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─ ii. WHAT A THING TO ADMIT

published on: may 24, 2023 requested by: anon (and now, @blvdmrcnry) pairing: arsène lupin iii & reader prompt: “i don't think i've ever loved someone this much.” word count: 11k+ note: part two of this request! reblogs are highly appreciated! second note: omg, this turns out to be longer than expected, but i really enjoyed writing this! thank you for tuning in!

‘Why is this place so uptight with security?!’

‘Haven’t you heard the news? They say the Gentleman Thief is coming for Souza’s diamond.’

‘What a fool!’

You hear as you grab a caipirinha from the bartender, who gives you a welcoming smile. The foreign guests laugh to themselves as they gossip among themselves. They must be Davi Souza’s competition from abroad. Rumors have been growing louder and louder over the days, as Souza’s empire threatens to fall into ruin, and surely national and international mining companies will attempt to take over his business.

You sigh. ‘How long until this actually begins?’

‘Give it a few more minutes,’ says Lupin over the communicator. ‘I see more guests arriving.’ There is a grumble from his side, and you recognize that annoyed voice anywhere, now. ‘Aw, don’t be like that, Jigen!’

‘Patience is a virtue,’ Goemon muses from his own communicator. You glance up at the ceiling, where the chandelier hangs. Supposedly, he is meant to be there, hiding, whenever it is time to come down and cut down the bulletproof glass around the Primer Rose Diamond. From this distance, you cannot spot him.

You’ve heard so much about Lupin and his gang, about their heists, but you really never thought you would end up in one. A part of you — the “amateur” side of you, when compared to Lupin’s expertise (if he ever hears me say that…) and experience as a thief — feels nervous about it. You feel like an intruder, like you’re not really meant to be here. But, a deal is a deal, and there will be four million dollars waiting for you after the heist.

So, you shrug that weight off your shoulders, for now.

Suddenly, the people in the front, standing near the stage and the little round tables, covered by gentle pink sheets made out of silk, begin to clap their hands, before the entire room follows suit. ‘Davi Souza’s here,’ you tell the gang.

You walk towards the center of the room, blending with the crowd as you continue to drink the cocktail. Up on the stage, there he is, in all his glory — Davi Souza. The middle-aged man stands proudly as he listens to the applause. He bows to the crowd, putting his hand together in gratitude. ‘Good evening, my friends! Thank you for coming to my grand home. As you all may know, today will be an astonishing auction, full of beautiful gems and jewels, as well as paintings that have been part of the Souza family for decades, if not centuries!’

Lupin whistles.

‘So, once more, thank you for joining us tonight,’ Davi bowes and begins to clap his hands, prompting the crowd to applaud. A woman in a yellow suit, which matches the owner of the estate’s, walks up to the stand, smiling charmingly to the crowd, while her colleagues begin to bring the first treasure up to the stage, resting it on a hardwood table, with a yellow silk sheet on top. The spotlights point to the treasure, reflecting its color and shine — breathtaking, you think to yourself. Even though it may look like something vulgar, you’d recognize that anywhere.

‘The first treasure is,’ the woman speaks, her voice echoing through the speakers, ‘the Golden Apple from the mythical Tree of Life.’

The Tree of Life is nothing more than a myth, a religious belief; yet, Souza knows his audience. Most of these gentlemen and ladies that are sipping on expensive champagne, wine and other beverages are religious to some degree, especially some of the Brazilian guests who share the same beliefs as Souza himself. But, most importantly, it is gold that is coating that “apple”, which can very well be a hidden gem.

‘The bid begins at one hundred thousand reais,’ the woman announces.

‘That’s almost twenty thousand dollars,’ Lupin says.

You sip the cocktail. ‘Someone’s starting small.’

‘Anxious?’ He teases you.

‘Ha-ah.’

In the crowd, someone raises their card. ‘R$150,000.’

The woman nods, ‘R$150,000 for the gentleman.’

‘R$175,000.’ An accented voice speaks from the crowd.

The auctioneer smiles. ‘R$175,000 for the lady in green.’ She scans the room, ‘Do we have another bid? No? Then, going once, going twice, sold!’ At once, the Golden Apple is taken from the table by the staff, back to its vault. As tempting as gold can be, you suspect that everyone here is interested in the Primer Rose Diamond. You, in fact, have not bothered to scan the list of treasures and paintings.

You look down at your empty glass and turn back to the bar, placing the glass on top of the counter. ‘Would you like anything else, ma’am?’ The bartender asks you.

‘No, thank you,’ you smile.

‘I’ll have a glass of wine,’ you hear a female voice from your right. You turn, staring at the gorgeous woman that has walked up to the bar, spotting an elegant red dress that accentuates her curves and her chest. Her hair is up in a formal bun, with some of those brown locks free, framing her face.

Not wanting to waste another second, you turn on your heel to go back to the middle of the crowd. You put your arms around your body, hands under your elbows, as you stare at the stage. They have moved on to a different piece — a painting, by the looks of it. As time passes, you cannot help but feel uneasy. Sure, you have blended with crowds before, but having to wait for the treasure to appear, in the middle of strangers and suspicious-looking people, does not feel like something you would do.

