[Let's Talk]
Warnings: Smoking, car chase, uuhh vague mentions of gunfire?? I think that's pretty much it. Not really much else to warn about.
info: So, like.. Lupin III huh? The gunman, Jigen, huh? Yeah..
Romance, resolution, heists, and promises to come.
Watch two 30-somethings reconcile and cross a threshold they've been dancing along for some time now.
A/N: Mentions & includes @a-very-questionably-unstable-box's oc prominently enough as a side character. This whole thing is so self-indulgent and also filled with lots of little "lore" I've come up with these past 5-ish months.
I might eventually write.. not really a follow-up, but the "cruise" I mentioned in this slightly. I have lot of ideas already for it and what could happen.
Anyways, I hope anyone who reads this enjoys it cuz I'm really proud of this!
THIS IS EXTREMELY LONG BTW.. I'm in real deep.
==============
Smoke filled the room, hazy and thick.
The floor was littered with cigarette butts and ash as nicotine filled his lungs and thoughts littered his mind. Thoughts played one as he played with his revolver, twirling it in hand again and again.
He’d grown tired of these thoughts. Why did it annoy him so? She was just another woman.
Another troublesome woman. No different from the rest. He’d seen it all before.
The infatuation, the heartache, the betrayal, the death--
And yet, here Jigen was, leaning on the sill of an open window in an abandoned building, hand on his hip and a foot tossed over the other, thinking about her. A woman he had met time and time again.
The last encounter they had.. just a little over a year ago.
It was.. unfortunate.
A heist gone wrong, and the two of them were locked for an hour inside that tiny broom closet he thought to hide in from that pesky officer. What a genius idea it was when they had locked them inside. Usually he was quite good with the quick thinking.. yet he hadn’t calculated running into her.
From the glow of his lighter as the minutes passed in there, the look on her face, and the words they exchanged. He snuffed out the light, and with it, a thought he couldn’t bear. The tension was suffocating.. yet.. what had transpired within that dark and dingy closet.. A fading memory on his lips like the smoke he expelled through the open window. Looking out over the city they were stationed for the week, awaiting the return of his boss.
Never get attached. That was his affirmation, his consolidation. Never get attached, because sooner or later.. it’ll never last. They’ll be gone. Just like her. Just like the rest. And just like the ash tapped off into the hot wind that blew by.
“Oi, Jigen..!” a voice, cocky and energetic, called out to him, “We’re all set to go. Next course of action is making our way out to-- Whoa--!” Lupin halted, scanning his gaze along the floor as he stepped into the room, “Now.. if I hadn’t known any better, I’d say you’re going through something, Jigen.”
“..Lay off, Lupin.” he grumbled, chucking the stub of his cigarette into the mess with the rest and adjusted his hat as he turned to face him, hands tucked away into his pockets, “There’s nothing going on with me. Now, finish what you were friggin’ saying.”
Lupin knew when to back off, yet he couldn’t deny there was an odd little tick with his companion. Still, he changed the subject, “Alright. I won’t push. Just finish up whatever you’re doing and get your butt down to the car. Goemon’s already packed up. We’re heading out in 5 minutes.”
“Yeah, yeah. Alright.” he grumbled, turning back away as the other left. He looked down at the floor in disdain. For a man who’s often quite dense to the obvious, he hated how observant Lupin was sometimes, in regards to his companions. He didn’t need that. Not now.
With a final groan and a stretch of the neck, Jigen tucked his hands into his pockets and was about to follow Lupin out.. but then he felt something he forgot he still had. He pulled it out and turned it over between his fingers, remembering the day she gave it to him.
It was a museum heist, he was a guard, disguised in plain sight. She had been alone, sitting by herself, he followed.. drawn in. Curious. It was strange, receiving a surprise from someone, it rarely happened. Usually it was never good, at least for him, especially when it came from a woman..
..He should toss it, destroy it, like all the rest, and move on. Be free of this memory.
Yet.. instead, he took off his hat and placed the small iridescent pin in place upon the ribbon around it, and returned the hat back to his head. He wasn’t going to dwell on why he did that.
Stuffing his hands back into his pockets and stepping over the mess of the floor, he made his way out.
It didn’t matter anyway.
----- ----- -----
A little over a year. That’s how long it’s been since they had last seen each other.
What had been intended to be helpful for her mental health had turned into quite the extended adventure. It was a little over 2 years ago that she set off.. and first met him.
It wasn’t so bad at first, finally being back to the comfort of her home, but things started to drag and it grew hard to return back to her prior status quo. Soon enough, she found herself reminiscing of her adventures.. and the people she had met. Especially him.
Vera had been enjoying her time in Europe when it happened. Somehow, someone had managed to sneak an odd artifact into her bag without her knowledge. It wasn’t until she was confronted by an odd group of men who sought out that artifact. That’s when she learned about Lupin III and his band of thieves. For one day, she had become a temporary honorary member as she was taken along for the ride of her life in uncovering what the mystery was regarding the artifact and the history of the country she was in at the time. They kept her safe from whoever had planted the thing on her in the first place.
After that.. She didn’t think she would see them again.. and she kind of hoped she didn’t. It was far too much excitement and action for someone like her.
And yet..
Vera sighed and groaned. It hasn’t felt the same at all since she got back. Her life before was rather lackluster and monotonous. Rarely she had it in her to get out and go somewhere for a treat.
“..This is.. so boring.” She said to no one, draping herself across her couch, “..I can’t take this silence anymore.. If I go another day like this, I’ll go crazy..”
She stared up at the ceiling, mind wandering once again back to him. A time she was held hostage in a safe house. Lupin was too intense for her tastes, leaving her shying away in mild discomfort due to her past experiences in her youth. Goemon wasn’t there much in terms of presence, yet he respected her and she appreciated that. Jigen, however.. despite being distant and of few words, never tried to start anything. Keeping space between them.. and regularly piping up to tell Lupin off whenever he said or did anything to bother her… or, well, Jigen himself.
It was almost bliss when Lupin took Goemon out of the safe house for some errands. Leaving just her and Jigen alone in silence. She had fallen asleep then, on one of the chairs, and at some point she had awoken to the scent of cologne, gunpowder, and tobacco. His jacket was laid atop her.. and he was turned away on the couch across from her.
The memory of later that day.. being fed without asking.. and then offered Jigen’s room when it grew too late and Lupin and Goemon hadn’t returned back yet for her to be taken back safely without a trace back to the safe house that the Interpol could follow. The consideration taken toward her was greatly appreciated.. and made the ache she felt now feel all the more miserable.
