first. After a second, she slowly moved toward the corner he occupied, her heels making a clicking sound like that of a predator. The embers in her emerald eyes flared as a wicked smile slowly appeared on her lips. Her hand made contact with the chest of the enormous man, blocking his path to Skellington. She had to stand on her toes, leaning slightly into him to whisper in his ear, "Now be a dear and stay here for a while." Her voice carried a private purr, though it clearly wasn't a suggestion...

Ruffled turned to Herc as he spoke to her in the private space they held for a few minutes. Her eyebrows raised when he talked about something called LARP, but she gave him the space to elaborate. "Acting?" Right, that made sense. She often placed a different mask on her own face to become the person needed for the job. It was not exactly the same, as they were all parts of her, but she knew exactly what to do and how to behave to get the reaction she desired. It was a skill she usually only fully used when the situation required it.

She watched as Herc switched through characters like a TV program. It was impressive; not only did his body language change, but even his facial expressions and language did. He finally settled on a Midwestern accent. She closed her eyes and listened carefully. He took a deep breath, and she mimicked him, although hers was more subtle. The sound of it was softer and more captivating. Any traces of tension that had remained in her own body left as she realized her partner in crime was settling in nicely.

Even the glint in his eyes had changed as he looked at her. It was like he had known her for years instead of hours. The grin on his face looked completely at ease, as if it were something he used daily to tease and test her. He looked like he knew how she liked her coffee or her favorite takeout order. He looked like the perfect, devoted husband in a matter of minutes."One second," she said as she pulled a tiny object from a hidden pocket. It was an item she was planning to dispose of, hoping to never have to look at it again. She swallowed her dread as she placed the golden band over the ring finger of her left hand. The diamond in it reflected the dim lights of the dark alleyway where they stood.

"There is only one ring, so when anyone asks, we are engaged."

For a few seconds, she reconsidered brainstorming a believable story about the romantic moment of where and how he proposed. But considering the place they currently resided, she decided against it; this was no place for love or romance. It was a place that sold everything but exactly those things. Every sliver of skin had a price, and every sound made could be charged.

Herc was still looking at her with that confident grin as he called out to her like a lover. She looked up at him with mischief in her eyes, the small specks of ember almost glowing in her green irises. She stepped into his personal space as if her body fitted perfectly next to his, like it had always belonged there. She stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. "Alright, Beefcake. Let's not wait any longer, my dear."

Her hand found his back again as she led him with her into the questionable establishment. After that she would let him guide her, taking control of the situation. It was easy when people underestimated her in a possibility hostile environment. Men in a place like this usually liked to feel in charge, and that was exactly what she liked to use against them.

Ruffled, her bare feet sounded softly through the hallways of the mansion in a hurried pace as the first light was bleeding through the dark, starry sky, leaving a trail of wet and sandy footprints. There was no time to hide them, as the house was already starting to wake up. Guards passed her on her way back to her room with knowing looks in their eyes, but none of them spoke as she moved around through the darkness.

She passed Shiro's room. She had wanted to visit him last night, but the evening had held other plans for her, so she would check in on him later. She lingered for a second, listening to the sounds from his room. He was still clearly asleep; she could hear it in his breathing. "Good," she nodded, as Shiro had looked exhausted after dinner. She hoped the morning would bring him a bit of peace of mind.

She turned around and slowly passed Herc's room. She could hear movement inside. He clearly wasn't asleep; she could hear him talking softly to his cat. It brought a smile to her face. That enormous man, who could scare the daylight out of anyone, talking so sweetly to an animal. Not only that, but he seemed to do so a lot less awkwardly than she did with the team.

Slowly, she slipped away soundlessly to her own room. She was still holding her dress awkwardly pressed to her chest, as she had no energy left to fight the zipper on the back. She closed the door and leaned against it, grinning softly as she took in her own state. If anyone wondered why she was nicknamed Ruffled, this was a textbook example.

Her skin was damp and still had traces of sand. It was still warm and flushed red, holding the traces of teeth and a tight grip. Her long red hair was dark from the seawater, and grains of sand clung to it like gold dust. Her dress was probably ruined by now, and she realized she was missing more of her clothes than just the heels she had abandoned. She could only hope that Rey or the guards would be discreet enough to dispose of them before daylight broke through.

