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OPEN POST;
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① Pick a character ② Pick a prompt (or DIY) (shamelessly and selectively pilfered from ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small} bakerstreet's Random Scenario Meme)③ Do the thing!. table code by betterdolphin | |
[ He guides them around the dance floor in time with the music -- luckily a slower song, which makes their proximity to one another none too suspicious. At her remark, he nods. ]
Just found out some news I thought you'd be interested in knowing.
[ The statement is innocuous enough -- mostly because another couple is passing by a bit too close for Peter's comfort. Once they pass, he moves them into a fairly unoccupied area. ]
Your boss wants you out of the picture. He has a contract out for you. And before you ask, no, I'm not the one he hired.
Just found out some news I thought you'd be interested in knowing.
[ The statement is innocuous enough -- mostly because another couple is passing by a bit too close for Peter's comfort. Once they pass, he moves them into a fairly unoccupied area. ]
Your boss wants you out of the picture. He has a contract out for you. And before you ask, no, I'm not the one he hired.
[ There's just the slightest movement in her shoulders at the last of his words, as she feels even a little bit of relief. Good news is, he's not here to kill her. Bad news is, someone else is here to kill her. She resists the urge to roll her eyes when he breaks it to her; she'd gotten bad vibes from her client when they'd made their arrangements, but even this seems excessive.
That does leave one million credit question unanswered, however. ]
And you're warning me of this... why, exactly?
That does leave one million credit question unanswered, however. ]
And you're warning me of this... why, exactly?
[ That hint of a smile doesn't leave his face, but he does fall silent, at least.
Because he doesn't have an answer for that. Hell, Peter doesn't know why he's here, except that something spurred him on to give her the warning. That it didn't sit right with him to let her wander in and get caught unawares.
At length, just before the silence can become awkward, he says this: ]
Consider it thanks for not spilling the beans on me.
[ It's close enough, he thinks. ]
Because he doesn't have an answer for that. Hell, Peter doesn't know why he's here, except that something spurred him on to give her the warning. That it didn't sit right with him to let her wander in and get caught unawares.
At length, just before the silence can become awkward, he says this: ]
Consider it thanks for not spilling the beans on me.
[ It's close enough, he thinks. ]
[ She has a hard time believing that.
For one, the silence may not have been awkward, but that there was even a second of silence before his answer is rather telling. Second, that's the same reason he decided he wouldn't kill her last time they'd run into each other-- and wait, are they even "running into each other" right now, or did he come here just to warn her? Because it's looking suspiciously like that might be the case. Third, even if this was a thanks for keeping his identity a secret--you know what would have been a better way to keep his identity a secret?
Getting rid of the loose end. Or in this case, letting someone else get rid of it for him.
But he's not--in fact, he's effectively making sure she stays alive, and frankly, she's baffled. Her hand wanders down, tracing the lapel of his suit as she presses herself close, her eyes locked onto his--an act, surely, so that they appear only as a man and a woman flirting on the sidelines of the party, and not as an assassin and a thief discussing business. ]
As thankful as I am for the warning--what's your game, here?
[ Her hand continues along until it comes to a stop on his chest, and then she pushes away from him gently. ]
I'm afraid you have me stumped, dear.
For one, the silence may not have been awkward, but that there was even a second of silence before his answer is rather telling. Second, that's the same reason he decided he wouldn't kill her last time they'd run into each other-- and wait, are they even "running into each other" right now, or did he come here just to warn her? Because it's looking suspiciously like that might be the case. Third, even if this was a thanks for keeping his identity a secret--you know what would have been a better way to keep his identity a secret?
Getting rid of the loose end. Or in this case, letting someone else get rid of it for him.
But he's not--in fact, he's effectively making sure she stays alive, and frankly, she's baffled. Her hand wanders down, tracing the lapel of his suit as she presses herself close, her eyes locked onto his--an act, surely, so that they appear only as a man and a woman flirting on the sidelines of the party, and not as an assassin and a thief discussing business. ]
As thankful as I am for the warning--what's your game, here?
[ Her hand continues along until it comes to a stop on his chest, and then she pushes away from him gently. ]
I'm afraid you have me stumped, dear.
[ When she pushes him back, it's about what he expected. It's why he loosens his grip at her waist and her hand, leads them to the edge of the dance floor. His message is clear: if she wants to walk away, she's welcome to.