“..I miss the sudden surprises..” she mused, rolling over to her side to now face her television.
“..I miss..” her voice faded off, the thought left unfinished, unspoken.
The television provided little to fill the silence of the house.. and to quell her thoughts.
Vera remained depressed on the couch, her thoughts still coming and going about him. Each minute that ticked by, each commercial that played, each restless twitch of her leg. Her eyes drifting from the screen to the remote. It was out of character for her, but the nagging thought that crept into her mind now and again had become all too tempting to resist.
And so, like a forbidden fruit, Vera swiped the remote and began to flip through the channels with determination, stopping on every channel reporting the news. Watching it was mind numbing for her, but she powered through, scanning and waiting for anything-- anything at all-- that could be of Lupin III and his gang being broadcast. It wasn’t too likely he would announce something himself on worldwide television, but perhaps by some chance a heist of his could be reported on..
Unfortunately.. after several minutes of scouring channel after channel, station after station, there wasn’t a single report to be found. Even a quick search on her phone provided her no viable results.
With a defeated groan, she tossed the remote back on the table and leaned back onto the couch, “..This is hopeless..” Bringing her hands up to her face only to drag them down with another sigh, being careful of her glasses as she did, “I’m hopeless..”
The silence settled again, interrupted only by the background noise of the television.
… … …
And then an idea came.
Picking up her phone again, Vera decided to send her Interpol friend a few texts explaining their whole situation. They should be able to help her out.. right? Honestly.. this was one of the dumbest and most bold things she has ever done in her life. Not to mention risky, too, for not just her, but her friend as well should they get caught sending such sensitive information.
[txt]: Hey, Paprika? If you’re not too busy.. Can I ask you a question? [txt]: I’m having the worst time. I still can’t get him off my mind, and I can barely sleep at all lately because of it. I’ve already checked the news and the internet with absolutely nothing to show. [txt]: honestly if there was anything that would’ve pointed me into where to go, I would’ve jumped on that immediately on my own. [txt]: Do you think that there’s /any/ possible way you could help me track them down somehow? [txt]: idk how you could, but you’re my last hope at this. I really can’t take it anymore. I want to see him again. Please, help me. Idek what I could do to pay you back for this, but it would mean SO MUCH to me if you could help!!
And she waited. She knew her friend was awfully busy, given their line of work, especially given who their assigned partner was and what their main case mission is. Luckily, she didn’t have to wait too terribly long for a response to come as she was in the middle of prepping a quick late lunch.
[txt]: I was just let out of a meeting on my second break for the day, so you’re in luck. [txt]: Zenigata got wind of another calling card from Lupin. Looks like it’s gonna be a fancy party hosted by some elite in Europe. I’ll send more details in a bit. [txt]: (Paprika sent a photo) [txt]: Formal dress required, from the looks of it. [txt]: Me and Zenigata will be stationed on the look out. We’ll see you there.
Vera gripped her phone tightly as the texts came, her face lighting up with relief. Shaking her phone and doing a little dance of joyous victory in the middle of her kitchen. Who knew having a high ranking detective for a friend would be so beneficial?
[txt]: Thank you! THANK YOU SO MUCH!! You don’t know how much this means to me!! [txt]: I’ll see you there! I promise not to ruin your date with Zenigata!
And with that, after a quick look through what Paprika had sent over, Vera wasted no time in making the arrangements and packing her things. A rush of nervous anticipation and giddy excitement bubbling deep throughout her as she ran through her home to get ready.
She finally had her lead.
She’ll finally get to see him again.
She only hoped that it hadn’t been too long..
------------------ -------- ----
The evening venue had just begun. A charity auction for only the richest to attend.
Of course, this would be a prime event that the great Lupin III wouldn’t want to miss out on.
Many guests from all around the globe from millions to billions gathered outside, filed in line, conversing among themselves as one by one was checked on a list before going inside.
One guest, not registered for entry, however, was left to wait outside by the gate for her friends to help her inside under the guise of a plus one. Thankfully the ICPO was stationed to protect the countless priceless treasures up for auction.
Vera took a deep breath and looked up at the sky as she waited, leaning against a brick wall of the gate. The air was cool, pleasant, calming for her already active nerves. She stood like this for a while, raking her painted nails soothingly through her curled hair, taking in the atmosphere. Slowly, he shifted to pruning herself. Adjusting her tie tucked into the vest of her makeshift suit. Straightening the sleeves of her blazer, and shifting the belt and waist of her pants. Making sure she was as well put together as she could be as she waited.
Finally, her friend arrived, their partner, inspector Zenigata, in tow. Both were sporting fancier suits to fit the party rather than their usual work attire. Although, inspector Zenigata still wore his trench coat over his shoulders atop his tuxedo. Paprika, however, was dressed a little more flamboyantly, but in a reserved sort of way.
It was a relief to see them, to say the least, but it was even more of a relief how effectively their help was in getting by the registry.
From the outside, the building the venue was housed in was already monumental in scale, but the interior upon entering was equally phenomenal, if not more so. Past a small interior lobby where many made their acquaintances, meeting up with old friends and new-- was a grand and spacious room. Music played from a live band propped up on one side of a large stage in the back, no doubt where the auction will take place. Along the wall where the entrance was laid many tables stocked with food and drink as far as the eye could see.
As the small group made their way further into the party, Vera couldn’t help but scan the crowd for anyone she could recognize. Even in spite of knowing there is a chance they could be disguised, she held onto a flimsy thread of hope. Yet, no familiar sight was had as far as she could see.
“Hey,” Vera started, turning toward Paprika, “I’m gonna go have a look around, okay?” She kept her words vague enough to not alert the inspector to what she was really there for.
“Alright. We’re just gonna do a little patrol and hang out here if you need us.” Paprika piped up before leaning in to speak quieter, “Good luck. I’ll text you if I spot anything as well.”
With an affirmative nod and smile, Vera set off on her own. Scoping out the venue and the halls that branched out from it, leading deeper in. Weaving through the occasional grouping of patrons, she peered through doorways and windows as she wandered around. Hoping that she might run into him, or at the very least one of the others in his group. Surely, if she found one of them and asked nicely enough, they would point her in the right direction.. right?
..Maybe not. That sounded ridiculous, even to her.
She must have been wandering for at least fifteen minutes with not a sign of anyone she was looking for, when she started to feel herself deflate. There were a few instances where she thought she spotted someone, but it was just a false alarm. Even Paprika hadn’t seen anything around the party as they checked in with her just a bit ago.
