sword_breaker | Myth!AU

[There's a slight wind to give signs that colder weather was going to hit the city at some point but otherwise the chill didn't faze many much with the sun pouring down rays without any resistance from white wisps streaking across blue. Another busy work day for most people as they packed the sidewalks in order to accomplish whatever the day asked of them to do, some of them heading off towards lunch break even as the afternoon brought along ease in traffic after the rushing around or rather dead still in the morning commutes that always came like clockwork. The towering skyscrapers piercing above while scattered about were busy shops and apartment complexes ranging to the higher end of the spectrum, fortunate for several residents of them being close to where they worked usually.

However it didn't matter much to the man lying face first towards the blue in an alley, red bursts staining his shirt in an act of fatal defiance against the fabric. He wasn't caring about anything anymore. Pools of crimson have congealing into a sticky mess at his side to keep company with the broken body though it was a waste honestly. A barrier of yellow and black tape announcing the crime scene as if the body and the blood weren't enough already to do so. Officers scurrying about to comb through every little thing in order to scrounge up evidence ranging from fingerprints to shell casings while a medical examiner started jotting down notes as though it were a race.

To be fair, it was a race that was ticking away for all of them but yet he didn't exactly have to put so much effort into finding out the who, why and whatnot of this particular case. Never really showed interest in the exact details of a person's death as it wasn't under his job description nor would he if paid enough, more so content enough with the tasks that were scheduled for him to do. He sends a confirmation of his arrival with a quick text before stowing away the smart phone into his back pocket and assessing the fussing police. No doubt Matthieu was going to blow his phone up with messages after getting the answer but that could be ignored.

Passing underneath the tape, the man eased through the scene with no problems coming from the uniformed others. Though that was the point of having such a decent illusion in order to essentially make him invisible, allowing a much easier time accomplishing his tasks without the stupid questions that would be raised at his presence much less what he would do here. He had the slight frown that could've been considered appropriate for the situation but the claw marks and irrevocably damaged right eye would certainly cause a more sinister thought process to occur. Maybe even be considered as a hit man that had down the crime but to be fair he didn't hunt unless told otherwise and certainly not boring humans such as this idiot. Besides a man decked in a suit stood out in this mess with much help to his disregard of everything save for the dead man who certainly was still brimming with the confused energy of a trapped soul. Definitely need to rectify that.

James crouched down right next to the examiner and fished out a knife before making an incision right at the heart before reaching down to draw out the reluctant soul. The reaper was only doing his job and besides no one was going to see him do his work, not the police nor the surrounding crowd of onlookers.

He was looking forward to the break after this one, sneak away towards his usual haunt; a coffee shop that boasted fantastic blends that were more so a necessity at this rate rather than a mere commodity and plus the perfect spot he claimed by the window in order to watch the world keep moving. The energy from the illusion would be easily restored during that. Then it would be another one in midtown before being able to return back home for the day and unwind. That or check with the bar to make sure a friend or two didn't snoop around more than they should. The former was going to be the most probable though so he shows the other idea to the back of his mind before focusing.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[She was more than happy to take her time over by a table of young fairies and put through a rigorous banter of wit before coming out on top. There was a reason why she was the boss when it came to what happened in the bar. The seelie court was always pleased to have their long running members to on their game when it came not only to combat but also musings of intellect. However it was rather doubtful that the queen would be pleased that a knight of hers had been exploiting that training (though probably didn't care all too much about it to be a concern).

Tossing back and forth a bag full of precious stones, she strides towards the bar with a victorious swagger to her steps. Enjoyment was always garnered after a successful bet. It took a moment to slip around the counter and hide away the acquisition. In that time she checked over the charms. Most were protection and whatnot but a few were identifiers. Mostly to give Andrei a better edge at being so thoughtful to their patrons.

Of course a lot of fae were here and she didn't need that burning brightness to tell her that. Vampires of course. No reapers so her boys must be working. But the werewolf one just got a tad brighter.