As for his answer to her question, he doesn't have one. Again. Though you wouldn't know it from looking at him. He exudes confidence, shoulders back and back straight; at the moment, though, he's cursing himself for this weird little moment of weakness.
Should've let the next guy take her out, he thinks. Unless she had tried to use Peter's identity as a bargaining chip. There were more than a few people who had tried finding out who he is, had tried taking him out with their own shitty assassins and hirelings. No one found out, of course, but here was this outlier who could ruin everything for him.
When he speaks next, none of his misgivings show; instead, he shrugs a shoulder, face still fixed in a neutral but pleasant smile. ]
I'm buying your silence. [ Another dodge, but to him, it's the only thing that makes sense. ] I could leave you to your own devices to steal whatever it is you were hired for, but I know that the moment you go to claim your reward, someone is going to claim theirs on you.
[ Another pause, then he lets out a quiet sigh. ]
Besides. I am a man who repays his debts. And your continued discretion is worth a lot to me.
As for his answer to her question, he doesn't have one. Again. Though you wouldn't know it from looking at him. He exudes confidence, shoulders back and back straight; at the moment, though, he's cursing himself for this weird little moment of weakness.
Should've let the next guy take her out, he thinks. Unless she had tried to use Peter's identity as a bargaining chip. There were more than a few people who had tried finding out who he is, had tried taking him out with their own shitty assassins and hirelings. No one found out, of course, but here was this outlier who could ruin everything for him.
When he speaks next, none of his misgivings show; instead, he shrugs a shoulder, face still fixed in a neutral but pleasant smile. ]
I'm buying your silence. [ Another dodge, but to him, it's the only thing that makes sense. ] I could leave you to your own devices to steal whatever it is you were hired for, but I know that the moment you go to claim your reward, someone is going to claim theirs on you.
[ Another pause, then he lets out a quiet sigh. ]
Besides. I am a man who repays his debts. And your continued discretion is worth a lot to me.
Don't forget that you know something of me that no one else should, too.
[ The face beneath the hood, that is. ]
So I suppose we both have something to thank each other for. Suffice it to say that you've rendered this whole evening moot, though. I've no reason to fulfill my end of the job--I could steal it, anyway, and find another buyer, but honestly, this is already more drama than I'd like to deal with.
[ She actually sighs; his explanation is apparently enough, at least at the moment. She's not going to give him further reason to question why he warned her instead of just letting her proceed and possibly get killed. Besides, despite his unwavering appearance of confidence, she can tell that there's some degree of hesitation or confusion on his end. Just a hunch. ]
How about you? Are you here on a job, too? Or did you dress up and come all the way here just for this little chat?
[ The face beneath the hood, that is. ]
So I suppose we both have something to thank each other for. Suffice it to say that you've rendered this whole evening moot, though. I've no reason to fulfill my end of the job--I could steal it, anyway, and find another buyer, but honestly, this is already more drama than I'd like to deal with.
[ She actually sighs; his explanation is apparently enough, at least at the moment. She's not going to give him further reason to question why he warned her instead of just letting her proceed and possibly get killed. Besides, despite his unwavering appearance of confidence, she can tell that there's some degree of hesitation or confusion on his end. Just a hunch. ]
How about you? Are you here on a job, too? Or did you dress up and come all the way here just for this little chat?
Actually, it's option three: enjoying the social event of the season.
[ And he's not wrong: it was one of the most discussed occasions in the weeks leading up to the event itself, and while it was difficult for a man constantly on the move to keep his ear to the ground, events like these made it possible for Peter to learn the latest gossip, and for Star-Lord to tactfully make himself to any recently spurned parties.
So, sure, he might have come here to warn Kasumi of the attack, but there was a practical reason for it, as well -- though only in retrospect. ]
If I were you, miss-- [ There are couples moving onto the dance floor, and to avoid any suspicion, he lightens his voice. He doesn't know her alias for this party, figures it best to pretend they're strangers. ] --I'd find another party to attend. This one's starting to get awfully dull.
[ And he's not wrong: it was one of the most discussed occasions in the weeks leading up to the event itself, and while it was difficult for a man constantly on the move to keep his ear to the ground, events like these made it possible for Peter to learn the latest gossip, and for Star-Lord to tactfully make himself to any recently spurned parties.