Growing tired and hungry by this point, she decided she should probably just head back. Walking back to the party, she couldn’t stop the spiral of thoughts that came over her, ‘..I don't belong here. I really shouldn't be here. Why the heck am I doing this..? I know I wanted to see him.. but this is so stupid.. I'm so stupid.. Would he even care to see me again? The heck would I even say or do if I found him? This was a really terrible idea.. even for me.’
Little did she know, she had been followed.. by her own target. Trailing behind some a few yards away for the entirety of her search. Close enough to keep tabs on her, yet far enough to not bring attention to himself. He should have just kept to the heist plan. He should have just ignored her. Yet something drew him in. A question. One which burned hot and bitter.
‘Why now? Why now did she reappear after all this time?’
He couldn’t make heads or tails to why she was here. ‘She shouldn’t be here’ was one of many thoughts that crossed his mind as he stalked her. ‘Why was she wandering around like she was looking for something?’ Something was up and he didn’t like it. It wasn’t like her to do something like this. ‘Is this a trick? A trap?’ He had to find out.
Following her back to the auction party, he kept his eyes locked onto her. Observing as she located the her Interpol friends. They exchanged a few words, the shorter officer patting her shoulder sympathetically before they parted ways. He couldn’t parse what they discussed, but that didn’t matter. What did matter was her walking over to the food tables, picked out a small plate, and then sat down on the other side along the wall. Wiping a little at her eyes as he picked at her plate.
Jigen looked to his watch. There was still time before he was needed for Lupin’s plan.
..Yeah. Yeah, to heck with it. He’ll bite the bullet.
She was miserable. She was tired. She just wanted to go home.
Paprika had told her to take a break, continue her search in a little bit. Then headed off to continue their patrol of the premise with Zenigata by their side.
She was losing hope.
If he was here, he was probably somewhere else. Busy with something else. Perhaps he’d even seen her already and just avoided her on purpose, not wanting anything to do with her. She wasn’t a very remarkable woman by any means, so she wouldn’t have blamed him.. though the thought of that alone only made her more miserable. Made each bite of food sour on her tongue.
She was too engrossed in her thoughts to flinch nor care when someone sat a chair away beside her.
It was only when they spoke up did she take notice.
“You shouldn’t be here, you know.”
The husky voice was unmistakable, making Vera jump. Her heart dropping before kicking up it’s pace all within a matter of seconds.
The way her face had lit up upon seeing him was a surprise, leaving him taken aback. Was she really that excited to see him? He had only known a select few who would ever react like that toward him, and they were his companions, and that dang inspector. Yet, the way her demeanor had quickly changed from morose to a bashful relief. He didn’t know if he should be flattered or insulted as she looked away again. From his past experiences with women.. It's weird. in a way. Yeah, there's been Lupin's antics to get under his skin, and similarly Fujiko trying to play innocent and coy with him.. Some women who showed genuine interest-- but it always fell off. Often for the worst.. Yet, here's this bizarre case right next to him. He can't even be too mad they were MIA for a year.. but even after all this time.. She has the gall to have such a reaction to seeing him again? It was almost enough to make his indignation waver. Does he nip this in the bud for her sake, or does he take the risk?
"You left. Why's that?" He started, sharp. "..I had to go home eventually. Vacation trips had to end at some point." She replied, honest. "..Hm." Playing with a decorative toothpick he had swiped on the way over. A replacement for a cigarette he would much rather have. "..Is it weird to say that I.. uhm.." Hesitant. He peeks from under his hat. Curious. "..I'm not here for the event." Frowning, biting the toothpick, "Then what the heck brings you here? Your li'l Interpol pal need a friend ‘cause the old man ain’t cutting it for company?" "No." Stern. Easing up, then growing bashful once more, holding her cup in both hands and looking down, away from him, "..Lookin' for someone.." Still struggling to say it.. face growing hot. He sat a little straighter before leaning back in the chair, hands folded in his lap, toothpick held tight between his teeth, before grumbling. "..Yeah? Who?" side-eying, gauging her reaction from under his hat. The only view he got was just below her bust. Her hands gripped the cup tighter, legs shifting nervously. Hesitating again.. but finally relenting to allow the truth out, "..You..?" He takes a moment, then laughs, a scoff, "Yeah, right. Don't lie to me. What are you really here for?" he bites, “There’s gotta be something more. There’s always something more. Women are always wanting something. And when they don’t get it, they leave you high and dry.” "..I'm not! I’m not lying! I..” She cried defensively, his words stinging like bullets, “I'm.. Sorry.. Sorry, I should just go.." Vera stood up much too quickly and walked off to dispose of the trash. Her voice strained from barely contained disappointment of rejection. Her eyes already burned, throat tightening. Jigen doesn’t even get a chance to say anything more as Vera got up. Watching as she disposed of her things and headed deeper into the crowd. Leaving him to sit with what he’d said. What he’d done.
..She wasn’t lying.
He messed up.
Vera didn’t look back as she weaved in and out of the bustling party goers, popping her head up with an occasional jump to help locate her friend-- or the inspector. Spotting him from across the way, Vera took off, darting deeper through the people, excusing herself where necessary, until she finally came out where Paprika and Zenigata stood. With Zenigata busy chatting with someone else, she quietly called out to her friend, a hand tapping at their shoulder.
“Hey.. Paprika?”
“Hm? Yeah? Oh, hey, Vera, what’s..” Paprika turned around, their expression hardening at the sight of their friend. She looked awful, barely holding it together as her fragile voice trembled as she spoke.
“I’m.. I-I’m gonna just.. head out. Thank you for helping me get here this far. I think this was a mistake, though.. Tell Zenigata I’m sorry to leave so early, but good luck on catching Lupin. Bye.”
Her smile was weak, giving a quick wave before turning around and heading toward the exit without another word. She didn’t want to stay a minute longer, she didn’t want to talk about it, even if Paprika tried to follow her and question what happened. She just wanted out of here.
Paprika turned back around to speak with Zenigata, but shot a final look back in Vera’s direction-- and caught sight of a tail-gaiter. That had to be Jigen, they figured. Turning back to Zenigata they gave themselves a little excuse and darted off after them.
------------ ------ ---
Jigen was just about halfway through the lobby when a raspy voice he’d grown familiar with over the past half decade, had called out to him. Whipping around to greet the owner of said voice with a seething scowl.
“What the heck did you do?”
“Lay off, detective.”
“No! I have every right to know! If she said what I hope she said to you, then you had BETTER have a good excuse!” Paprika shouted, causing the nearest groups to grow silent and turn their heads.
He didn’t like that.
“Seriously—” they’re shouting again, drawing unwanted attention, “—Whatever it is you said to her, you better hope— Wh-- HEY!?”
