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's being affectionate now, and he's willing to indulge that. While it may be detrimental to his image, this is his mate now and anyone that has anything to say about small tokens of affection will have to answer to him.

His hand rests upon her stomach to support her, gentle now and far more careful than he'll ever admit.]

Four hours.

[There's wry amusement in the tone though, even as he noses at her temple and places a small kiss there.]

[Contrary to what she gets others to believe, she's all for affection though only from those that she believes are worthy of having it. So it must be such a shame for the wolf to be counted among the few. A horrible thing to endure.

She raises a brow at the remark. The brief appearance of a smirk to accompany it.]

Is that your excuse for the bite or for the request of other things?

I think I'll leave that to you to figure out.

[The words are muffled slightly as he nuzzles into her neck.]

You're a clever one.

[Mate. His mate. Strong, beautiful, smart.]

[She allows the smirk to grow into an actual content smile, reaching up and winding her fingers into his hair. A low hum leaving her out of mock thought.]

Hm. It could be both. I could see you pulling off both.

[There's a low noise of contentment at the touch, and he can't help but lean into her fingers with a huff of laughter.]

Careful, you may flatter me.

And what's the problem with that? You need some compliments to keep yourself going after all.

[She kisses his cheek soft and light before intertwining her fingers with his on her stomach. Leaning back into him, she eyes her clothes.]

Well an apology would be nice for the bite but if you are wanting to try and get more, apartment first before anything else.

Mm, biting is what I do. It would be a shame to have to apologize for it.

[He punctuates his statement with a light graze of his teeth over the side of her neck. There's no pressure though, and it ends with a soft brush of his lips as he strokes the back of her hand with his thumb.]

I suppose it might be nice to let your staff clean again, no?

Fair point. I guess I'm quite the chew toy for you then. Nice to know such a thing now.

[She tilts her head to the side as her eyes slip shut once more, giving a content noise. Then her attention goes to stealing another soft kiss from him, breaking away before turning in his hold and facing him more properly.]

They would appreciate. Still all yours regardless if we move. But you know having a comfortable place to relax would be nice. Maybe start up a fire. Get some food. Take advantage of the bed.

[A quick flash of smile as she rounds everything off. His hand remaining in hers for the time being as she presses in close.]

I don't just bite anyone, it's something reserved for only the best.

[A single brow raises as a smirk plays at the corner of his mouth. His free hand reaches up to tangle in her hair so that he can pull her close and place a kiss to her forehead.]

But I think it's an honor for fae to invite others into their spaces. An honor I would be happy to accept. You do know how to make a stray feel welcome, after all.

So your enemies and your mate are the best then? I am thrown in with such pleasant company.

[She leans in with a soft pleased noise, taking time to nuzzle his neck for a moment. A kiss is stolen before she slips away and collect her clothes to tug them back on.]

Fae invite others in for different reasons. To trick away their possessions. Maybe absorb their magic or their health. However I much prefer what we do and you're no stray.

[She considers if parts of her outfit could be skipped possibly. All she has to do is make the door in the back attach to the one of the apartment and then bam done. No need for a cab. Kind of nice and practical.]

Far be it. They aren't worthy of the same care in my bites. And never will be.

[He follows her lead though, because standing about half dressed isn't necessarily pleasant now that things have wound down. Thankfully it isn't hard to tug his pants back on, though admittedly he doesn't bother with trying to look any more presentable. He'd rather it anyways, let the rest of the world know what's taken place.]

But I think you've already stolen something else away, dear fae. Bewitched me so sweetly, I never had a chance. Maybe I never wanted a chance.

I know, I know. I enjoy that care and am rather fond of it.

[Everything is back into place on herself as much as she cares for it to be and she fixes her hair at the very least. That was the only thing her appearance that gets effort for now. She sets the stools back into place and makes sure that the next location is selected. Her staff and regulars would get an update when the time comes.]