So, sure, he might have come here to warn Kasumi of the attack, but there was a practical reason for it, as well -- though only in retrospect. ]
If I were you, miss-- [ There are couples moving onto the dance floor, and to avoid any suspicion, he lightens his voice. He doesn't know her alias for this party, figures it best to pretend they're strangers. ] --I'd find another party to attend. This one's starting to get awfully dull.
[ She wonders what her would-be assassin would do, realizing that their target wasn't coming for her target. Would the whole deal fall through, or would they try to kill her anyway?
Well, they certainly wouldn't be the first to try.
In any case, unless she goes for it, that person wouldn't have any way of even picking her out, because the only living person in this galaxy to know what Kasumi Goto looks like is standing right next to her.
So, screw it. She's already dressed up and at a fancy party. She may as well enjoy it.
She turns, her gaze finding the stream of couples moving towards the dance floor, and smiles. ]
Is this the part where you tell me that our paths will never cross again, only to show up out of nowhere a few months later looking oh, so dashing?
Unfair. You're a cruel man, you know.
Well, they certainly wouldn't be the first to try.
In any case, unless she goes for it, that person wouldn't have any way of even picking her out, because the only living person in this galaxy to know what Kasumi Goto looks like is standing right next to her.
So, screw it. She's already dressed up and at a fancy party. She may as well enjoy it.
She turns, her gaze finding the stream of couples moving towards the dance floor, and smiles. ]
Is this the part where you tell me that our paths will never cross again, only to show up out of nowhere a few months later looking oh, so dashing?
Unfair. You're a cruel man, you know.
[ He chuckles -- a calculated, practiced thing. ]
It does come part and parcel with my chosen career, I'm afraid. It's something to which one must become accustomed.
[ He moves them away from the dance floor, keeping one of her hands in his as he leads her away. ]
I hope you'll take my advice, cruel as I may be.
It does come part and parcel with my chosen career, I'm afraid. It's something to which one must become accustomed.
[ He moves them away from the dance floor, keeping one of her hands in his as he leads her away. ]
I hope you'll take my advice, cruel as I may be.
[ She quirks a brow as he leads them away, thinking he might literally just shove her out of the door at this rate. ]
I can show myself out, you know, if you're in such a hurry to be rid of me again.
I can show myself out, you know, if you're in such a hurry to be rid of me again.
It's not that. [ And he says it with some surprise -- genuine, at that. ]
I had assumed you wanted to be rid of me.
I had assumed you wanted to be rid of me.
[ Her gaze wonders away for a moment, remembering how their last encounter had ended. She has no real explanation for her disappointment that he'd adamantly cemented that as their supposed "last meeting," except for intrigue. In truth she should want to be rid of him, a man who once tried to kill her. A man who knows something about her that no one else should. In time, she hums. ]
"Might be safer for the both of us if this were our last meeting," were your exact words, I believe.
"Might be safer for the both of us if this were our last meeting," were your exact words, I believe.
[ He tilts his head, an eyebrow arching. Now that there are fewer guests around them, he lets his voice return to normal. ]
And I don't think I was wrong. The more we're seen together, the more suspicion we'll draw. Change the names as much as you want, but the faces will still be recognizable.
And I don't think I was wrong. The more we're seen together, the more suspicion we'll draw. Change the names as much as you want, but the faces will still be recognizable.
[ And now that there are fewer guests around them, she draws closer to him. ]
So why not see each other in private, then?
[ Her voice is steady, unwavering, downright flirtatious, but with a hint of caution; she's testing the waters, here. ]
So why not see each other in private, then?
[ Her voice is steady, unwavering, downright flirtatious, but with a hint of caution; she's testing the waters, here. ]
[ He arches an eyebrow, but he doesn't step back -- but neither does he return the flirtation, now that no one's around to watch.
(Though he'd never admit it, something in his chest tightens minutely. He'll have to examine that more closely later.) ]
As I said: I don't think I was wrong the first time.
(Though he'd never admit it, something in his chest tightens minutely. He'll have to examine that more closely later.) ]
As I said: I don't think I was wrong the first time.
[ She doesn't meet his eye, looking instead at his tie, her hand reaching up to run her fingers lightly along it, starting from the collar down. ]
Of course. But I rather regret the way our meetings are always tense. We both hold dangerous information over each other, sure, but that doesn't mean we can't be on more cordial terms.
Of course. But I rather regret the way our meetings are always tense. We both hold dangerous information over each other, sure, but that doesn't mean we can't be on more cordial terms.