Jigen swung, seizing their arm before they could even finish what they were about to say, and roughly dragged them outside with only two words sharply spoken.
“Outside. Now.” ------------------------ --------------- -------
Outside was quiet and calm.. something Vera wished that she was in this moment.
Pushing herself up against a wall a few yards from the entrance that by now had been cleared of the guest line. The air outside was clear and far less stuffy, making it easier to breathe. The quiet, however, didn’t aid in quelling her further spiraling thoughts.
‘Why did I ever think this would be a good idea? I shouldn’t have said anything.. Of course he wouldn’t want me..’ she paused the thought and shook her head, trying to fight it, ‘he wouldn’t want me to say that.. How could I have been so stupid to think otherwise?’ she took a moment to breathe deeply, ‘I wish.. that he could have proven me wrong..’
Just then she heard a voice coming from the entrance.
“Hey! I’m talking to you! Let go of me and say something will you?!”
She didn’t expect to see Paprika being tugged along by Jigen.. and turning in her direction. Quickly, Vera pressed herself into the shadows produced by the large windows above.
The odd pair stopped just enough away that she could make out bits of what they were arguing about, but not close enough she would be seen by them.
“Stop yelling. You’re drawing too much attention. Do you want us both to be in trouble, here?”
“Fine. But I still want to know what happened!”
“I know you would, but what happened is between me and her. So, stay out of this.”
“No, I deserve to know! She’s my friend and you don’t get to hurt her. I have a high respect for you, you know. I know you have your reasons, but-- Hey! Look at me when I talk to you!” “I don’t have time for this..!” He groaned, frustration growing.
“You ‘don’t have time’?!”
“Don’t friggin’ start with me. Pops is rubbing off on you in more ways than one and this is not one of his good features.” he snapped bitterly.
“Excuse me?!”
That was a poor choice of words on his part as Paprika’s fire started to fizzle out.
Vera didn’t want to stick around any longer for this. So, she made a break for the gate, leaving the two to continue their confrontation alone. What was happening was none of her business.
Jigen was quick to notice Vera’s escape when the opportunity arose. He turned back to Paprika with the angriest expression they have ever seen on him yet, before he, too, spun on heel and took off after her.
---------------- ---------- ------
Rounding a corner after a few minutes of running, Vera couldn’t keep it up and collapsed to her knees, an arm braced against the brick wall. Her lungs burned, limbs weak and trembling from running too hard, the adrenaline wearing off fast, cursing herself for being so out of shape. Gosh, it’s been so long since she last ran like that.
Jigen rounded the corner shortly after, huffing from his own exertion in chasing after her. It was a relief to see she had finally stopped running, but not so much that she was in such a state on the ground. Walking over closer to her, he stopped just a couple steps away.
“Why did you run?”
She didn’t have it in her to flinch, too exhausted at the moment as she re-situated her back against the wall. Still heaving breaths of air for a few extended moments before she was able to give him a reply.
“..I’m sorry. I didn’t know what else to do..”
“..I wasn’t gonna do anything to ya, if that’s what you were worried about. My bad, alright..”
“..I know.. I just..”
She didn’t know how to respond.. or what to say.
Neither did he, really.
“..It’s fine.” was all he said as he turned and leaned himself against the wall, fishing out his cigarettes and lighter. Anything to calm him down again. All she wanted was to see him again.. she got what she wanted, albeit not how she had hoped. She doesn't even wanna look at him now, hiding her face in her lap.
Vera pulled out the tie from where it was tucked into the vest of her suit and began to play with it to try and calm herself. A self-soothing action, giving herself something to do while silence just.. settled between the two of them. Her propped up against the wall on the ground, and him standing a couple feet away. He tried to think of what to say. This is not a situation he's normally in. His track record with women in the past is.. well, legendarily bad. One couldn’t blame him for that, really. He's become apprehensive as a result over time. Putting more of a distance between him and any woman that comes into his life.
He had been too lost in his own thoughts to notice when Vera finally took the risk and looked up at him, taking in the sight. It was the first time she really saw what he looked like, having been avoiding it all night, too nervous to really face him head-on.
Jigen stood casual, leaning against the wall beside her, the smoke from his cigarette billowing thinly in the faint breeze. Dressed in a far fancier 3-piece suit than the simple 2-piece she had normally seen him wear. A long, thin scarf, tossed from one shoulder to the other, complimented the look quite well. His shirt was partially unbuttoned from the top, only 3 from what she could see from where she sat.. and secretly she wished she could see it better. What was most notable of how he looked, however, was the clip on his scarf. It was one she had given him before.
“..You kept it.”
“..Hm?” He turned his gaze down to look at her, giving her a better view of his face from this angle.
“The clip,” she pointed toward him, then turned her hand toward herself in a sort of mirror to his person, “on your scarf.” she finished.
Jigen brought a hand up to his scarf in question, pulling it away just enough to look at the clip she was referring to. A golden bullet meant for a tie, clasping together the scarf, pinning it in place. He let it fall back loosely against him shortly after.
“..Yeah.” was all he said.
There was still a thick layer of tension between them. Silence winding itself back around.
“Thank you.”
He was about to respond when a whiny little voice broke through the silence. The interruption was abrupt and startling as it came from his earpiece. He didn’t need this right now.
“Hold on for a moment.” He hissed in Vera’s direction before turning his back to her and taking a few steps away to reply to that grating voice in his ear. And although he tried not to yell, and she tried not to eavesdrop.. without much else, she couldn’t help but overhear the one-sided conversation.
‘I’m outside, taking a breather, what do you want?’ ‘I know-- I know!! I haven’t forgotten our plan!’ ‘Lupin! Just give me five minutes, will you?!’ ‘Look. I’ll be back inside to meet up with you and Goemon when I’m ready.’ ‘I’m done with this conversation. I’m turning off communications.’
And with that, he plucked the piece from his ear and slipped it into his pocket. Bringing a hand up to rub at the back of his neck with a world weary sigh. This was infuriating. This whole thing. The heist, the event, Lupin, and her. It wouldn’t have been so bad had she not returned.. had she not told him that she had come to look for him. Those who sought him never had any good intentions. Wanting him dead, wanting him to suffer, wanting information.. but not her. And he knew that.
Taking a final puff of his cigarette he tossed the butt to the floor and crushed it with the heel of his dress shoe. A shame to soil something so nice.
By the time he turned back around and walked back, Vera had begun to fidget with her tie again. She was an anxious sort. It seemed he wasn’t the only one feeling emotionally and mentally fried tonight.
Jigen braces against the wall as he lowers himself beside her, leaving a bit of space in between.
