Realistic or Modern The Conman and the Sneak Thief

[Araellion]

Hera just looked at Persia, a teasing smile slowly growing on her face. "Coward." She shook her head, taking a second to collect her thoughts so she could articulate herself properly. This was important.

"Relying on plans just means that you have no faith in your abilities," she said with a roll of her eyes. Hera would know. When she started out in the underworld she clung to her plans until she gained some confidence. When she let go of the illusion of control that she was clinging to her jobs started going a lot smoother. Even if the time before any job was nerve-wracking.

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

Persia narrowed her eyes towards Hera. Hera's joking smile is the only thing that saved her from Persia's wrath. "I don't do well without a plan," Persia admitted. She averted her eyes, questioning her own abilities. Sheepishly she said, "It takes time to rewire an alarm system. I need to make sure I can do it in-between security patrols." She said this as much to justify hrr plans to herself as to Hera.

When she looked back up to Hera her demeanor had returned once more. She was focused and determined. She stood up to stretch her legs. She gave Skimbles an icy death stare, daring him to mess with her papers.

 

[Araellion]

"Mmmh, I suppose that makes sense." And with that, Hera let the subject drop. She shouldn't judge Persia for having a plan, especially since the very way they worked was so different. The way Hera attacked her job made it so that plans were more liabilities than anything. But it made sense that Persia had to keep an eye on the time.

She couldn't help but burst into laughter when Persia glared at her cat. The image was just too hilarious. "You know," Hera started, but had to pause to wipe tears from her laughter from her eyes, "I imagine you in my head as a lion. But really, sometimes you remind me more of a house cat." Hera took one look at Persia's face, trying to make it fit the image in her head, and that made her laugh once more.

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

Persia liked being compared to a lion. A house cat? Not so much. She thought about saying 'roar' jokingly to show how she was a lion rather than a cat, but ended up not. Persia still had lasting damage from her stint with Brutus. She paused, her eyes dropping, sadness overcoming her face. She wonders if that playful side of hers is gone for ever.

Persia was far from the silliest, or the most playful person, but she had her moments. Or, rather, she used to. Persia looked up, meeting Hera's eyes with a new, fierce determination. She was strong, she wouldn't let who she was be ruined by such a disreputable man. Her features helped to accentuate when she said, 'Roar,' with a calm expression, like it was the most serious and natural response to the situation. This was exactly Persia's type of humor.

Persia felt a little silly, like it didn't fit, but she was still glad she was able to bring back a little of her old self. A slight blush crept across her cheeks. Memories of her and her old crew resurfacing.

 

[Araellion]

Hera lit up when Persia played along with her little joke. What started out as giggles turned into more and more unhinged laughter until Hera had fallen backwards on top of Persia's carefully laid plans. And then the irony of that struck her and made her laugh even harder.

Every time Hera had convinced herself that she was done laughing, the image of Persia saying 'roar' in that deadpan way of hers popped into her head and set her off again. It got to the point where she was gasping for breaths inbetween her laughter and each breath she managed to draw was painful.

She turned over on her side, hoping to block out the world and make her laughing fit end. It also made breathing easier. After a while her laughter finally died down and Hera was left shaking on the floor, purging the last of her amusement. "Sorry, that was just too funny for some reason." Her voice came out more shaky than she would have liked.

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

Persia gave herself a mental peace sign for her victory. She still had it. She refused to join Hera in her laughter, instead remaining just as serious looking as when she said 'roar'.

The image of Hera laying on the floor pleased Persia. Hera's full body laughter was alluring. Persia wanted to desperately join her on the ground and share a tender moment, but she remembered how Hera reacted when she kissed her. This caused a pained look to cross her face as she couldn't do what she yearned to do.

Persia picked herself back up, responding to Hera's laughing fit coming to an end, "I used to be a comedian. A clown at children's parties. Kids love me." This, of course, was a flat out lie. A joke she wondered if Hera would pick up on, as she delivered this with the same seriousness as her earlier roar.