[ That earns her a quiet chuckle. ]
Cordial? In my line of work, the word doesn't exist.
Besides. The information you have over me far outweighs that I have over you. You say two words, and my career is over.
To share the information I have over you? It'd take an awful lot of description, and I've never considered myself particularly well-spoken.
Cordial? In my line of work, the word doesn't exist.
Besides. The information you have over me far outweighs that I have over you. You say two words, and my career is over.
To share the information I have over you? It'd take an awful lot of description, and I've never considered myself particularly well-spoken.
[ She hums, at that. He's got a point, after all. Still, she remains relentless, and now her other hand finds its way to his shoulder, trailing up his arm with a ghost-like touch. She finally looks up at him, her eyes ablaze with something. Something wicked, surely, because this is little more than a game to her. ]
Oh? And how might you describe me to someone, hmm?
Oh? And how might you describe me to someone, hmm?
[ His gaze follows the path her hand takes -- and there's an unmistakable air of wariness there, as though he's expecting her to pull a knife on him.
He hasn't lived this long without trusting his paranoia, after all.
And when she finally turns her eyes towards him, he responds with a practiced impassive mask, expression neutral. ]
As curious as I'm sure you are, I'd hate to give away my trump card, should the worst come to pass, Miss.
He hasn't lived this long without trusting his paranoia, after all.
And when she finally turns her eyes towards him, he responds with a practiced impassive mask, expression neutral. ]
As curious as I'm sure you are, I'd hate to give away my trump card, should the worst come to pass, Miss.
[ She narrows her eyes at him, although the smile across her lips remains. She's sure that the way she's touching him should have him either charmed or suspicious, given his line of work, but it doesn't show. Damn, he is stone cold, and she kind of likes that, to be perfectly honest. ]
Fair enough.
Well, then. [ She reaches up from his shoulder and cups his cheek. ] I'm sure you've no shortage of other women to dance with, though I'm also sure none of them are as interesting as I am. So maybe I should leave you and your mixed signals be to enjoy the rest of the party.
That is--if that's what you really want.
Fair enough.
Well, then. [ She reaches up from his shoulder and cups his cheek. ] I'm sure you've no shortage of other women to dance with, though I'm also sure none of them are as interesting as I am. So maybe I should leave you and your mixed signals be to enjoy the rest of the party.
That is--if that's what you really want.
[ That gets her an arched eyebrow, though he doesn't pull away from her touch. A hint of amusement plays at the corners of his eyes. ]
"Mixed signals"? And here I thought I've been nothing but straightforward with you.
"Mixed signals"? And here I thought I've been nothing but straightforward with you.
In a way, yes.
[ Sure. He's buying her silence, and all of that. But he'd seemed surprised when she pointed out how he was trying to get rid of her, and then stood by his earlier claim that they shouldn't be seen together. And if that's really all there is to it--that he came here to warn her and then be done with it, to enjoy the "social event of the season," then why is he letting her get close like this? It would have been easier to be stern in the other direction and say, "You really need to leave." But no, he let them wander off, away from the crowd, let her get close. ]
And yet here we are. Practically alone. If all you came here to do was warn me and enjoy the party, you wouldn't have let it get this far.
So, I'm asking you: do you want me to leave or stay?
[ Sure. He's buying her silence, and all of that. But he'd seemed surprised when she pointed out how he was trying to get rid of her, and then stood by his earlier claim that they shouldn't be seen together. And if that's really all there is to it--that he came here to warn her and then be done with it, to enjoy the "social event of the season," then why is he letting her get close like this? It would have been easier to be stern in the other direction and say, "You really need to leave." But no, he let them wander off, away from the crowd, let her get close. ]
And yet here we are. Practically alone. If all you came here to do was warn me and enjoy the party, you wouldn't have let it get this far.
So, I'm asking you: do you want me to leave or stay?
[ He still doesn't pull away -- because a small part of him, one that he'll have to examine and squash later, is enjoying the contact; he's enjoying the strange little show of intimacy and affection, feigned as it is. Peter wonders just how fucking starved he was for physical contact that he's letting her get away with this so easily -- and more than that, that he's actually enjoying it a little.
It's while he's wrestling with that little conundrum that she asks her question, and his eyes narrow a little and grow distant in thought. That he never should have shown up here goes without saying; that he's let things escalate this far without putting a stop to any of it is sloppy, to say the least.