There was still time before breakfast, so she let the dress slip off as she disappeared into the bathroom. She desperately needed a shower to rinse off the salt and sand from her exhausted body. Steam rose up from the hot water as she grabbed an array of soaps and shampoos, filling the small room with scents like ylang-ylang and sandalwood. Her muscles relaxed under the stream of hot water, making her skin even more flushed when she finally stepped out. She reached for one of the fluffy towels and wrapped it around herself. As she passed the mirror, she froze, looking at her reflection. There was a clear mark on the spot between her shoulder and her neck. Her fingers traced the spot where teeth marks were clearly visible, and a small grin appeared on her face.

She sighed, already giving up on hiding it. She was living in a house full of highly trained guards and a few organized crime members. Whatever secrets she had probably wouldn't stay hidden anyway. She walked away from the bathroom mirror and sat in front of her vanity, applying different kinds of lovely smelling lotions and oils to her skin and hair. She did her makeup and kept it mostly natural—just a bit of mascara and a bold, dark red lipstick—before her eyes fell back on the mark on her skin. She could apply some foundation to it to make it at least less obvious, but she decided to leave it right there instead, as she felt absolutely no shame for it.

She opened up her wardrobe and examined its contents, the tips of her fingers brushing against silks, linen, and soft cottons. She would be meeting possibly new members of the team, so her hand stopped at another dress. She decided on a dusty, wine-red one. Although the fabric was thin and flowy, the color and cut of the dress demanded authority. The dress was long but clung to her curves, and the high split offered enough mobility. The open back and short sleeves made the dress breathable enough for the sunny Italian summer morning. She pulled a drawer open and added a variety of golden rings, bracelets, and a necklace that sat right above the swell of her chest.

She was just finishing up the straps of her heels as a knock sounded on her door. When she opened it, she was met with one of the staff members politely rolling in a cart filled with whatever anyone could think of for breakfast. The smell was amazing, like a fresh bakery in the early morning. She took a plate, added a few pieces of toast and avocado, and took a bite. She gratefully discovered a silver coffee pot standing on the cart. She poured herself a hefty amount into a delicate cup that was too small for her liking, so she had to refill it three times before the amount of caffeine intake could hide her lack of sleep. The color of her lipstick clung to the edge of the cup like a smear of blood.

She finished breakfast and placed everything back on the cart as she stood up and made her way down the hallway. The traces she had left in the early morning had disappeared, leaving the floor clean without a trace. The staff here was more observant than she had initially thought. She grinned softly as she moved downstairs with a somewhat stiff gait, the sway of her hips slightly subdued as she moved towards the terrace. Everything was neatly prepared for the new arrivals.

"Good morning, everyone. I hope you all have rested well," she said politely, knowing at least two people at the table had done a poor job at exactly that.

"Breakfast was wonderful, Rey, thank you. The coffee especially was very welcome." Her eyes hid a gleam of knowing mischief before her mask slid back on. It was time to get down to serious business. She took her place next to Rey on his uninjured side, a little closer than any regular business partner would be. The air around them was warm and familiar as she made herself comfortable on the chair. She looked sharp and ready thanks to her caffeine boost, although she knew it would bite her back as soon as the afternoon sun hit. She took a glass of water and traced her thumb over the cool rim before looking at the others, waiting for their signal to start their meeting, which held the same intensity as an interrogation.

Ruffled felt Herc’s discomfort radiating next to her. His breathing changed, his pulse quickened, and his eyes darted her way every now and then—not with pretended tenderness or practiced love, but with a shiver of disbelief. Her hand made small circles on his back to try and ground him, though she doubted physical touch would help him right now.

Keeping an eye on Skellington, she noticed a subtle shift in his posture. His relaxed, almost indifferent frame tensed ever so slightly as he stared at his phone, the pale blue light illuminating his features. His expression remained steady while looking at an image, but as his eyes swept over a text message, his brows scrunched. It piqued her interest, but she gave him the space to explain.

Just as her suspicion peaked, he turned around and flashed them the screen. Her eyes scanned the text. A missing contact—the very man she had spotted earlier at the bar. She had watched him disappear alone into a dark alleyway, but that was hours ago. By now, he could be on the other side of Torn. Her hand slid away from Herc's back.

Things had already turned messy before they even reached their target. They needed a new tactic. Her fingers brushed softly against the handgun strapped to her thigh, hidden beneath her dress. The high split would allow a lightning-fast draw if needed, though she hoped it wouldn't come to that.

Sunk deep in thought, a sudden pressure on her shoulder pulled her back. She looked up into the face of the gentle giant, who was trying his best to look at ease. His smile was forced, yet entirely genuine. The new nickname he offered sparked something in her green eyes, making the amber shards within them flare.

