Realistic or Modern The Conman and the Sneak Thief

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

Persia was never good at verbal communitcation. Otherwise she would have asked what's on her mind. 'This is OK, but I can't kiss you?' Her hands her tense as she moved about. She brushed against her nose, her lips, and moved towards her neck. Tentatively. Fearfully. Cautiously she explored.

Her eyes never left Hera's. She was wondering when she'd pull away. Several thoughts passed Persia's mind. She thought about jumping over the middle console. She thought about ripping off her clothes. She thought about asking Hera on a date. She found the last thought strange. Every relationship she's ever had has been a fast paced roller coaster that ended in disaster. Garrett's words returned to her about her previous partners. Maybe she shouldn't try to take things so fast?

 

[Araellion]

Hera stayed completely still, only tilting her head to give Persia better access to explore. She was looking at her face, curious about what was going through the girl's head. Of course Hera could ask, but she didn't want to ruin the moment. It felt like she was in dream, and that any loud noise or abrupt movement would shatter the illusion.

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

Persia let her fingers dig into Hera's hair before sliding down her back. She brought her hand forward, letting her hand slide over he shoulder, feeling her collarbone. She let het hand continue, sliding over her chest, down her stomach and under her shirt where she continued exploring. She leaned over the seat, her lips meeting Hera's, her hand sliding downwards, further, further.

Persia snapped back from her daydream. Her hand still cupping Hera's neck. The thought of rejection kept her in place. Eventually she withdrew her hand, slowly, letting her fingers slide out of Hera's hand. Persia let the moment linger without a word, content on sitting there with her silently, sharing the moment.

 

[Araellion]

Hera let out a sigh when Persia withdrew, this one tinged with an odd mix of disappointment and relief. Hopefully now the girl wouldn't be so hesitant to touch her in the future. She smiled and sat in silence for a bit, enjoying the moment until the heat of the car became stifling instead of comforting and the cold air of the outside world sounded tempting.

With a shake of the head, Hera snapped out of her thoughts. "I better get going. God I'm so tired." she rubbed her face, trying to wake herself up with some success. Opening the car door, Hera stood up slowly, enjoying the bite of the wind. She leaned down so her head was inside the car, giving Persia one more smile. "I'll see you soon."

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

Persia returned Hera's farewell with a wistful gaze, she raised her hand in farewell. The moment Hera left Persia let out her breathe. She didn't realize how long she'd been holding it. She had to take a minute, breathing hard to catch her breathe. She felt stupid. She watched Hera, waiting until she went inside to finally start getting her head back on straight.

 

[Araellion]

Hera went inside her apartment and made sure to lock the door behind her. God, she was so tired. Tired enough that she went to pick up Skimbles and only remembered at the last moment that doing so was a terrible idea. Thankfully she didn't end up getting scratched. Instead of trying to pick him up, Hera laid down next to him on the floor, letting him come to her. She desperately needed a hug right now and her cat was the only one available.

She didn't even want to think about the day she had had. That could wait. Hopefully it could wait until after they were done with this job. For now Hera could feel sleep creeping up on her and she fell asleep just like that. Her lying on the floor with Skimbles on her chest and her phone buzzing with unread messages. Hera's dreams were blissfully peaceful.

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

Adrenaline still pumped through Persia's body. It guided her. After Hera closed her door Persia got out. She walked up to Hera's door. Her hand raised, poised to knock. She wanted to take things further.

The night air bit at her, causing a violent shiver to shake her body and mind. The cold extringuished the adrenaline. She lowered her hand, realizing she didn't grab her coat. A moment longer and a shiver later she turned back around to get in her car and head home.

Persia spent the next two days at home. She wished for Hera to reach out, but wouldn't reach out herself. So she filled her time with daydreams and chatting with her brother. He was doing well since his time out of the hospital. He was still slightly sickly from malnurishment, but far from needing a hospital again. At least for the time being.

Persia also spent a little time trying to get back into music. She grabbed her bass from some dark corner of her small apartment. Something she hasn't touched since before Brutus. It helped her to feel a little more normal. An attempt to repair the damage of the past, though she still had nightmares that woke her, drenched in sweat and heart racing.

