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Melodia · **11-20-2014, 11:41 AM**

Ruru had spent the day fixing things.

His room, his apartment...they had been left in Zhi's absence to his own toil and she'd called him on it. Mocked him for the squalor he'd allowed to fester in his world.
So he cleaned. And cleaned. And cleaned.

He would not give her reason to mock him. She was who she was and would find ways to mock him but he would not feed her extra reasons.

The apartment clean, he stared at the Paladin armor and smirked. He'd let it go to rot for no reason. Wallowing in some self imposed prison of depression....

And he felt his jaw open slightly, as it dawned on him.

He'd missed her.

He went to the mirror, looked at himself and shook his head. He'd missed her and had imposed a miserable sentence upon himself as a result. He needed to fix that.

*************************************************************

Ruru felt the cool sea air on his cleanly shaven face and smiled. It'd been a while but it felt good to be like this again. His hair was trimmed, though some of his natural white was showing through the black making it seem as though he was going gray in a salt and pepper fashion. His armor was light, designed for stealth and normally what he wore on contracts, though this time his prey was Zhi herself, though he wanted to watch her, to see what she was up to.

She'd been a bit rusty having been gone a while and he'd become more accustomed to the city, making tracking her an easier task than it would have been before.

He smirked as she reacted to the wanted poster. That Miqo'te Jacket had gotten to her and watching thisÂ undercover-dressed Zhi amused him.

As she gambled away and tried to blend in, he waited outside clung to the shadows. He wanted to talk with his....what was she to him? He gritted his teeth and dismissed the thought. She would be out in time and he would find a better place to meet with her. Away from prying eyes.

Zhavi · **11-20-2014, 11:58 AM**

There was a certain risk in going to a place like Scuttlebutt, even if it was on this side of sunset. It was beloved of the city's worst, and that wasn't particularly good when it came to keeping her own hide safely intact in one piece.

Whatever.

There were few times when Zhi could be said to not care. Dice in her hands, cards between her fingers, nose to the air and forcing herself to appear relaxed: she was as close to not caring as she'd ever been. Somewhere between paddling to shore and settling her debts, and seeing that thrice-damned wanted poster, something inside of her had shorted out. She was so rutting tired of all the shit she had to shovel. While true, it wasn't no use to bitch and moan about it, there was a line at which she just shut down. She was toeing that line.

Zhi wanted to get high. Craved it, needed it, burned with the desire to go find Jager and steal whatever pretty things he kept locked away in overly ornate boxes.

Naw, we ain't gonna do that jes now. . .

A few bells had passed by the time she realized the familiar scent on the salt-stinking air belonged to Flit. Good lad. She waited until she was knocked out of the present game (up twenty, and she wasn't going to go spend it on smokes, not yet, not today, just a little bit longer) before she grumbled out her excuses and left the table.

There were too many ears in Scuttlebutt, even so late at night. It was a hive of gossip and rumors; you were stupid if you said anything of import to yourself while you were there.

Zhi passed Flit as she left the traveling gambling den and its crew of scrags. She didn't acknowledge him, but she knew he'd follow. Her fingers cautioned silence until they were a spire away, deep into territory that was claimed by a baron, as neutral as it could have been so long as you didn't make trouble or try to edge in on profits, whatever those might be.

"Things went sour. I ran. I kept meself livin' -- an' a sight better'n yerself. Y'still wet behind th'ears, or are ye gonna grow yerself a pair?"

Melodia · **11-20-2014, 12:12 PM**

Ruru looked at her and listened, his arms folded across his chest and when she finished he pointed to her cut cheek with an outstretched finger.

"Does it hurt?"

Zhavi · **11-20-2014, 12:17 PM**

The cut had crusted over; its edges were red and slightly puffy. Zhi cocked an eyebrow at Flit, eyes and mouth flat. "Naw, I'm a rock what don't feel pain."

Melodia · **11-20-2014, 12:45 PM**

He smirked, a cocky look on his face and shook his head.

"That's too bad. Because if it did, I'd pull you down here and slap you." He chuckled, warming his coolness to her.

"And to answer your question, whatever Flit you left behind is gone. Or at least part of him. I'm stronger and more capable. I've spent the majority the time you've been gone keeping my hands dirty with....contracts." As he said the last her dragged his thumb across his throat.

"I know the city and I know how to handle myself."