A grin broke across her face as she nodded. "Alright, let's go, Beefcake."

Ruffled passed through the shopping street with a mission. Caffeine and Spite were desperately needed after a long day at the black market. Today was one of those days when you realized you should have stayed in bed.She rubbed her temple with a well-manicured finger, trying to get the sound of the screeching woman out of her head. 

A middle-aged woman had come to her today—one of those figures with a sharp blonde bob, thinking the world was out to get them. She wanted to sell her old engagement ring, as the poor soul had run away. Ruffled explained to the lady that the ring wasn't the diamond-adorned platinum heirloom she expected it to be.

The woman screeched like a pterodactyl, something about disrespect and being a fraud, like the black market was a shopping mall where she hoped to find a clerk that would bow and apologize to her until her heart was content. But no, of course that didn't help her there as guns got raised and the air turned electric. She had quietly packed her stuff and left before the woman could even start about whatever violation she could tell about.

The sound of Ruffled’s heels sounded angry on the sidewalk after a wasteful day trying to make an honest buck, until she passed a window frame that made her stop suddenly. Her eyebrows raised at the sign.

'Positions still open

Inquire within'

Ruffled studied Rey’s face for a long moment, noticing that glint in his eyes that promised nothing but mischief, even though his body language didn’t match it. He was as gentle as a prince on a white horse. To her, it felt like a challenge she was unable to refuse. Just like a moth drawn to a flame, even though it might get killed, there was no stopping her until she stripped away every piece of this man's pretended gallantry. The attraction was undeniable.

She wanted to find something real in this new life of hers. Torn had been a world full of pretend, a place filled with lies wrapped in pretty silk. She wanted something to hold on to—an anchor to keep her in place when the rest was swept away. There was something real about Rey, an attraction that felt natural, almost easy in a comfortable way. They could both slip into the persona of whoever was needed on the job, dangerous and deadly, but when the world stopped around them, those things seemed unnecessary to her.

She kicked off her heels as she moved to the stairs leading down to the beach. An evening breeze was now noticeable on the terrace, gently tugging on her red hair and silk dress like it was telling her to move. Her heels lay abandoned on the Mediterranean terracotta tiles that separated the space, her naked feet reaching for the sandstone stairs that still held the warmth of the sun. She guided Rey with her; a gentle tug on his sleeve proved more than enough to get the head of security moving. She knew there were eyes watching her move, but it would not stop her.

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, her feet softly sank into the soft sand, wrapping her skin in a gentle warmth. She looked at Rey, searching for any sign of uncertainty, but she found none. She slowly moved her hands to the back of her dress, her fingers gliding over the silk fabric, searching for the zipper on her back. The sound was absorbed by the moving water on the beach. Silk fabric softly rustled as it fell from her body, revealing pale skin that looked nearly silver in the moonlight. The scars on her ribs that would normally be carefully hidden away now lay completely visible—a pattern that told more about a history she would rather forget.

She slowly walked into the water, which looked like a dark void now, reflecting white specks of light coming from the stars above. The cooling water softly rose up her ankle, making her breath hitch for a second as she closed her eyes. The sensation was a welcoming distraction from the building heat of the night. She stood still for a moment and slowly turned to Rey with a smile that promised nothing good.

Ruffled watched as Herc froze. It was impressive how fast things actually happened. The giant turned into a stick figure as his soul seemed to leave his body, leaving behind a large, empty shell of muscle wrapped in clothes. Slowly, a voice returned—one that only repeated a single word: "OK."

She pressed a well-manicured finger to her temple, gently shaking her head with a grin. Apparently, she had hit him hard enough to bring him back to factory settings.

She slid her arm around his waist. It didn't quite reach, so she settled for halfway up his back. "Come on, beefcake, we don't want to be late for our appointment," she said, gently guiding him out the door. Her hips swayed next to him as she tried to calm him down, softly stroking his back.

She followed Skellington to the next location and stood behind him, her arm still around Herc, inspecting the place for a minute. She looked for the exits, the guards, and an escape route if needed.

Ruffled took one single step back, her hand slowly moving to her own thigh in case she needed a weapon. Her eyes tracked the so-called drunk man. The timing of his actions was already suspicious, and even though his body language was decently played, those eyes were not those of a drunk man. Those eyes were too focused, too observant. Her hand moved away from her leg as the man left, stumbling. Her eyes narrowed as she looked back at the table.