It was usually easy to sit in silence with her.. but now, it felt like bugs crawling on his skin.
He tried to shake the feeling, clearing his throat to speak as he pulled his hat from his head and propped the arm that held it upon one knee. Through his periphery he could see her shift and flinch, gripping her tie tighter. He wasn’t quick enough on the draw of words as she was.
“..It means a lot to know you kept that, too.”
He knew what she was referring to. One glance to his hat ribbon told as much.. the pin. White and iridescent, and modest in its small size. Despite himself, he couldn’t throw away her gifts.
“So, I did.” he replied, “..I don’t usually do that, you know.”
“..Oh?”
“Consider yourself lucky. Not many get that luxury outta me.” He mused, still observing the pin on his hat, “Not even Lupin. You’re a first. Wonder what that says..” he shot her a quick side glance.
“I’m sorry.. for earlier.”
“What are you sorry for? We both know I should be the one apologizing for that.”
He could see her mouth twitch, an expression twisting her features in a way that read ‘then why aren’t you?’ or so he assumed. Maybe his subconscious was wishing for it. For her to snap at him. He glanced away again as she spoke up once more.
“..I shouldn’t have said what I did back there. Shouldn’t have come here.. I should’ve just..”
“Moved on?” he finishes for her.
Vera looked at him briefly, a flash of surprise and shame crossed her face that he could so easily guess what she had felt.
“You’re not the only one.” he tried to reassure, though it came off a little bitter, but not at her. Bitter at himself. Those feelings still clinging like the tobacco to his clothes.
“I want to say something. So bad. But I don’t know how you’ll take it.”
“Well, now you’ve piqued my curiosity.” He could take another wild shot at the mark in guessing what it was, but he wanted her to say it herself.
“..I like you.” her voice was quiet, “A lot.”
Jigen knew that word wasn’t what she really wanted to say, that she was trying to soften the weight.
“..I don’t want to sound like I'm trying to seek pity or make you feel pressured. I just..” she started off, a nervous bubble in her throat constricting her words, yet she persisted, “I don't.. see myself in a relationship.. it feels perpetually like I'm window shopping without a cent to my name. An unrealistic fantasy.. one I can never attain. I never had anything mutual.. never had many people in my life to even feel anything for them.. Social anxiety is a killer of much in my life, and it's entirely out of my control..” She sighed, a small bout of silence in between as she shifted her arms around her knees to rest her chin upon them, “People come and go so often, it's hard to keep someone in your life long enough to make a connection..” “..Not at all. I get it.” He retorted, adjusting his hat back on his head, “Either you're pushing them away first before they leave so it hurts less, or you're the one getting their knife twisted in your heart from behind. Left bleeding out with regret until you dry up and move on. Solitude is a cold comfort. A constant familiarity no matter how unrelenting and cruel it can be.” A low, bitter chuckle, “But it sure beats getting your hopes shot down point blank before they had a chance to get off the ground.” Vera turned her head a little to glance up at him, voice softer as she spoke, “......Maybe.. those who are lonely.. could be lonely together.. through shared experiences..” She was hesitant with her response. “..mm..” He sat there for a level moment in thought before he let out a good-humored huff, a smile curling playfully on his lips, “..Maybe. I like the sound of that.”
She finally eased up and sat a little straighter, smoothing out her tie as the two of them sat in silence for a bit. A breeze blowing through and carrying away the tension with it.
“..It seems..” he spoke, “..that I like you, too. A lot.”
He was smiling when she looked over at his words. Slowly, she curled back into herself, a smile of her own finding home on her face, basking in the moment.
For a night that started off so rough and rocky.. it ended smooth and pleasant.
After another minute passed, Jigen stood up and gave his back a stretch before then turning to face Vera, squatting just a smidgen and held out his hand for her to take.
“I think it’s ‘bout time we headed on back, yeah?”
As soon as her hand met his and she was aided back to her feet, he held on, bringing her hand up to meet him for a kiss to the back of her knuckles. Pulling away and turning to leave, yet remaining still as he tucked his hands into his pockets and angled his elbow closest to her out in a silent invitation. Tilting his head curiously with a nod when she seemed hesitant.
He wouldn’t have been too bothered if she declined, and yet to his pleasant surprise, she stepped closer and took it, wrapping her hand around his arm. He couldn’t hide the smile this small act garnered from him. Shifting his gaze from her to the path back, leading the way.
They walked together in comfortable silence, until they reached the gate again. Jigen paused, looking toward Vera as he spoke, voice a little hushed in tone, though no one else was around to hear them.
“Listen. When we get back in, you should try to have a little fun, enjoy yourself. About half an hour from now you’ll wanna get out, though. Just to be safe.”
Vera nodded, “You should, too.”
He continued walking then, her response eliciting a chuckle out of him, “Lupin’s gonna give me an earful for this.. It was worth it, though.”
His comment causing her to giggle as well, “Yeah.. I have no idea what I’ll tell Paprika and Zenigata. I know they’re gonna wanna know what happened..”
“Don’t worry about it. You can just tell’em you needed to step out before you went stir crazy from all the feathers and perfume stuffing up the place.” he quipped as they finally reached the entrance again.
“I could, yeah.” she was trying not to laugh now, although not very hard.
---------------- ---------- -----
The auction preparations were nearing ready to begin as Vera waltzed her way back in through a far more empty lobby. Most people have huddled back into the venue to wait out the final half hour.
Slipping free from her escort, a little reluctantly, she made a beeline for her friends. Following the boisterous laughter of the inspector made it quite easy to find them in the crowd. Quickly, she set an alarm on her phone before meeting back up with them.
Zenigata was chatting it up with whom Vera assumed was those in charge as she walked up, Paprika keeping a hand on his arm to keep him grounded. He was known to get wildly animated at times and now was no exception. It seems he had been like this for a while and perhaps even a little worse than before her return as Vera noted a small stain on his shirt collar as she turned to Paprika, tossing the inspector a quick glance and a smile.
“Hey, Paprika?”
“Vera! You’re back--! Are you okay? What happened? Where’s--?” Paprika whipped around in surprise to see Vera back again. Seeing how much more chipper Vera appeared put them at ease, however.
“Yeah, I’m fine..! I had some time to think.. get some air. Had a talk. I’ll fill you in later. Right now, I think I’ll just stick with y’all for a while before I decide to head out. Don’t wanna miss out on the fun.” She nodded her head lightly in Zenigata’s direction. He hadn’t noticed her just yet, still so caught up in the story he was telling the hosts of the venue.