He pulled the wanted poster out and held it out. "You're spooked by this one. Why? She didn't arrest you before so what's changed? Besides...she's desparate. This...." He he motioned to the poster. "....is someone clinging to the pisser and grasping for something that isn't there." He grinned and then crumpled the poster in his hand before tossing it to the ground.

"So tell me, Zhi....what's on our plate next?"

Zhavi · **11-20-2014, 01:02 PM**

For the love of the gods -- Zhi rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, yer th'roughest thing what's been seen since. . ." she circled her finger in the air "whatever primals'r destroyin' things nowadays."

Withdrawals? Her? Never.

She waved his concerns away. "Ferget it." Annoyed? Her? Never.

But his last question she did pay attention to, offered him a cheeky grin for his interest. She rubbed her hands together, and then clasped them up under her chin. "Hmm. Contacts first, me laddy-buck. Then jobs. Then. . ." her smile became just a hair toothier. She winked.

Schemes? Her? Always.

Melodia · **11-20-2014, 02:55 PM**

Elsewhere.......

It wasn't like her contact to keep her waiting and Melodia looked up at the clouds gathering.

A storm was approaching.

She ground her bootheel into the dock, a soft clack of the teeth as she knew the young Roe wasn't coming.

"Gods damn it." She muttered as she began to walk away when the voice called from the shadows behind a pile of crates.

"'Ey boss. You come closer for Mouse, ey?"

The Roe was not the quickest of intellects but he provided good intel on the cheap and thus was an asset.

"What're ye doin'? Come out an' talk t' me like ye norm-"

He cut her off, his childlike voice sounding slightly panicked. "Shhh the runners hear the Mouse and his words and boss' too."

Melodia moved closer to the crates and tried to not stare at the half hidden Roe boy. Her voice a feigned whisper. "Then tell me wha' ye got instead o' wastin' me time."

His voice sounded nervous as a slip of paper came through the crates in a shaky hand. "Mouse noÂ see her....but the streets say she returns. Mouse not know where she be..." He trailed off as she took the paper slowly, already knowing as she glanced at it. A smile slowly overtook her lips as she considred this.

"Thank ye, Mouse....ye've earned yer keep f'r th' day." She pulled a wrapped slice of pie from her satchel and handed to him. "Enjoy it lad....if th' runner's come home an' I get me hands on her....the three thousand's yers."

She turned with a toothy grin walking away from the man as he was mumbling something about more pie.

Zhavi · **11-22-2014, 10:24 PM**

Things had changed in Limsa Lominsa. The presence of the jacks and the reds had thickened, putting just about everyone on edge. The more someone had to lose, well. . .

Two had flat out refused her. She'd ignored Flit's reaction, had taken no humor from his black attitude at her expense. She'd enough of her own, and plenty inclination to attempt to blacken his eye in quick retribution -- problem was, she was fairly certain that even if she managed to catch him out he might be able to outmuscle her. Might? Sometimes she was irritated by her own lack of skills, and her light frame.

Nothing to be done about it.

She'd pulled them into the lee of a building, shoulders hunched against the night as she toyed with the chain that disappeared into her shirt. "This ain't gonna work." She was stating the obvious as she thought about it, eyes unfocused on a point beyond Flit. Her lips pursed, then her eyes snapped down to him. "Right. What contacts ye got? How well're ye known 'round th'city, now?"

Melodia · **11-26-2014, 08:21 AM**

Ruru scoffed, shaking his head with a smirk.

"I maintain a low profile. Aside from a small handful that help with information at the docks or in the taverns, andÂ the Handers,Â I try to remain out of sight. Last thing I need is a knife in the back when I'm trying to enjoy my ale."

He grinned.

"Though the ones I do know....there's a couple could be useful depending on what they were scrouring information for. Though, they cost. They cost a bit....and my coin's low at the moment. Maybe...." He paused and softly chuckled.

"We may need to see Grace to front the costs."

Melodia · **12-01-2014, 11:30 AM**

Melodia sat in her apartment, sipping a glass of water, her hand on her chin as she considered her options. She could send the other Jackets amok through the city tearing it apart, though that'd be a hell of a thing to try and explain to her superiors.

No. Kink was her problem, her own personal issue. She would deal with her.

The question was...

"Where're ye, me lit'le runner? Where're ye hidin'?"

She mumbled the question to herself and tapped her boot against the floor before her eyes flashed wideand a grin hit it. She set the water on the table and stood, grabbing her axe and strapping it to her back. Her mind flashed to the party at the Wench and the table...the people at the table.