She wasn't surprised as Skellington showed them an envelope filled with information. She looked curiously at the items as they spilled onto the table. Her eyes focused on the photocopy, but before she had a good look, Skellington already went back to the conversation. "Alright, we will talk details later." She gave him a sharp nod, although not entirely convinced whether he was holding information back or not.

She would let the thought slide for now, focusing back on the task of getting into the building. She was already prepared to walk in through the front door, alone if needed. But having a partner next to her would sure be convenient if things escalated. And somehow, things tended to do so quite quickly around her, she knew all too well.

She didn't particularly care who would join her, and she wasn't bothered by pretending to be someone's partner, which was easily done no matter their age or gender. But as her eyes locked onto Herc, a new problem arose to the surface.

His mouth opened several times, but no sound came out. He was like a fish on dry land, although it was the size of a megalodon. His face was pale and it took a few seconds before a bright red color creeped up from the collar of his shirt to the tips of his ears. She was almost sure the guy would need a pacemaker any moment.

That guy needed to snap out of it, or she would probably eat him alive as a snack. She almost choked when Skellington made his comment, "Daddy, let's not shame anyone on preferences here."

Herc was nearly hyperventilating. He was trying to support himself on the table they stood next to, leaning forward on his elbows, clearly cursing himself while he kept looking at her. She grinned as she stood next to him, locking her eyes with his. She slowly raised her hand and let it collide with his bottom; the sound was clearly heard. Giving it a firm squeeze afterwards. "Seems like you're with me, Beefcake."

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She looked at Skellington and Chris, nodding. "Of course, take your time," she said as she gracefully slid out of the booth without making a single sound. She found Herc already beckoning her close to the doorway. She slowly moved towards him, standing near so their conversation wasn't as easily overheard.

She listened to his conclusion, softly biting her lip without realizing it. "Honestly, I am not surprised. I knew something was off from the start. This is sounding more like a test or a summoning by the minute, rather than a rescue mission. I guess we should get ready for anything." She sighed. "Stuff like that in a place like this is never simple, it seems."

She had no experience in places like this, and with good reason—she disliked personal drama. A district like this was full of it, so she always made sure to stay clear of it. Luckily, Skellington seemed more than capable of navigating these treacherous waters.

She looked back up to Herc, the tips of her ears turning a slight shade of pink, though it was nearly unnoticeable to others. "My fighting skills are lacking compared to yours, so I will make sure to stay close, just in case things do escalate. Thank you, Herc." She gave him a gentle pat on his shoulder in appreciation before turning back to the booth where Skellington and Chris had finished their discussion.

She walked back to the table, closing the gap next to Herc. Leaning slightly forward, she asked, "So, what's the plan?"

The dinner felt chaotic; there was a lot more going on than what was expressed in words. She didn't know anyone before walking into the Guiscard store a few days ago. She had decided to trust these people based on their experiences, but half of them had already left.

There would be others to replace them, possibly just as skilled as the previously selected individuals. But trust was a thing not easily given, especially not in a world like this. Trust would expose vulnerability—a crack in a mask that was carefully placed.

She watched the three men around the table, observing body language: a tremble in a finger, an eye narrowed a bit too sharp, a breath that should have been there. The table felt like a poker game. Everyone brought a different strength to the table, but also a weakness, and those would be just as important to deal with on a mission like this. The stakes of this game would prove to be a lot higher than a stack of plastic currency.

She saw the shade of red on Shiro’s face, the embarrassment that came with it. The shift in his seat when his past was mentioned. The longing for another in his gaze when he thought no one was watching. She felt a small pang inside, something that could have been mistaken for jealousy, but was a lot more complex than that. Anyway, she would surely support him if he ever needed it. There was almost something fragile on his face in the moments his composure started to fray, but he was always quick to restore it.

Herc was easier to read; he didn't hide much. As a guard, he was very efficient—surprisingly sharp, even calculating. But socially, he was awkward to say the least. He was kind and honest, but it was hard for him to navigate social gatherings. She did not blame him, though; she knew he meant well.

Rey was still a figure she needed to figure out. He was professional, composed, and friendly to a point that made him nearly bold, although some things seemed a little too forced sometimes. He was dangerous, she knew that. She saw it in his movements, which were sharp without any wasted motion. But he seemed genuine, and she definitely didn't miss the fact that his eye lingered a bit longer on her than necessary. His smile widened just a bit more, turning from polite to genuine. She could not help but smile back when their eyes met over the rims of their glasses. The way the silk of her dress (not entirely) accidentally brushed the side of his sleeve without a single touch. She would not forget his suggestion about a midnight swim.