She steals away a glass to make herself a drink. Nonalcoholic because she was on the clock and besides she can live without it. Then back perusing the crowds once more to check again. Eventually she finds him though, placing a hand low on his back.]

So what brings you around, mutt? Oh wait...lemme think. Beer, right? It's always that.

[There it is, the scent is growing stronger and he stops a wolish grin from crossing his lips. It's predator and prey now, he can't give his hand away. But a hand on his back makes him hum under his breath, turning just enough to catch her in his peripheral vision. He's casual, as if this is no other occurance, and certainly playing unaware of the tension in the air.]

You guess wrong today, little fae.

[He can't help but let the smug amusement drip into his voice.]

Something so bitter wouldn't sit right on the tongue. I think something a bit sweeter tonight.

Such a shame that my guess missed its mark.

[That little pleased noise already tipped things into her favor but she would gladly parry with him. Same song yet different dances. Keeping her moves fluid, she draws her hand lightly to side before slipping away.]

I'm sure something can be concocted to satisfy today's sweet tooth. Shouldn't you take that woe to my bartender though?

Your little pet doesn't satisfy as well.

[It's a chase now, but he's patient. He offers another grin, rolling his shoulders as he watches her out of the corner of his eye.]

Fingers aren't as quick. That's why you're the boss right? You know far better.

Never knew I had a pet. I must be the worst owner ever.

[Throwing some sway to her hips, she starts to step away and map out who was where. A sip from her glass while she taps against it. Work was still present afterall.]

Fingers and tongue honestly. I know when to make the right move and to say the right thing. It's a rather hands on profession.

Only one, though it seems like he's more trouble than he's worth since he can't keep one face.

[He knows this game, and he's more than able to fall in place. Pushing himself away from the bar, he turns, follows, ever quiet and ever waiting. His hand brushes across her hip as he moves to stand beside her, discreet enough to not be seen but point enough to express himself.]

You do seemed to be blessed with quick words. Serves you well.

Face or form but he's plenty worth it. No other has been able to keep up with me in a long time so it works out.

[For now she continues on without acknowledging the fact that he followed. Her body ever so slightly turns towards him but her focus is on the crowd.]

Quick words don't do much unless you use them properly.

Oh? It sounds as though you've got an interest in him. Interesting indeed.

[Though his tone is light and nonchalant, there's an undertone to the words that he's certain she can sense. It's punctuated with a slight curl of his fingers at her hip, even if he remains as casual as ever.]

As I've said, you have a way with them. A gift.

I do.

[It's quick as much as it's honest. She didn't have that sort of interest though in her employee but with that tone and touch she was more than ok leaving it up to interpretation.]

What exactly are you buttering me up for? It's almost as though your sweet tooth doesn't belong to the upstairs.

[It takes care not to let his emotions show, but there's qnother twitch of his fingers at her hip. Even so, he keeps pleasant, scqnning an eye out accross the bar.]

Can't pay a compliment now without being accused of impure intentions? Valarie, I'm hurt.

[He lets the name drip off his tongue, a small smirk sliding onto his lips.]

[Oh she struck a nerve. A knowing smile flashed before letting it slip back into nothing. She takes another pull from her drink and gets into the guise of being bored.]

What can I say, wolves tend to like getting their paws dirty as well as other things.

[The paradigm between predator and prey feels as though it's shifting, but that's no matter. He's as willing hunted as he is hunter, at least for her. Still, he leans in close, just barely brushing her ear with his lips as he speaks warm and low.]

You do know well, don't you?

Part of the job is to know what trouble can arise. Makes things easier when things get hard.

[She reaches up brush her fingers at the nape of his neck. A smirk coming to life.]

Another is to be observant. Surprised you haven't noticed any changes. Such a shame.

Ahh, and what trouble it can be, no?

[He laughs quietly, the sound warm and rich and oh so private in the cacophony around them. He'll concede that point to her.]