 

[Araellion]

"God, shut up." Hera managed to get out despite her renewed laughter. The last thing she wanted was to laugh more right now. And the mental image of Persia as a sad clown was not helping her in that endeavour. "It hurts." Thankfully she had nearly exhausted herself with her earlier fit.

Hera shook her head, literally trying to shake off her amusement. And it worked, to a degree. When she felt like she was stable, Hera sat up and moved away from Persia's slightly rumpled plans with a wince. "Sorry, about your plans." Hera couldn't bring herself to feel bad about it though.

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

Persia let out the tiniest smirk for the smallest amount of time when Hera told her to shut up, but was quickly and easily able to crush all signs of emotion. If she truly were a comedian, she would would have been able to think of something further to add. She really only had small moments here and there.

Persia wasn't sure what the future held in regards to Hera. The woman confused her. She rejects her one moment, then wraps Persia up in her arms the next. Persia may be cautious when it comes to work, planning and calculating every move. Though, when it comes to love, she falls fast and hard and throws caution to the wind.

"I've already commited the plans to memory. These," Persia motioned towards the now crumpled papers, "were so I could go over them with you." Persia thought there might be a joke there about Hera's lack of ability to follow plans, but she couldn't think of a proper jab, so left it alone.

There wasn't anything else to go over, but Persia didn't want to leave, so she sat down across from Hera. She was searching for something to say, to further along conversation, to give her a reason to be there, but failed. Conversation was not her strong suit. So she ended up just staring at Hera. Trying to take in her carefree attitude, the way her body moved, especially when she laughed, and enjoying the scent of tea still wafting through the air, wondering what the next move would be.

 

[Araellion]

Hera smiled softly at Persia as she sat down across from her, simply enjoying the moment. The planning had taken a lot of energy out of her, and Hera planned on taking as much of a break as possible before getting back into it. Despite how much she wanted to deny it, there was still a bit of work to be done.

With a sigh, Hera turned back to the plans, more for the sake of having an easier time concentrating than to actually review them. Gradually Hera's amusement drained out of her to be replaced with cold dread. While she never planned her jobs anymore, she still had to have at least a semblance of an idea about what she was going to do. If only to pick an appropriate outfit.

And as much as she hated the idea slowly piecing itself together in her mind, she knew it would make things a lot easier for them. With a sigh, Hera turned back to Persia, none of her earlier amusement left in her face. She was still smiling, but it had a pained edge to it.

"I'll go in pretending to be a paranoid investor. That should distract the guards more than long enough for you to do what you need to do. Hell, that way I'll be able to have all the guards on that floor following me around." She hated the idea so much, and the derision in her voice made that perfectly plain.

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

Persia watched the emotions shift on Hera's face. She wasn't sure what that meant, so she let it go for now. Persia shrugged at Hera's own plans. She never felt good dealing with people. Among her old crew, she never worried about distractions, or any job where she had to interact with people. She preferred sneaking past and dealing with locks and electronics. Things, objects, were easy to understand, to manipulate, to make do what you want. People? Impossible. They are suspicious, stupid, and take offense to everything.

"I wouldn't do this job alone because I wouldn't know how to handle some aspects. As long as you say you can do your part, we should be good." Persia had her worries. Working with someone new was always stressful, especially when they admit they don't really plan ahead. But for Hera, Persia would risk it. Only for Hera.

 

[Araellion]

"Good. Two days is plenty of time to prepare." Despite not being happy with the role she had to play, Hera was excited for this job. It had been a while since her last thievery after all, and now there was the added bonus of working with Persia. She wasn't used to working with other people, apart from Jamie, but she wasn't too worried.

Her mind went over everything she would need, which thankfully wasn't a whole lot. There was no need to go overboard with her outfit, but what she had in mind meant that she had to visit her tailor. Oh well, a visit to Madame Red was overdue, so it was just as well.

The thought of her favourite tailor made her snigger. God, she was going to kill Hera for both dropping by unannounced and for commissioning something on such short notice. Maybe it would be best for her to just ask for a fitting...