She took another bottle of chilled white wine out of a silver cooler filled with fresh ice, her perfectly manicured fingers gliding over the cool glass that was beaded with moisture. She noticed it was still sealed, so she grabbed a waiter's knife from the table and flipped it open. The knife cut skillfully through the foil around the neck of the bottle with firm pressure. She stopped before the cut fully connected and flipped the top off. The screw sank into the exact middle of the cork. She twisted and stopped right before the screw could pierce through the end of it; the cork was lifted with exact precision without a plop. She took the newly opened bottle and refilled Rey’s glass as well as her own with perfect precision. Her eyes drifted to his face for a second before she snapped her focus back.

She sat back as she grabbed her glass and swirled it first to let it breathe, allowing the aroma to release into the warm air. The smell of it grounded her as she got back on topic. Right, the art supplies... It wasn't the full truth, needing them just to pass the time. "There is also the fact that I like to carry them with me to use as a cover to linger in certain places. It has proven to be a wonderfully believable explanation to focus and observe. People usually don't bother you when you are in concentration like that. It's like hiding in plain sight. Let me know if I can contribute that way. I might not blend in as well, but maybe there are ways in where I don't have to hide."

She didn't want to take away the chance for the others to contribute to their mission, but she also wanted them to know her help was available if needed. She knew at least Shiro had trust in her capabilities, so she might as well offer them—not only as an associate, but as an offer of a growing friendship. Although, she knew things might change by tomorrow when others would be introduced.

Her focus shifted back to Shiro, noticing his complexion and his lack of appetite as he left their table first. She didn't speak about it, but she knew everyone noticed it as well. A flash of worry came over her face. It didn't look exactly like plain tiredness; there was more in his eyes. But she would not pry; everyone at this table probably had enough mental baggage to fill a cruise ship together.

"I'll make sure to come by a little later, Shiro. Take care of yourself," she said with a genuine smile and a voice that was soft but carried a small layer of worry as he excused himself from the table.

Herc suddenly seemed to be very interested in the other guards patrolling around. She hid a small chuckle at the awkwardness as he left, not entirely subtle, but nonetheless genuine.

The main terrace suddenly felt a lot more private with just Rey and her left. The surrounding sounds slowly returned, from the soft rustling of leaves from the collection of vegetation that decorated the terrace to the soft pull and push of waves beneath. It wasn't an uncomfortable quiet, but it did feel like a small spark of electricity hung in the air.

She stood from the table, still nursing her glass of white wine. She walked a few feet towards the railing of the terrace, looking up at the sky. The orange and purple sky had made way for a beautiful, clear night. The reflection on the water made the sky look endless. She turned back around, leaning slightly backward, making eye contact with Rey with a soft grin. "So, speaking about that midnight swim, how about we test the water together?"

"It would feel like such a shame to return to our sleeping accommodations this early if the night is still full of possibilities. Unless I would be keeping you from your duties, of course." She looked at him, waiting patiently to see his reaction to her rather bold invitation—bold even by her standards. But she didn't feel like playing games tonight; it would be all or nothing.

Ruffled took a deep breath as the fog cleared from her head. Her senses spiked back up. The sounds, the smells—all coated in a very thin layer of regret that she would never admit to in her stubbornness.

Her eyes swept another round of the place, lingering in corners, checking for blind spots, exits, and anything out of place. Anything she could have missed, she made sure to double-check before her focus went back to the table and the people sitting around it.She checked in on Herc; he was already looking a lot better. She was relieved to see his focus and steadiness return. She would definitely need him in case things went south, and in a place like this, that could happen at any time.

She listened to Skellington's introduction of the woman at their table. Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly, watching her and the way she carried herself. She was hard to read; she didn't say much and didn't give away much through body language, except for her blushing next to him. She decided not to dig into that one.

She looked at the paper Skellington placed on the table. It held an address unknown to her. She wasn't surprised, though; these parts of town were not places she ever visited. She looked up suddenly when Chris spoke to her. A grin crept up her face; the woman was indeed sharp. It was the first time since coming to Torn that someone had noticed her mumbling for what it was. Some people thought it was random hexing; others who paid a little more attention called it 'weird German'. This woman knew exactly what it was. She looked at her and gave her a sharp nod. She would not linger on the topic, and she would remember her warning, although she would not have made the same mistake twice now that she was sober.