I've been distracted. So much going on all around, it would be better to observe in private.

Depends on the trouble and the time of day.

[Sounds like she won another round. Maybe a tally system should be order but that only would dull this satisfaction.]

And here I made sure others could see it yet the one who actually should doesn't. We can discuss in the office. Otherwise you'd have to behave for another four hours.

Now Valarie, are you inviting me back to your place hm?

[Alright, now there's curiosity. She won't drop whatever she's going on about and it's more than a bit tantalizing. Not out of character for her, she does love her riddles and verbal swordplay, but it's enough to keep his attention now away from other things.]

With how much you supposedly are in the neighborhood and wander in, it might as well be also yours. There's little coincidence left with that, Cyril.

[Aka yes come to the apartment. She even did a name drop since he was so keen on using hers and full one at that. Tilting his head towards her, she steals a quick chaste kiss before slipping away.]

Talk to you again in four, mutt.

[The kiss is sweet, far too sweet for his liking, and as she breaks away he nips at her lower lip. But she's gone then, back to work, and he's left alone to stew cor far too many hours for his liking.

In the end, it's with the taste of brandy on his tongue that he lingers when all the rest of the patrons have filed out. It garners dirty looks from the rest of the staff, but he lost his ability to care hours ago.

Meet back at her place, yes. But also meet here, he's sure of it. And so he lounges against the bar, ignoring any dirty looks thrown his way, eyes trained casually on the way back to the office.]

[It's the feeling of teeth drawn against her lip that sticks with her once gone from his side. An indicator of something that could asked for later. His form of distractions were rather nice albeit certainly not good for when she was working.

Maybe her smile is more genuine now. She couldn't possibly be a good judge of that. However she manages another deal and trading more favors of tidbits of info before settling in the back. Wrestling with the books and planning for future demands was always key. That and collecting what her network found.

Everyone has left by the time she slips out of the office, keys and jacket entow. There he is. Figures. Taking her time, she walks over to his side and joins him in leaning against the bar.]

Points for sticking it out.

[Ah, there she is; making him wait, of course. But it only brings about a smirk, and a slight nod of his head in her direction before he lazily looks over at her.]

What can I say? I'm a man of my word.

That you are.

[The smirk is mirrored while she takes her time folding her jacket. Placing in on the counter, she crosses her arms over her chest and cocks her head.]

So are we hitting the road or are you trying to push your last call? I can only assume that that sweet tooth of yours has gone unsatisfied for hours now. Must've be such an ordeal.

An ordeal that you wouldn't believe. Luckily I am a patient man.

[There's a raised brow as he catches sight of something shimmering and colourful out of the corner of his eye though, and he cocks his head.]

Decorated yourself up, did you?

So what are going to do to fix that then, hm?

[A simple roll of her shoulders and turning to look away. It took him long enough that she can't blame him. Busy nights meant less focus on the finer details until things quieted down.]

An easier way to say hands off to some. As much as I enjoy it, I can't always have you pinning me against the bar to make a mark. Not the kind of place I try to run here.

[Any response he could have had dies summarily on his tongue as he stares, long and hard, at the mark gracing her arm. Her earlier words make sense now, but it's still a sight to see.]

You know the implications of what this means.

[And though there are still staff bustling about somewhere, he turns, catches her in a pin against the bar, knowing full well she could break away. It may be about dominance, but never force; she's free to do as she wishes. He leans in close, just so he can whisper hotly into her ear.]

Amongst my kind, this means you're mated. Lady of the pack.

Yes well I wouldn't be doing a good job if I didn't know species traditions. I've had plenty of time to pay attention.

[Besides it was worth it to see that brief period where he had to rebooted essentially after figuring things out. Her arms dropping to her sides lazily.]

You've earned my blessing before so I thought it was high time to show it.

[Dipping down slightly, she brushes her lips along his jaw before pressing a kiss to his cheek.]

You're my Alpha. Just as much as I am your mate, mutt.