The day of the heist, early in the morning, Persia called Hera. They still needed to pick up their outfits for the museum. Persia still wasn't sure why Hera insisted on getting outfits. She didn't plan on interacting with anyone, so she didn't think her clothes mattered. "Ready?" Came her direct greeting. She was already dressed and ready to pick up Hera.

 

[Araellion]

Hera spent the next two days as she normally would. Playing with her cat, talking to Jamie, and not much else. God, she really needed to get some more hobbies, but she was busy. Talking to Jamie especially took up quite a bit of time. Mostly because they still had work to plan, but also because she was far too curious about Hera's personal life. And as always, Hera indulged her and answered every question as well as she could.

Jamie was far too smug about being right in her suspicions, but was also worried about Hera for some reason. Of course Hera reassured her that everything was fine and under control, which Jamie seemed reluctant to believe. 'you are the most intelligent idiot ever when it comes to these things', were her exact words.

Hera had also called Madame Red and arranged for the finished clothes to be dropped off at Hera's place. She figured since they were in a rush it would be more practical that way. While she was at it, Hera had inquired about the dress she had ordered for Persia, which ended up with Rosy cursing her out for giving her so little to work with.

All in all, rather good days.

Now she was standing in front of her full-length mirror, dressed up in her tux and trying to figure out what to do with her hair. She had considered doing something extravagant and classy, but God knows she doesn't have the patience or skill for that. Besides, she wanted to give off a more professional vibe. After deciding that even a braid was too much, Hera settled on tying her hair in a tight low ponytail.

When she was still standing there reconsidering her hairstyle, the phone thankfully chimed. Well, that's decided then, she's done messing with her hair. She picked up the phone, the corners of her mouth twitching up into a smile at the curt greeting.

"Ready," She confirmed. Hera had the urge to drag out the conversation with niceties, but she had a feeling neither of them had the patience for that today, so she put the idea aside for next time. "I also took the liberty of having our clothes delivered to my place to save us some time."

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

"I'll be on my way shortly," came the reply from Persia. She hung up without waiting dor a reply. There wasn't anything more to be added. She grabbed her usual black backpack and coat and headed towards her car. A newly acquired car she had prepared the night before. It was a dull red sedan. Plain, like most of her stolen rides so she wouldn't attract attention. Though this one had a sticker on the rear window. It was like those stick figure family ones that were common, but it was just a lady and her cat. It reminded Persia of Hera.

Hera was constantly on her mind over the two short days they've been apart. Though Persia was still a professional and kept her mind focused for the job. She'd been in a relationship with old crew members, and has never let that get in the way before. It would just make her sloppy, so she refused to let ot affect her.

She stopped at Hera's home, got out and knocked on the door. She generally had nerves of steel, but her palms started to get clammy. Her heart began to speed up as she wondered how she should greet Hera. Should she hug her? Shake her hand? Cup her face lovingly like that night in the car? Say something? Hello? Compliment her? Kiss her? When Hera opened the door all she could manage was her usual cold face and, "Ready? Let's go." Her professionalism won over.

 

[Araellion]

Hera let out a huff of laughter as Persia hung up, used to the curt way the girl speaks on the phone by now. After taking one final look in the mirror, Hera got Persia's outfit from her closet where she had kept it, and draped it across the couch in the livingroom.

With nothing else to do, she wandered around in her apartment, waiting. She had locked Skimbles into the bathroom so he wouldn't shed everywhere, so even he couldn't entertain her.

She jumped when the knock on the door came, having been completely lost in her own world. It took her a second before she rushed to open the door with a wide smile. Even Persia's cold demeanour couldn't put a damper on her mood. With a fond roll of her eyes, she opened the door wider, leaving it open for Persia to follow.

"Your clothes are on the couch," She said, gesturing to said piece of furniture. "You can change in the bedroom or the bathroom, but I would suggest the bedroom if you don't want cat-hair everywhere."