Shaking herself out of her thoughts, Hera focused back on Persia. "Well then. Did you have anything else planned that we need to talk about?"

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

Persia was worried for this moment. Of course there wasn't much else to discuss, or things to talk about that would extend her stay. She gave a pause before shaking her tentatively. Her body tensed, but she knew it was time to leave. Persia entertained the thought of asking to sleep over for the night, but quickly dismissed it as she waited for Hera to respond.

 

[Araellion]

Hera clapped her hands together once and smiled, thankful that the planning phase was finally over. "Marvellous! Well, I have to pay an old friend of mine a visit," Hera said as an explanation for why she was heading towards the door. She was wearing mostly black and white today, which meant that she didn't have to change clothes. Mme Red would still tut at her lack of fashion sense, but at least she won't get a heart attack like from one of Hera's more outrageous outfits.

Almost as an afterthought, Hera turned back to Persia. "Do you have anywhere you need to be?" A part of her was asking out of politeness, but a larger part of her was genuinely curious. What in the world did this girl do in her spare time? Hera could come up with some wild guesses, but she would love to know for sure. Maybe she would learn sometime in the future. For now however...

"Because if not you can come with me." Hera didn't want to part ways just yet, even though the logical part of her brain told her that they needed some time apart. "You did say we are supposed to go into the museum together, so you'll need some formal clothing as well if you don't already have some." Hera tilted her head a bit. "Unless you had something else in mind?"

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

Persia shook her head a little too vigorously when Hera asked if she had plans. Unless Persia was mistaken, it sounded like Hera was about to invite her somewhere. Her excitement came out a little, almost like a puppy when its owner asks if it wants to go outside.

Persia was more than pleased when asked to join Hera. She stood up to grab her things. Though Hera's comments on fashion brought about a confused look as she looked herself up and down. "Is this not formal enough?" Persia had thought she dressed up for Hera, so she was disheartened to learn Hera thought she needed better clothes. She looked at Hera, perplexed, as she grabbed her coat and backpack.

 

[Araellion]

Hera laughed at Persia's question, though not unkindly. Her question was simply too adorable. With a shake of the head, Hera went over to stand in front of Persia and slowly reached out a hand to cup her cheek. Her smile was sharp when she said, "Oh, my sweet innocent thing." With pity lacing her words, she continued, "You have no idea what I'm dragging you into and I'm so sorry."

She took a few steps back, guilt creeping up on her. With no further words, Hera went outside. She had completely forgotten their earlier conversation and felt bad about doing something that could possibly be misleading. Well, it was a bit too late for regrets. Taking a deep breath, Hera collected her thoughts.

Looking back at Persia, Hera tried to change the subject. "Did you come here with a car? If not, we'll take a taxi."

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

Persia flinched at Hera's touch. She cursed herself for the new habit she's picked up since Brutus, though she ended up leaning into Hera's hand, closing her eyes as she did so. She thought Hera might be a witch that cast a spell on her. She doesn't want to be together, or for Persia to make any moves on her, yet she provides Persia with these tender, intimate moments that say otherwise. A moment longer and she would have forgot herself and gone in for another kiss, though Hera pulled away before she could make her move.

She really would follow her to the ends of the Earth, despite how little they know about each other. Persia wanted to admit as such when Hera warned her of what they would be getting into, but she settled on a stoic huff, showing she had no fear.

Persia replied, "I have a car. And if I ever don't I can get one." She gave Hera a wink. She wondered, "You don't drive?" Persia vaguely remembers the night she killed Brutus, Hera had picked her up in a taxi. She wondered if the Taxi driver ever reported them.

 

[Araellion]

Hera let out a huff of laughter when Persia winked at her. God, why was she even surprised that the girl would steal a car if necessary? It wasn't like they didn't steal far more valuable stuff, so why draw a line at cars?

"No, Goodnes no," Hera said with a shudder. Just the thought of herself driving was terrifying. "Cars are metal boxes on wheels," she said with all the seriousness she could muster, as if that explained everything. Her distaste probably stemmed from Hera being spoiled and used to having drivers, but she would deny that.