It was nice to see that he was having fun despite the fact Lupin and the others were lurking about mere meters away. He certainly needed a moment of peace of mind every once in a while.
Although such an event wasn’t something Vera would ever willingly go to, never having been a party person, getting to just hang around her friends and experience something new was a welcome change in her life. It helped to ease herself and her mind from recent occurrences. Laughing and chatting with one while the other went off to check the safety of the treasures up for auction. At one point she caught sight of Jigen hovering near the stage and curtains, and one final glimpse of him as he snuck off from the crowd. Shortly thereafter her alarm had buzzed.
It was time for her to head out.
She turned to the inspector and detective and bid them good night, saying they’ll find her at the hotel if they needed anything, and off she went.
The night was still just as pleasant as ever when Vera stepped outside the venue. A small rush of anticipation making her skin tingle as she made her way to the gate. Thoughts playing in her mind as she did, imagining what Jigen and the others could possibly be doing for this heist.
She didn’t have to imagine too much for as soon as she reached the gate, the alarms sounded out throughout the facility, inside and out, and an uproar from the patrons. Whipping around to look back toward the building just in time to see the large windows that she hid under before be shattered with gun shots and a couple of chairs. Just mere moments later came the thieves with their haul leaping out the broken windows.
Behind Vera a car drove up, small and yellow, the final member of the gang in the driver’s seat.
Everything happened so fast-- One moment she was watching Lupin dodge bullets across the lawn from Zenigata chasing them, and the next she was hoisted over Jigen’s shoulder and shoved into the backseat of the car. In a flash she saw Paprika’s shocked reaction, and in the next-- they were speeding off. The booming voice of the inspector and the blaring alarms growing distant, yet only briefly, and within that moment of respite Vera’s mind was reeling. Trying to catch up and process all that was happening as the thieves laughed and quipped around her.
For a moment, Vera thought she could finally breathe and take everything in, yet that was shortly lived. As soon as the sirens came in, she was being shoved to the floorboard and told to stay down. She wasn’t about to question orders and did just that, tucking herself into a small ball and covered her head and ears. Above her, she could hear the sunroof open up-- next she heard the muffled sound of gunshots and skidding tires. Bracing herself with her shoulder and leg lodged between the seats as the car swerved violently, taking sharp turns around corners-- and briefly catching air.
Sure, she’d been in close proximity of gunfire before, and even in sire situations-- See her first encounter with the gang-- yet despite all the subsequent encounters and heists she’d been witness to, she would never be used to it. The adrenaline, the fear-- It was enough to make her mentally check out as her heart pounded rapidly in her ears, drowning out the sound of squealing rubber and fired metal.
Eventually, it all quieted down. The roof was closed up, the sirens faded to nothing, and a hand tapped gently to her back. Finally she looked up, removing her hands from her head. Jigen was sitting back in the seat, beckoning with his hand for her to get up now. He aided in her repositioning with an offered hand as she got up and joined him and Goemon back in the seat.
Vera was too shaken up in the moment to even think much of the contact, slipping away to grip at her legs instead. Breathing deeply despite the acrid air, filling her lungs full, and releasing until her head felt a little light. Her heart still thrummed harshly in her chest, a tremble in her hands as she reached for her phone that had been dropped on the floorboard once she felt settled enough. The device buzzed lightly as she turned it on-- a text, and another--
[txt]: WE ARE COMING TO GET YOU!! [txt]: I WON’T REST UNTIL I GET LUPIN FOR THIS!!! [txt]: TELL US WHERE YOU’RE GOING!!
With another deep breath, Vera began to type out her responses-- fumbling a time or two from how shaky her hands were. Jigen took notice and wordlessly placed his hand on her thigh, brushing his thumb against the outer side once or twice and left it there.
[txt]: I’m fine!! I’ll be okay!! [txt]: I’m sorry, I don’t know where we’re going! [txt]: Maybe they’ll drop me off back at my hotel??
She appreciated the concern the inspector had for her safety, even if he did come off a little strong-- He was felt his emotions strongly, something that she could relate to. What she appreciated most, in spite of prior actions, was Jigen’s wordless reassuring touch.
Her mind couldn’t linger on that thought for long, though, as her phone buzzed again.
[txt]: WHAT IS THE LOCATION?! [txt]: WE’LL BE ON OUR WAY!!
Jigen took her phone and turned it off before she could finish replying and handed it back to her with a hushed ‘Don’t worry.’. The poor inspector would just have to ask Paprika for that information. For now, Vera merely sat back with Jigen’s arm now tossed lazily across the headrest behind her. It was going to be a long and awkward ride to wherever they were headed.
She still isn’t sure why she had been picked up and dragged along.
In her effort to try and think of a way to bring this up to and ask Jigen, the small car finally came to a stop, pulling into the back lot of some supposedly abandoned small business. Lupin, sitting shotgun to Fujiko in the driver’s seat, clapped his hands and announced they celebrate their victorious heist-- apparently he has some fine wine saved up for such an occasion. She didn’t care for that..
Jigen gave her a brief pat to the leg as he got out, holding his hand in offering. She took it gratefully, feeling calmed enough to get a little flustered at the touch. He was being awfully touchy tonight.. more so than how he usually was.. the broom closet incident aside--
Vera tried to focus her mind away from that, watching the way Lupin practically skipped along up the stairs and into the safe house with the treasures bagged in hand. His childlike joy was amusing, but his gleeful singing was a bit.. grating, if she were to be honest.
The group split up once inside, Goemon remaining outside for some meditation, Lupin fetching the drinks, and Fujiko already digging into the spoils. Jigen, meanwhile, kicked the door shut with his foot and stretched, barking something at Lupin and Fujiko before looking back toward Vera a moment later. She had been standing off to the side of the door, clutching her phone and looking around lost and confused. No doubt in his mind that she felt out of place here. He made a small whistle to get her attention, motioning his head in the direction of the couch, then walking over to it. He tapped his boot to the bottom of it with a little ‘Come. Sit.’ before he sat down first, his arm draped over the back, and the other on the side rest as he tilted his head back.
Vera jolted at the sound, whipping her attention to Jigen instantly, following him with her gaze as he went and sat on the couch. She hesitated a moment, but followed suit, but she sat with a little space between her and Jigen. It wasn’t much given the size of it, it was more like a loveseat. Just her luck.
If Jigen was disappointed with her choosing a little space, he didn’t show it, instead he rolled his head a little to glance at her from under the brim of his hat and spoke.
“..Sorry for snatchin’ ya up. And for.. All of that back there. Didn’t mean to frighten you.”
“..It’s okay.. Uhm.. Why’d you do that anyway?”