"Yer goin' t' th' redhead." She stepped out of the apartment, heading to the Drowning Wench to see what she what she would see.

Zhavi · **12-03-2014, 11:30 AM**

Zhi went stiff, and her face screwed up in annoyance. Right. That. "Nnn," was her initial comment, couched in a wellspring of reluctance.

She waited, lips pushed out in an expression somewhere between a pout and a scowl, and finally relented with another, "nnn," though this one held a growl. Her options were slim, indeed. Oh, she could go to the bard, but she had a feeling he might turn her in for his own twisted version of fun. He was a mercurial ally at the best of times; put money in the picture and, well, she had his measure, but that was too much for even her to predict.

"Fine." The word was cold, and bitten off, aimed at Flit as if he was to blame for her predicament. "Ye go an' deal wi' th' woman. If she wants t'meet wi' me, we'll arrange a meetin' place. Fer now, ye go t'her, an' ye . . . lay low." Threat was implied in the snarl she put up on display; her doubt and her unease clear. "Don't ye dare be leadin' none back t'me door, flittermouse."

Melodia · **12-04-2014, 09:54 AM**

The lalafell grinned and nodded, taking his leave from Zhi, considering what she'd said. He was a bit concerned and had done his best not to show her while in her presence but to him she'd seemed distracted, flustered....almost scared. Over what?

The Yellowjacket? He'd seen her about and she was no danger. If she were, she'd have had a talk with him already and yet, she hadn't. Not a hint that she even knew he existed in Zhi's world. And if she was such a big threat, she'd have known. He shook his head and scowled at his..(what...)...partner's...nerves. This would do them both no good. She needed focus. Hopefully with some backing and and perhaps some coin, Zhi would be in a better place to figure out what the next step was.

Besides, seeing Grace again would be nice. It'd been too long and besides, didn't she still have an open offer of companionship with one of her ladie---

He almost fell onto his back, his sword clanging a bit against the stone walkway. As he'd turned the corner, she'd run smack into him rounding from the other direction. A complete accident. And a poor one.

It was the Jacket. Her blue hair was unmistakeable and her eyes...looking right into his face.

"Oy! Ye all right, lit'le man? I did no' mean t' trample ye. Let me of'er ye a han'." She was polite. Still staring right at him...through him, almost.

He stood on his own and brushed himself, stupidly unable to look away. His distinct single eye and face surely being etched into her mind.

"Ah....no..no I'm fine, ma'am. Thank you though."

MOVE YE DAMNED FOOL! Zhi scolding him as he stood there still. STILL!

His anchored legs finally found some control and he shuffled a moment before nodding and moving along, silently cursing himself as he headed to the Wench.

He'd stepped in it, for sure.

Zhavi · **12-09-2014, 11:44 AM**

Zhi heard the clangor, and she was instantly paying heed to the voice that rose, one lifted foot away from heading out to see what had happened.

Shit!

She started to walk, and then started to climb. She'd go up a level on the spire, double over, and hang low until Flit made his way back to her. Or until she needed to take a leak. Or eat. Or got bored. Her irritation hung about her, ready to latch on to any convenient target; though that damn jack's appearance was not explicitly Flit's fault (not his fault at all, really), she still felt annoyed with him for how spooked she was.

She was right tired of hiding and skulking.

Suck it up, buttercup.

Enteris · **12-12-2014, 09:02 PM**

((Per Ruru's request. No, I'm not editing it, so there. Tongue

Â ))