"Well, lead the way." Hera looked at Persia with an expectant gaze.

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

Persia returned Hera's response with a blank stare. "I'm going to teach you to drive one of these days," she said matter-of-factly ash she headed out the door, leading the way to the car she had stolen earlier that day.

 

[Araellion]

Hera looked at Persia with a blank stare for a few seconds before a snapping out of it. "Wha- hey, wait!" She ran after Persia, catching up to her.

"I do know how to drive, I'm not utterly incompetent," Hera defended with a pout. "I just hate doing it."

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

Persia didn't show it, but she was about to enjoy messing with Hera. "If you don't enjoy it, you're just not doing it right. Ever see Fast and Furious?" She hoped Hera was afraid of fast driving and she could play off that. She actually drove very sensibly in stolen cars. Reckless driving was a good way to attract attention from cops, not a great idea in a stolen car.

She didn't bother waiting for Hera as she made her way to the car. A grey, four door sedan. Dusk brought with it a renewed chill that started to nip at Persia's bones. She made a mental note to get a warmer coat in the future.

 

[Araellion]

Hera's eyes narrowed at the question, suspicion creeping into her gaze. "No..." She drew out the 'o', trying to think about what such a movie could be about. She could make an educated guess though.

She sat down in the car, strapping on the belt before trying to guess about the movie. Hera had a feeling Persia was mocking her, but that was fine. Truth be told, Hera was enjoying herself. "Sounds like the title of a terrible adult movie. But I'm guessing that's not what you were thinking about." She felt unreasonably proud of herself for keeping a straight face as she said that.

Clearing her throat, Hera gave Persia the address they were going to. "It's in the older part of the city," She added unnecessarily.

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

Persia rubbed a couple of exposed wires together to start the car. Then she turned to Hera and said, "It's a movie. About driving cars. Fast and furiously." She put the car in gear, then turned to Hera as she eyed her seat belt, "Might wanna make sure that seat belt works." With a sly grin she stepped on the gas and they took off at a leisurly pace.

 

[Araellion]

"Sounds boring." Hera didn't watch a lot of movies, choosing instead the boring option of watching the news most days. The only movies she watched were romcoms, especially those they air every Christmas. Those were always the most disgustingly sappy and she lived for it.

Hera raised an eyebrow at Persia, but did as she said anyway. Giving the seat belt a sharp tug, she felt the resistance of the belt refusing to give. Turning back to Persia, Hera said with a deapan voice, "it works."

She let out a hum as the car started, impressed despite herself. Must be a useful skill to have, to be able to make any car start up. Hera half wanted to learn how to do it, but knew she wouldn't even try. She would be far too scared of electrocuting herself.

As interesting as it was to watch the scenery, Hera quickly grew bored with that. "Does the radio work?"

 

[PauciloquentPumpkin]

The radio worked. "The radio doesn't work. Sing me a song instead." Disappointed she couldn't spook Hera with her feint of driving fast and furiously, she tried to mess with her another way. She was feeling giddy around Hera, much like her old self. She always had a cold demeanor, and was generally icy and hard to approach, but she had a sense of humor, and loved messing with her old crew. Hera was returning a bit of that.

They drove past several districts. Persia took the scenic route. She preferred staying away from highways and busy roads when in a stolen vehicle, but spending a little more time with Hera was a great plus. She would occasionally look over at Hera. She wanted to reach out and grab her hand, but she held herself back every time. She was equal parts alluring and infuriating.

 

[Araellion]

Her face clearly showcased her disappointment. "Aww, I wanted to sing to the radio." With a huff Hera reached out to push one of the buttons, only to quickly draw her hand back with a startled yelp when it made an odd sound. Alright, note to self: don't try to mess with anything in here.

Instead of trying that again, she turned to Persia with her best puppy dog face in place. "Is there anything you can do with the wires or something to make it work?" While Hera could survive the ride without a distraction, she simply didn't want to. It would leave her alone with her thoughts, which she didn't want.