(And a part of him, the part that's soaking in every little casual brush of her fingers and the flirtatious lilt of her voice, screams please don't go.)
At length he manages to drag his gaze up to meet hers. ]
What I'd like to know is, what makes you so eager for me to stay? One would assume our first meeting would have soured you toward the idea of any others.
It's while he's wrestling with that little conundrum that she asks her question, and his eyes narrow a little and grow distant in thought. That he never should have shown up here goes without saying; that he's let things escalate this far without putting a stop to any of it is sloppy, to say the least.
(And a part of him, the part that's soaking in every little casual brush of her fingers and the flirtatious lilt of her voice, screams please don't go.)
At length he manages to drag his gaze up to meet hers. ]
What I'd like to know is, what makes you so eager for me to stay? One would assume our first meeting would have soured you toward the idea of any others.
That's what you'd think, isn't it?
[ The logic follows, after all. He tried to kill her, or to apprehend her so that Hock could kill her, but he did so much more than that instead. He spared her, chose to work with her against Hock, and that speaks about his character more than the initial fact that he was out to end her life.
And then he spared her life again at their next meeting out of "gratitude," which was fair enough. But to go out of his way to warn her about another hit, this time? ]
I'll be honest.
I find you incredibly intriguing. Call it a crush, even--that hardly matters. I've never met a man like you. God only knows professionals like us only look out for ourselves, but you're different, whether you like it or not. I like that.
[ And then she smirks. ]
That, and you're honestly one of the most attractive men I've had the pleasure of laying my eyes on.
[ The logic follows, after all. He tried to kill her, or to apprehend her so that Hock could kill her, but he did so much more than that instead. He spared her, chose to work with her against Hock, and that speaks about his character more than the initial fact that he was out to end her life.
And then he spared her life again at their next meeting out of "gratitude," which was fair enough. But to go out of his way to warn her about another hit, this time? ]
I'll be honest.
I find you incredibly intriguing. Call it a crush, even--that hardly matters. I've never met a man like you. God only knows professionals like us only look out for ourselves, but you're different, whether you like it or not. I like that.
[ And then she smirks. ]
That, and you're honestly one of the most attractive men I've had the pleasure of laying my eyes on.
[ That-- that last bit actually surprises a laugh from him, an oddly genuine one, and he ducks his head, glancing away. ]
Flatterer.
[ It's the only thing he manages for a moment, and when he regains control of himself, he has the presence of mind to take a glance around; it appears casual, sure, but mostly he's attempting to discern whether or not they've drawn too much attention to themselves, standing on the outskirts of the crowd as they are. To the untrained eye, they just appear like a good-looking pair of party goers who happened to cross paths, but--
--but the two of them have enemies. That Peter is here is proof enough of that. Dangerous to get too close to anyone, he knew. But that he could be-- himself around Kasumi is a welcome change. A relief, even. He's spent so much of his time these days being someone else that occasionally, he wondered if he even remembered who "himself" was.
He licks his lips nervously, glances up at Kasumi. He wants to protest, he really does, but a selfish part of him enjoys this, enjoys her. The fact that she flirts and toys and teases him, even knowing who he is. It surprises him how much he actually sort of likes it. ]
I won't stay long. [ It's the decision he comes to after a second of deliberation. ] Another hour at most, I suppose, but in the meantime -- consider me yours.
Flatterer.
[ It's the only thing he manages for a moment, and when he regains control of himself, he has the presence of mind to take a glance around; it appears casual, sure, but mostly he's attempting to discern whether or not they've drawn too much attention to themselves, standing on the outskirts of the crowd as they are. To the untrained eye, they just appear like a good-looking pair of party goers who happened to cross paths, but--
--but the two of them have enemies. That Peter is here is proof enough of that. Dangerous to get too close to anyone, he knew. But that he could be-- himself around Kasumi is a welcome change. A relief, even. He's spent so much of his time these days being someone else that occasionally, he wondered if he even remembered who "himself" was.
He licks his lips nervously, glances up at Kasumi. He wants to protest, he really does, but a selfish part of him enjoys this, enjoys her. The fact that she flirts and toys and teases him, even knowing who he is. It surprises him how much he actually sort of likes it. ]
I won't stay long. [ It's the decision he comes to after a second of deliberation. ] Another hour at most, I suppose, but in the meantime -- consider me yours.
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