[18:32]Rurutani Sasatani looked at Andralyn Thatcher and grinned. "Been a while stranger."
[18:32]Johnathan Winters eyes the lalafell. "Mm..."
[18:33]Andralyn Thatcher turns to the voice, "Ah, so it has." She eyes the lalafell a moment, "Time seems to have had some effect on you, hm?"
[18:35]Rurutani Sasatani: "So it has....you look the same beauty as ever Grace. Mind if I take a seat? I have some business to discuss."
[18:35]Johnathan Winters perks a brow, falling silent and sitting back once more.
[18:35]Andralyn Thatcher lofts a brow, "Business, hm? Looking for love? Perhaps someone to warm your bed for the moment?" She motions to the open seats.
[18:37]Rurutani Sasatani chuckled and shook his head. "I wish it were, gods know it's been too long since I've lain with anyone. No...this is regarding a mutual friend of ours....who's come back."
[18:38]Andralyn Thatcher sits back in her chair, shifting to face the lalafell, "Oh? "
[18:39]Rurutani Sasatani furrowed his brow as he thought and then lowered his voice, leaning in. "It's Kink. Zhi. She's back. Hells know where she's been but she's back."
[18:40]Johnathan Winters rolls his eyes and grunts, muttering, "Wonderful..."
[18:41]Andralyn Thatcher nods, "Mm. I'm happy to hear she lives, but my business with her has been wrapped up for quite some time."
[18:42]Rurutani Sasatani: "Aye....true. But she....well I'm here on her behalf. She's not exactly her old self. And she needs..."
[18:42]Rurutani Sasatani coughed
[18:42]Rurutani Sasatani: "...help."
[18:42]Andralyn Thatcher lofts a brow, her head canting slightly, "Mmhmm. Of what sort?"
[18:43]Johnathan Winters glances toward Andralyn a moment, then back to Ruru.
[18:44]Rurutani Sasatani folded his hands and spoke. "The financial type. Seems she's got something up her sleeve, but she's got nothing on her.....and I'm in no shape to cover her. Of course we'd...she'd....pay you back."
[18:46]Andralyn Thatcher smiles politely, "Surely you can understand the need to know where my money is going and more importantly -why- my money would be going there. I'm afraid I need much more information."
[18:46]Johnathan Winters blinks and looks back to Andralyn, "Surely you can't honestly be considering this, Grace. Offering money to the runner that, quite honestly, proved no more useful than a simple stroll down the streets..."
[18:47]Johnathan Winters glances back to Ruru, "Nevermind the fact that she's not here in person to beg on her own behalf."
[18:48]Rurutani Sasatani shot a glare at Johnathan Winters before looking back to Andralyn. "I understand....and I will get the information you need. Just....tell me that there's a possibility of your assistance....that's all I need at this point."
[18:49]Johnathan Winters tilted his head at the glare, offering his own with a sly grin.
[18:50]Andralyn Thatcher smiles, "Following the gaze to Johnathan and back to Ruru, "There's possibilty that I do any number of things, friend should they be in my favor. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to speak anything more at this point."
[18:50]Johnathan Winters: "Or you could simply say no and leave trouble where it lay."
[18:50]Johnathan Winters: "Let the runner rot in her ditch, Grace."
[18:51]Andralyn Thatcher offers John a smile, "No worries, love."
[18:51]Johnathan Winters: "Yeah, plenty of worries. You don't need to get roped in with this tuco shit again."
[18:51]Rurutani Sasatani nodded again. "Fair enough." He closed his eye at the comment and then took a deep breath before smiling and opening his eye again. "I will meet with you again once I have the information. Thank you. I appreciate it."
[18:52]Andralyn Thatcher: "I would suggest that she meet with me also."
[18:53]Rurutani Sasatani: "Aye....seems it would be beneficial. Now if you please...I must excuse myself. The tuco shit awaits my return."
[18:54]Johnathan Winters grins tauntingly at Rurutani Sasatani.
[18:54]Rurutani Sasatani fixed a hard glare to Johnathan and smiled. "She's wanted.....didn't want the heat on Grace here."
[18:54]Johnathan Winters: "The heat is welcome to come play."
[18:55]Andralyn Thatcher offers a small thoughtful noise as she looks between the two.
[18:55]Rurutani Sasatani: "So you say. Pleasure as always Grace....until next time."
[18:55]Andralyn Thatcher: "Fair winds."
[18:55]Johnathan Winters tilts his head in thought, "Good idea, though. I could tell said 'heat' about you and her..."
[18:55]Johnathan Winters shrugs, "Settles my worries."

Melodia · **12-16-2014, 10:19 AM**

Ruru walked away from the Wench, cursing under his breath and punded his fist into his palm. He let Grace's man get to him, get under his skin. That wasn't a wise move on his own part and Ruru swore aloud.

Ye had to go an' piss him off Flittermouse?" Her voice in his head again.

"He was being an ass. And I was just trying to help you, so thanks would be nice." He mumbled to himself as he walked back to a more secluded area of the city, and far way from the Wench.

But yer makin' the wrong enemies. Losin' yer cool over th' small shit an' losin' focus on what matters. Knock it off.Â

He nodded, a smirk on his face at the scolding. "Aye. You're right."Â He looked around and saw no one around. He'd had conversations like this a lot over the moons she was gone and he'd grown fond of the voice in his head. Her voice. His mentor and friend.

He continued, waiting for her to find him.

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Skin in the Game [closed]

RPC has moved! These pages have been kept for historical purposes