Herc, on the other hand, was going through a few other important topics. "We'd better avoid conflict. We do not want to draw any more attention than necessary. I would prefer to do this as discreetly as possible. I have a very comfortable bed waiting for me before sunrise, and I would like to be in it by then if we can help it."

She sighed softly and pressed a finger to her temple, closing her eyes for a brief moment. "If you guys are in, I will join. I never go back on my word." She gave a thankful smile to Herc. "Thanks, sweetheart. I'll be fine. Let's see what we can do for this girl, shall we?"

[image: i.gyazo.com]

The last of the sun's rays cast the villa in a soft golden light. The sky above the sea had turned purple. The waves below crashed on the rocks, sounding like a powerful rhythmic dance. She closed her eyes for a minute before she let her focus drift back to the main terrace.

She saw Shiro arrive and take the seat opposite Rey. She saw his smile and could not help but wonder if they had met before. Shiro carried himself well for someone his age; he was quick, efficient, and moved gracefully. He was calm and observant, with perfect control over his own emotions.

Herc arrived in a different state. She could not help but smile as she looked at him from her hidden spot. He didn't hide his emotions at all. She noted the way he looked at the food, or the way he smiled at Shiro. It was rare to see someone so free with his emotions in the world that she lived in now. He looked a bit self-conscious, at first about his appearance, and a few moments later in his movements.

Her eyes swept over the table, lingering on Rey for a while. He was surprisingly capable even though he was missing an eye and a limb. Instead of making him more vulnerable, it seemed like his other senses worked double to compensate. His actions were warm and welcoming, but she was fighting the urge to try and peel back those layers to see what lay underneath. She would not confess it, but he had piqued her interest. She shrugged it off for now; she would have enough time to figure out what it was about him.

She wouldn't let the others wait any longer. The smell of food and the chatting of voices reached her spot from the shadows, so she walked up to the group. "Sorry I'm late, the beach was lovely at sunset." She looked at the table and smiled at Rey, taking the last seat next to him without question. "It looks absolutely divine." She grabbed a plate and took a little bit of everything to taste. She didn't take too much because she would rather help herself to a second serving than leave anything on her plate and look rude to the chef. She grabbed a glass of white wine; it had been chilled perfectly, beads of condensation sticking to the outside of the glass. She swirled the liquid around in her glass for a few seconds before bringing it to her lips. The aroma was typical for an Italian wine: refreshing, crisp, and citrusy.

She took a sip of her cold beverage while sitting down at the table, listening to Shiro and Rey. She had already heard Shiro moving a bunch of furniture around in his room earlier this evening. She was happy Rey would be able to provide for him, as she wasn't too keen on giving up her vanity to be used as a surface for an extra monitor or two.

When Rey asked if they needed anything, she thought for a moment. Nothing really came to mind regarding what she needed for the mission, as Shiro would probably be able to equip her with things like a camera or an earpiece to stay in contact. But there was something she would like, so she decided to ask. "Rey, is it possible to get me a blank notebook with heavy, off-white paper, and some pencils? An HB and a 6B if you can find them, along with an eraser." She looked at him and smiled softly. "But only if it's not too much trouble."

She relaxed back in her chair, taking a few bites of pasta. It had been a long time since she had eaten anything this good. She used to love cooking Italian food herself, but she hadn't done so for several months, as she no longer found it worth her time now that she was alone. Tasting something like this reminded her of a different time, but she swallowed the melancholy away with a few polite sips of her wine, smiling softly.

Her eyes shifted back to Rey as he went through a bunch of general notifications, until she picked something up that snapped her back to the conversation. She looked up at Rey, a slight blush creeping over her cheek at the way he smiled at her. She quickly hid it under a smile. "I'll take care of the Cardinal. Don't you worry, he will be in good care. I have no doubt I can catch his attention; I can be very persuasive. I will get everything you guys need from him." She gave him a quick wink and leaned back into her chair to let him continue.

The conversation resumed about their lack of members. It was clearly something that bothered everyone. Even though it probably wouldn't affect her role that much, they still needed people who could actually steal the treasure and transport it. She didn't know anyone, but she had some faith in Rey and his team to pick a few new members so they would be able to complete the mission at least somewhat successfully

So she nodded at Rey. "Very well, we will meet the rest of the team tomorrow so we can judge them on skill and character. Although, I suspect these people have already had a background check and are proven capable."