He didn’t say, he just rolled his head back to the other side, hiding his face further with his hat with a non-committal noise. It was this response that Vera knew not to pry.
“You feelin’ better?”
“..Huh?”
“You were shakin’ in the car.”
“Oh. Uh, yeah.” Vera lifted a hand and looked at it, observing the lack of tremor.
Jigen moved then, bringing his hand up from the armrest to take hers, and-- while the other two were still distracted-- he brought it up to his lips for a kiss before placing her hand back to her lap, thumb brushing the back of it briefly before retreating back to the armrest. A small smile played on his lips as he hummed after.
“Good. Good.”
She could feel her face heating up, heart kicking up in speed. Her gaze fell to her lap as she gripped at her phone. She knew she had unread texts from Zenigata, but didn’t feel up for checking them just yet. It wasn’t the time for that right now.
Lupin came back with that bottle he promised, carrying it in his mouth by the neck as his hands were occupied with 3 empty wine glasses, and one normal glass of just water. The water was for Vera. He placed the glasses down on a table he scooted over with his foot, and finally freed his mouth dramatically from the bottle, then popped the cork and poured with a showman’s flair. He was so loud as he handed Jigen and Fujiko a glass each, making a toast to success.
As Vera leaned over to grab her drink, Jigen did the same, removing his arm from around her and swiping the glass from the table. It was a bit surprising when Lupin, after clinking glasses with Fujiko and Jigen, turned to include her in this toast as well. A quick, awkward glance toward Jigen who only smiled and sipped his drink, hardly passing her a glance in return. Vera held out her water to toast, earning a goofy grin and giggle from Lupin as he finished off the toast-- and downed his drink.
Luckily, Lupin went off to sift through the haul with Fujiko, leaving Vera and Jigen to their own on the couch once more. The two nursed their drinks in silence side-by-side, observing the environment, the on-and-off lovebirds with the loot, and getting lost in their own thoughts.
With his glass now empty and back on the table, Jigen reclined, leaning his head on the back of the couch.. and slowly, carefully, sliding his closest hand back onto Vera’s thigh, just above the knee. That earned him a noise-- so small that anyone who wasn’t him would have missed it-- from Vera in response. He didn’t do much else, though, besides letting out a lighthearted, throaty chuckle and brush his thumb on the outer part of her leg like he did in the car.
“Have you ever been on a cruise?”
His sudden query caused her to jolt, looking his way briefly.
“No. I’ve never been. I’m still getting over my fear of flying.”
“There’s always time for trying something new.”
“..Yeah, that’s true.”
Silence again.. and then--
“If you had the chance, would you like to?”
“Uh., well.. I don’t see why not. They do look like fun.. and I do like a pool.”
“Hm, I see..” He liked that answer, falling silent again.
She wanted to say something.. Question this conversational topic.. but just as she went to lift her hand from her phone-- it buzzed with yet another text. She sighed and moved to set her glass down and try to take a look at the texts she missed. Clicking the phone on and getting through the lock, she was halted by a light pat to her thigh. Shifting her attention from the phone to the hand on her leg then up to Jigen whom had tilted his head to look at her from under the brim of his hat.
“..Well, I think it’s high time you should be getting’ back.”
“Yeah.. Okay—” Vera hardly had time to respond as he began to stand up and stretch.
“Hey, Lupin..!” He called out to the thief who had, by now, taken off his red jacket and undid his white tie, garnering his attention, “I’m takin’ the fiat.”
“Where are you going? Taking your little—”
“Don’t even start, Lupin. It’s none of your business.” Jigen’s voice seethed.
The other merely grinned in false innocence, and Vera wanted to shout back her own reaction to what Lupin was about to say. Instead, she leaned forward just a little and glanced at Jigen’s face briefly, catching the slightest hint of red.. Embarrassed? ‘..Cute..’ she couldn’t help but think. Turning her head down just as he caught her sneaking a glimpse at him.
“Come on.” Jigen turned, addressing her directly as he adjusted his hat over his face.
She stood quickly with a jump as he strode past, trotting after him with a chirped ‘Okay! Coming!’ and waited at the door while Jigen swiped the keys from the kitchen.
Soon they were outside again, the air crisp and clear. Jigen spun the keys in a hand while the other was tucked into his pocket, spinning them like he would his gun as he went ahead. Vera could hear him humming something as she followed behind, pausing for a moment to try and figure out what it could be as it sounded vaguely familiar..
“Heading out again, are we?”
Vera squeaked at the sudden voice near her, snapping her attention in the direction it came from-- Landing on Goemon who had found a nice flat rock in front of the building to meditate on. He apologized for the startle, she forgave him.
“Yeah. You missed the toast.” Jigen walked back up and pulled out a bottle from inside his jacket, tossing it to the swordsman who hadn’t even opened his eyes as he caught it. He must have picked that up when he grabbed the keys.
“Be careful not to get caught, Jigen.”
Jigen merely grumbled something before turning toward Vera, “C’mon. I’ll get ya back. You can have the front seat.” and resumed his leisurely walk to the car.
Vera nodded and, despite his closed eyes, waved at Goemon before catching up to Jigen.
----
------
The ride was.. quiet, to say the least, and awkward to say the most in spite of the silence.
Jigen reclined at the wheel, hand planted so naturally on the gearshift as though it were his gun. Even when driving he looked so casual and unbothered. To some extent, Vera could relate to that.. appearing more calm on the outside despite how she truly felt inside.. She couldn’t help but wonder, then, if that’s mutual for Jigen. If there was a fire of his own burning in is mind.
How right she was to think that.
Although he would hum and offer a short response to her directions, his mind was heavily elsewhere. It was nowhere good. He couldn’t help it, though, as that was just how he was. Practical, logical, realistic.. and often the pessimist to Lupin’s optimism. Yet, here he was, driving the only woman who has shown up consistently in his life and lived to tell the tale unscathed, not an ill bone in her body-- back to her hotel and he was unable to say anything to her. This wasn’t really that odd for him, though. It wasn’t uncommon for him to simply remain silent, observant..
And he was.
He could see she was fidgeting, nervous. Staring blankly out the window, her head resting on the pane, the occasional streetlamp giving him a flash of her reflection in the glass. There was something a little.. morose about her expression that caught his eye briefly. As much as he would like to think it was perhaps a trick of the light-- That wasn’t like him. He knew better. And what he knew was to turn up the radio. Tuning it to something generic enough. Despite the hours and days he’d been around her.. there was just as much about him that she didn’t know, that he didn’t know about her. What music she liked, what foods she enjoyed, the books she liked, the drinks-- He could make generally educated guesses, sure, but it wouldn’t be the same. It wouldn’t be right.