Well you certainly didn't want for it to be stolen at first, mutt. It's in safe hands though.

Ah, but stolen it is. Spirited away to be held forevermore.

[He flashes a smirk over at her as he finishes buckling his pants and then runs a hand through his hair. No need to hide what's gone on, there's no shame.]

Maybe that's the way it should be, though.

And to say that you'll all bad and have no room to be a romantic. Though maybe I'm only getting so much because of what happened.

[The charms necessary for relocation are all set to activate once they leave. With that, she heads towards the front door and does a quick magic or two to make sure it'll open at home rather than the street.

Pulling it open, the fae heads in with a smile tossed back at him.]

Coming?

Perhaps you should do some research and see. Maybe yes, maybe no.

[But she's moving away and that means things are settled. It's always so strange the way fae magicks work, but she knows what she's doing.]

I would be a fool not to.

[And with that he's slipping in behind her.]

[Laughing, she closes the door behind them and places her jacket on a nearby hook. Much better to be home after a productive day.]

That would mean I would have to deny you for more than four hours. I don't think you could survive.

[Another kiss is stolen from him after turning towards the kitchen. A playful smirk never dying away now while she busies herself with perusing through the cabinets and fridge. There's a brief pause to rid of her boots.]

Any requests?

I think I could. Would I want to is an entirely separate question.

[It's always nice that her place feels so homey. He toes off his sholes by the door, actually reluctant to admit how home-like it is. Or how charmed he by the display.]

I thnk...hm, Just surprise me. MUCH more satisfying that way.</small

True. I don't think you'd want to ever so I'll let my curiosity wonder for now.

[She pulls out a lasagna box from the freezer and starts going over the instructions. The oven is prepped with a timer before the pasta dish is slid in to cook. Sorry wolf but with how late work kept her and wanting her attention spent elsewhere, she'll settle for that.]

If you're not satisfied, you're welcome to make something else. Now how to pass the time...

You are but so kind, Valarie. This is a show of mercy in it's finest.

[It's a bit of light snark, but it's filled with fondness nonetheless. He's far more bark and bluster when it comes to the fae than he is bite after all. But she's feeding him as well, and frankly he couldn't ask for more; greed may be a powerful motivator, but he knows when to count himself lucky nonetheless.

He settles for leaning against the kitchen table instead, following her movements with his eyes and not letting her out of his sight for a moment. Habit, ingrained in him after years of street life, but it's watchful now and not wary. She's his mate, she's trustworthy.]

I would be an ass to be so unsatisfied.

The best that you could ever ask for, I assure you.

[She knows to treat his sarcasm with her own if only for him to get what he deserves in return. Besides this was far better compared to how they started out as so she wasn't going to think ill of a small thing as those comments were.

Picking up her boots, she moves them over to the door before turning back for the kitchen. However that wasn't her exact destination as she settles beside him at the table and brush their shoulders together.]

Eh it's from the freezer. Some complaining is allowed, mutt.

You mated with me. You're now feeding me. There's no cause for any sort of complaints at all.

[There's a hint of teasing in his words, even as he reaches to slip an arm around her waist.]

Hm I don't know. That is rather kind of you.

[Leaning into his hold, she flashes a toothy smile and crosses her arms.]

Might need to retaliate for one of those though.

Oh?

[It's punctuated by a single brow raise and a toothy smirk.]

Why Valarie, if I didn't know better I'd say you were wicked.

Come on, Cyril. You should expect such things by now.

[Stealing a brief kiss, she slips away before giving her apartment a once over. She steps away for a few moments before returning with a sash from a robe thrown over her shoulder and mischief in her eyes.

Pressing in close upon her return, she pins him against the table.]

You had your fun.

I did.

[There's amusement still, warm and low as he looks her up and down. One hand comes to rest on her hip almost nonchalantly, even as he hums under his breath.]

And it would appear I'm about to have more, litle fae.