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

Persia looked Hera up and down. She liked her in a tuxedo. Though she would probably like Hera in anything. Or nothing at all. Persia looked past Hera to the couch where her outfit had laid. She would have just changed right there if Hera didn't mention anything.

She accepted Hera's silent invitation. She grabbed the clothes without delicacy and walked briskly to the bedroom. She stripped down and changed rather quickly, not even taking time to apprrciate how she looked, though she enjoyed how she could move. The frills on the light blue shirt were a nice, girlish touch that wasn't necessary, but Persia liked them regardless. Before leaving, she noticed the ring Hera had taken from her still on display. With a smirk she went and took it out, leaving it nearby on the nightstand as a continued joke before leaving to meet with Hera again.

 

[Araellion]

Hera stood in the livingroom waiting, both too on edge and too afraid to wrinkle her suit to sit down. She had the urge to pace around the room again, but forced herself to hold still. Pacing around like that wasn't dignified. Instead of driving herself mad with waiting, she focused on slipping into the proper head space for her role. Not that it was particularly difficult.

She smiled when Persia stepped out of her room looking almost good enough. Hera went up to the girl and brushed her hands over Persia's shoulders to smooth out some of the wrinkles that had appeared. After casting a critical glance at the entirety of the outfit, Hera stepped back with a satisfied nod. "Good. It's not quite as formal as I would have liked, but it will work."

Hera made her way to the door, looking back at Persia. "Unless there's anything else you need to do, we're leaving." She had considered renting a limo for the occasion, but even Hera could tell that that would be unnecessary. Hopefully nobody would see them actually approach the museum.

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

Persia watched as Hera brushed her off. "No," came the short reply to Hera's question. She followed Hera to the door and motioned towards their ride. A different vehicle from last time. During the car ride Persia would ask Hera if she had the plan down, and would go over it regardless of her answer. Persia didn't have much faith in Hera's ability to focus.

 

[Araellion]

Hera's smile twitched in amusement at their ride. She didn't know what she had been expecting really. Not that she was complaining. Honestly, she didn't care much about the vehicle.

She carefully climbed inside, mindful of her suit, which she wanted to keep wrinkle free for as long as possible. When she sat comfortably, Hera kept her gaze forward, retreating into her own mind. She tried to figure out how she would introduce Persia to the one in charge of the museum. It was pure politeness that had made her call ahead so they knew to expect them.

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

"Hallway, shack, heart. Got it?" Persia went over the plan once more. Still unsure if Hera knew what she was doing. Even with her doubt she planned on doing the job, which is entirely unlike her. She's dropped out of many jobs, pre-Brutus, based on funny feelings.

The museum was in a scenic part of the town. The pride and joy of their city. The sidewalks were littered with a beautiful array of trees that have mostly shed their leaves, and accompanying flowers and plants. They were going to be early, since Persia hadn't olanned on Hera picking up the clothes, so they had time to kill once they got into the parking lot. The museum was open, but the guards Persia needed on shift haven't started yet.

Persia appreciated the modern marvel that was the museum. It was made mostly of stained glass, but the craftmenship was superb. The glass looked like it was made of the same gemstones that their prized displays were comprised of. She turned to Hera as she parked, "We have an hour to kill." She turned back to survey the area and foot traffic. She was focused, in her element.

 

[Araellion]

"Hallway, shack, heart," Hera repeated dutifully, amused more than insulted at how little faith Persia had in her abilities. "Relax, I know what I'm doing." At least she did most of the time. Whether she knew what she was doing today was questionable. Especially since she was still hammering out some details herself. But at some point she just had to leave it up to faith.

Hera hummed at them having so much time left, nervous energy creeping up on her. She had been prepared to start right away and now she didn't know what to do. She let her head drop back against the headrest, relishing in the way the small amount of pain cleared her head.

"Marvellous," Hera said, voice coated in sarcasm. "Can't we kill some time inside the museum? It will look less suspicious if nothing else."

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

"No," came the short answer. Persia was not fond of going off script. She also already knew the place inside and out, having spent time casing the place and studying blueprints. She didn't offer any further explanation to Hera.

