✧ same target

[quicksilverwings]

[That had been... an interesting job.

Somehow, Ciar--Wing to his teammates and clients--hadn't anticipated other people going after one of their marks, but that sure is what happened. Now, Ciar can't personally say he minds. They were tackling it from different angles, and now he can't help but think that it was even more effective.

... And maybe he dragged along the mark a little more for the sake of showing off to that handsome (and clearly adorably smitten) blond.

(He still got the desired results, it was fine.)

Speaking of that aforementioned handsome blond, though, Ciar's on a mission today, to track that man down, wherever in the city he might be. He wanted to see that guy again anyway, and he has a question.]

Comments

[quicksilverwings]

I don't think we could've pulled that off without you.

[As he takes a seat next to Hugo with his own drink. He takes a sip, then chuckles.]

Honestly, if you weren't already doing your own thing, I'd ask if you'd like to join up with us proper.

[destinetmalediction]

Doing what? I am, primarily, a thief, after all.

[quicksilverwings]

You made a damn good face in that job, and you were a huge help when things nearly went sideways for Ange.

[... And while Ange is good, Ciar can't deny that she could learn a lot from Hugo.]

[destinetmalediction]

She very nearly had it, but unfortunately most newer thieves don't know quite what to do when faced with an old-fashioned lock you can pick with a bobby pin and not a fancy electric lock.

[And being stymied by that naturally caused the almost-disaster.]

She's fairly good at being sneaky, but no panache.

[quicksilverwings]

Yeah. Locks have been a work in progress for a while for her... but she was basically starting from nothing there, so it's to be expected.

[destinetmalediction]

Really? Completely new to it all?

[quicksilverwings]

Mhm. She was a pickpocket first. The rest of us have been working on teaching her stuff since she joined up.

[destinetmalediction]

...well, I can at least help with that, even if I don't know about signing on full time with your crew.

[quicksilverwings]

That'd be helpful, thank you.

[He lets his head rest on one hand and he smiles.]

If you want to join in on a few more jobs without signing on full time, you'd be welcome to, too. [A beat.] ... I'll admit, though, the offer might've been a little bit of an excuse to spend more time with you.

[destinetmalediction]

[Hugo smiles, leaning in a little.]

You don't have to make an offer for that, you know. You just need to ask~

[quicksilverwings]

Yeah?

[Ciar grins a little, leaning in himself.]

Then... how about we go out for dinner sometime?

[destinetmalediction]

I'd love that, I think. In a week or two?

[quicksilverwings]

That sounds wonderful. I'll look forward to it.

[destinetmalediction]

[And a couple of weeks later, they're walking out of the very nice little Italian bistro. Hugo takes another breath of the roses that Ciar brought him.]

They're really gorgeous, Ciar.

[quicksilverwings]

I'm glad you like them.

[He was a little worried they might be a bit much, so he's glad those worries were unfounded.]

So... would you like to walk around for a while? See where the night takes us?

[destinetmalediction]

I think so, yes.

[Ciar, Hugo himself is So Much. The roses are perfect.]

Lead on.

[quicksilverwings]

[Listen, you can never quite know where someone's Lines are--

Ciar just smiles and starts walking... his hand does brush against Hugo's as they walk, though it's not entirely intentional.]

[destinetmalediction]

[Hugo brushes back. He doesn't take Ciar's hand, but he isn't afraid of it.]

This has been a lovely night so far, Ciar.

[quicksilverwings]

[... In that case, he'll go ahead and properly take Hugo's hand.]

It really has. Thank you for coming out here with me tonight, Hugo.

[destinetmalediction]

[Oh. He turns a little pink.]

Thank you for inviting me. It's been a while for me, but...I've enjoyed our night out.

[quicksilverwings]

[Ah, that's cute...]

I'm glad... I've enjoyed it too. [...] ... Did you maybe... enjoy it enough for a second date sometime?

[destinetmalediction]

I think I could be convinced~ Maybe a wine tasting?

[quicksilverwings]

That sounds like a wonderful idea.

[destinetmalediction]

Then please await my invitation~

[A couple of weeks later, they attend the wine tasting. As they head out:]

Well, that was wonderful. And they had chocolates for sale--are they good?

[He'd bought a box for Ciar. None were to his taste.]

[quicksilverwings]

They are. I'll have to be careful if I want to make these last.

[He chuckles.]

Thank you, Hugo.