With how their relationship had progressed tonight, finally taking that step over the threshold they both feared, hand-in-hand.. there was plenty of time for understanding. For getting to know her better.
He frowned to himself at the mere fact it would mean opening himself up to her as well, he wasn’t ready for that. Too soon, too early. So, instead.. he finally opened his mouth to speak.
“Consider this a final act of my apology for snatching you away earlier.”
Vera’s attention had already been brought back to the present with the radio adjustments, but now it was fully on Jigen. Sparing him a quick look over before darting back to her lap and then the world that drifted along just outside.
“Thank you. I wouldn’t have been able to make my way back on my own anyway. Not before morning.. or something.”
“I may be a criminal, but I ain’t heartless, sweetheart.”
She freezes up, eyes widening just a little at the name he used.. He hadn’t done that before. It made her feel.. a little nervous in a different way. A little warm.. and a little giddy.
“..Thanks.”
The air felt a little more at ease now.
“Uhm..” Vera spoke up again after some time.
“Hm? Yeah?”
“..Do you think we could change the music? I’m not really into this.”
Guess this was Jigen’s chance to learn something new about her.
“Be my guest.”
From the corner of his eye he watched-- with split attention to the road-- as she reached for the dials. Making mental note of the station she settled on, and the type of music which played from it.
They weren’t in America, so the stations would be different than what she was used to. She took her time, though, in adjusting until something caught her ear, ‘..Oh! Volare..! This is good.’ she muttered quietly and pulled away satisfied. Being in Europe had its perks as she actually recognized this song. It must have been a station dedicated to old songs, she figured. She liked stations like this.
Jigen wondered how much Vera knew of that song, of its lyrics and what they’re saying. That had been something he learned about her from the start. He, and the others, had only ever really spoken to her in English since that day. Stepping over to inquire about an artifact they needed for a big heist. Once or twice slipping up after and needing to remember to correct themselves so she wasn’t completely lost on what was happening. Not that he could fault her, it wasn’t common for people to know as many languages as they did. Although, she did seem impressed, expressing interest and admiration for such a skill. Perhaps he could teach her a little someday..
For now, though, it was nice to just sit like this. No obligation to chatter, music filling the silence, and just.. sharing in the existence of the other for what time they had left tonight. An uncommon occurrence with Lupin around, always needing to say something at any given point in time. Goemon was hardly better.. And Fujiko? Not at all.
During the final mile and a half, Jigen had reached up and opened up the moon roof to the fiat. The weather was pleasant enough-- but when he caught Vera’s curiosity and mildly worried glance in his direction, he spoke again. He could tell what she was thinking.
“S’nice out., so why not enjoy it a little?”
“Yeah, it is.. I like cool summer nights, reminds me of home.”
“Tell me about it.” he encouraged, having spoken enough tonight and wanted to hear her for a change.
“..Uhm. Okay.” Vera was nervous, but nevertheless she continued, “I’ve always wished we had a proper cover over the porch, back home, growing up. Getting to sit out and hear the frogs on the lake, the crickets in the grass, watch the lightning bugs blip about.” she paused, glancing up out the roof, “My favorite part was just staring up at the stars.”
“Is that so? Know any of them? Name a constellation.”
“Ah, yes. Uh, I see..” She scanned the sky, it was mostly clear, the occasional cloud illuminated by the moon drifting softly by, “Hmm. Well, there’s Orion. Betelgeuse is there, on the right shoulder. And then there’s..” she squinted and focused best she could, “The Pleiades. They make up a part of Taurus. I know Cassiopeia is somewhere off from there.. but I can’t see it.”
Jigen lifted his hat a little and leaned in, peering out the windshield for a moment once the car had reached a stop. Humming in contemplation before finally pointing, “Should be right there. Just above your hotel up ahead.”
Vera turned her attention from the roof to where Jigen had pointed out-- and there it was, partially obscured, but still recognizable in its shape.
“You’re right..!” She chirped.
Then, the realization that this ride would end began to settle in as the car began to move again. She was actually have a good time, after all that happened, she was having fun.. and it had to end.
Well.. at least then she’d have time to finally check her phone.
As the little fiat pulled into the front lot of the hotel, it was shifted into park, and the two sat there. Neither one really wanting to move, allowing this moment to linger just a little longer.
.
.
.
Jigen was the first to break the silence.
“How long are you staying here?”
“I’m.. uh.. I’m here until tomorrow night.. Why?”
..What was he saying? He wasn’t.. planning something, was he?
“Jigen.. How long are you and the others--?”
“What room?” he interrupted, continuing when she responded confused, “What room are you staying?”
“Uh. Second floor, room 32.”
“You should extend it.”
“..What?”
“Three days should be long enough.”
There were moments in which Vera felt a little uneasy by his tendency to remain vague and refuse to elaborate at times. This.. was becoming one such moment.
“..Okay.” She agreed apprehensively, “I’ll see about extending it.”
He didn’t seem to have anything more to say, so Vera just opened the door and stepped out. However, it seemed she was wrong to think he was done as the window began to roll down behind her. She turned to see Jigen leaning from the driver’s seat, beckoning her back over. She obeyed and dipped her head back in through the window.
“What is it?”
“Here.” He held out his hand and waited for her to take it before he brought his other up to slip a roll of paper into it, curling her fingers and let go. Leaning back to watch her.
Vera was about to say something when she suddenly heard a noise and popped back out the window to look around.. but she didn’t see anything. Jigen had noticed her odd action and looked around as well from where he sat in the car. From his vantage point, though, he caught the ever so slight glint of something behind some overgrown shrubbery as the wind rustled the leaves. Hm..
“I’ll contact you later,” He called back as he started the car up again, “And keep the change.”
Vera looked back to Jigen and then her hand at his words-- She was holding a roll of cash and there was something else sticking out of the roll. Tilting her hand a little, she saw what looked like numbers written on it.. Wait.. Wait. Did.. Did he just give her his number?
Looking back up, she was greeted with a smirk, him looking away and adjusting his hat a little. Instantly she felt her heart squeeze and face burn.
“Uhm. Thanks, Jigen. Again. I had a good time. I hope you have a good night..!” She flashed him a smile as she waved before turning on heel to head inside.
Jigen peered back at her, catching her farewell and watching her walk away.
“You, too.” His response unheard, never meant to be.
Once he was sure she was inside, his gaze drifted back toward that glint. He didn’t like it. Shifting gears and flicking off the headlights, he pulled out of the lot and back onto the road.
The two had a lot to look forward to after tonight.