Persia noticed the two guards they needed walking into the building together. They were chatting, early for their shift. She turned to look at Hera. She could tell she wasn't one for patience. Sitting and doing nothing doesn't seem to be her strong point. She gave a smirk, but said nothing else as she turned her eyes forward once more.

 

[Araellion]

Hera let out a huff, muttering some choice words under her breath and sinking into the seat, before remembering herself and sitting up straight. If she didn't find some way of amusing herself she would go mad.

"Please tell me you don't honestly expect us to sit here doing nothing for an hour." She looked at Persia, hopefully looking as annoyed as she felt. "I will go in alone if I have to," she threatened, not sure whether she would actually follow up on her threat.

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

"Yes," Persia planned on sitting in the car for an hour, doing nothing. She smirked at Hera's impatience. "Seven-hundred thousand hours in a lifetime. You can wait for one of them," Persia replied to Hera's threat to go in alone. Regardless of what Hera chose to do. She felt like spending time in the museum was just asking to get caught. She wasn't good at naturally blending in to crowds.

 

[Araellion]

"And five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes in a year. What's your point." Hera didn't even know whether she was more annoyed or more impatient at the moment. Then she decided that the two were not mutually exclusive.

"Fine then," she said, making a decision. "I am going out. Maybe into the museum. You can come with me or stay here. Up to you." Because Hera really couldn't stay in this car doing nothing for any longer.

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

Perdia was infuriated. This woman was insufferable. Truly the worst. Persia couldn't stand her. Never wanted to see her again. Persia got out and followed Hera anyways. She waited a moment after she closed the car door and followed suit with a frustrated huff. She would've followed Hera to the ends of the Earth.

It was cold outside. The bitter air nipped at her ears and nose. Persia almost thought about grabbing her coat. She shivered and decided against it. She'd only be in the cold for a moment. She grabbed her usual black backpack and followed a short distance behind Hera, hoping she wouldn't say anything about it.

 

[Araellion]

Hera calmly walked towards the museum, glancing backwards to see if Persia had followed, out of pure curiosity. She would have been fine on her own, especially in a place like this where there was so much to look at, but having her around was less stressful. It meant that Hera wouldn't need to watch the time so carefully.

She wandered around the museum, taking note of escape routes and cameras because she really wasn't as incompetent as Persia believed and this was pretty much thievery 101. Of course, Hera stopped to admire some of the art pieces as well, looking at them with an analysing gaze. She was pretending to be here as an investor after all.

Hera hadn't even noticed how she had completely forgotten about Persia's presence, letting it fade into the background. If she had been aware of it she would have felt slightly guilty about it.

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

Persia followed Hera for a time, keeping her distance. Until they came to the heart. 'Two Halves of a Whole' was the name of the piece. A fusion of rubies and saphires. It was truly marvelous. There were a variety of tints and shades depending the angle the light hit it from. It was large, for a gemstone, roughly the size of a soccer ball. Persia paused here to gaze at it for a few minutes. There was still a little bit of time before she had to get Hera and let her know they were starting.

 

[Araellion]

Hera panicked a bit when she realised Persia was no longer behind her, which was stupid. She was perfectly used to working alone and had never even considered working with someone else, so why was she so twitchy now that the girl wasn't here? Shaking her head at her own foolishness, Hera changed course to find Persia.

Thankfully that hadn't ended up being too difficult. She just had to double back and there she was, at the heart. Feeling her panic receding, Hera went to take a closer look at it as well. The heart was satisfying to watch, the colors changing slightly depending on where you stood. She could imagine an artist coming here every day, drawing it from every angle and still not capturing the full spectrum of color.

She turned to Persia, tilting her head in question. "What time is it?" Because Hera couldn't see any clocks around here—which she knew was deliberate—and she didn't wear one herself.

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

Persia, being the skillful professional she was, didn't even look at her phone for the time as she turned to Hera, "10 minutes till start." Her expression was her usual one. Cold, focused, calculating. Her nerves were steady and she was calm. She was ready. "Are you ready?" She studied Hera as she asked the question.