Can’t they just bring the actual attraction out?

‘It appears that I am not the only one who’s bored with this auction,’ someone behind you says. You look over your shoulder, to see the same woman that had just gone to the bartender. Lo and behold, a glass of wine in her hand. The woman smiles politely at you, and, once more, you are unable to ignore her beauty. ‘It’s just a tactic to keep the guests on the edge of their seats, so to speak, of course.’

‘It does look like that’s what Souza is doing, yes,’ you agree with her, although you narrow your eyes at her.

She giggles, using her free hand to cover her mouth as she does. ‘Why are you looking at me like that? Have we met before?’

‘Not officially, but I recognize you.’ You turn to face her properly.

‘Well, that’s okay,’ Mine Fujiko tilts her head as she eyes you up and down. ‘So, what are you doing here tonight? Stealing the Primer Rose Diamond?’

You sigh, mimicking her posture and giving her a cold smile, ‘Asking questions will get you nowhere. Your charm might work on other people, but not on me.’ Because that is what you have been telling yourself these recent days, and you intend to follow through.

‘My,’ she puts a hand on her chest, ‘I am only trying to get to know a possible friend.’ You raise an eyebrow at her, as Fujiko takes a sip of her wine. ‘You only get the chance to make real friends in places like these, sometimes. Despite what you might believe to be true about me, I’ll have you know that I am honest and fair.’

Honest and fair?

‘If I were you,’ Fujiko continues, and suddenly her gaze is piercing as she stares down at you, ‘I’d stay clear of men like Lupin.’ At your expression of surprise, she smirks, ‘Word travels fast in the Underground, surely you knew that already.’ The condescending tone is more than annoying, and you begin to fight the impulse to strangle the Japanese woman. ‘They speak of nothing more than you and Lupin being partners.’

You remember the first time you met the Gentleman Thief, your target had immediately made the assumption that you two were working together. Then, Lupin had his two allies rescue you from the hands of French police, as well as Interpol and Inspector Koichi Zenigata — as you later discovered about the relationship between him and the thief.

Regardless of what rumors have been brewing, unbeknownst to you, this is still the very first time that the two of you are teaming up together. You currently have no intention of making this a tradition, nor do you expect some sort of partnership to be born.

‘Chérie?’

You hear Lupin’s voice in your ear, and you remember that you have muted your communicator. You inhale deeply. ‘I’m thankful for your concern over my well-being,’ you begin, ‘but let me just quickly remind you that it is none of your business.’ You glower at the woman, ‘I’d stay clear of my sight, if I were you.’

‘You there?’

Fujiko shrugs, the arrogant quirk of her lips still present. ‘Suit yourself.’ At once, the Cat Burglar leaves, disappearing among the crowd.

Before Lupin can call for you, you press your hand discreetly against the communicator, ‘Sorry, I was sidetracked.’

‘Oh? Did any gentleman walk up to you and ask for your number?’ Lupin asks you.

You snort. ‘Better yet. Mine Fujiko in the flesh.’

The Gentleman Thief goes silent, while Jigen clicks his tongue in annoyance. It seems like your response has made him finally turn on his microphone. ‘Of course that woman is here. What would she want from you?’

It is as if you are suddenly back in that tiny, little police van, being interrogated by a dangerous man that you do not intend to cross, in any way, shape or form. ‘I have no clue. I kind of told her to mind her business.’ And I’m not exactly lying.

‘Mmph,’ from the sound of it, Jigen hardly believes you.

‘Fujiko likes to interfere,’ Goemon says suddenly, and you think he is addressing you specifically. ‘She is not to be trusted, not entirely.’

Despite his words, what she told you is still echoing through your head. What exactly did she mean about “staying clear from men like Lupin”? He does seem to have a problem with keeping his mouth shut and being professional, instead of acting like a lovebird. You have seen it, time and time again, especially when he’s around you.

Does Fujiko’s warning actually mean that you are to avoid pursuing such a man?

You groan internally. Why are you even thinking about that? Maybe, I’m the one with a problem.

‘C’mon, guys,’ Lupin nearly whines. ‘Be nice.’

Yep, you conclude, he does have a problem. He flirts vigorously and seems to trust any woman that appears in front of him, even though his friends try to call him out for that behavior. “As long as it is a beautiful woman”, huh?

‘If Fujiko is here, then it means trouble!’ Jigen insists.

‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ you are dragged out of the conversation by the sound of the auctioneer’s voice, as her smile widens in anticipation. ‘The Primer Rose Diamond.’ Inside a glass case, the Primer Rose Diamond is brought to the stage, carried by a staff member. The lights are aimed at the jewel, as it is placed on top of the table, and the crowd is astounded. The room, now filled with gasps of wonder and surprise, suddenly feels smaller. Indeed, everyone is interested in that diamond, despite not being the most expensive diamond on the planet.

‘The bid begins at eighty million reais.’ Half a million dollars above its actual value.

Yet, at once, hands raise.

‘Eighty-one million!’

‘Eighty-five million!’

‘Eighty-six million!’

The auctioneer notes down all the bets, eyes moving around the room like a predator, seeking the highest bid.

‘One hundred million,’ someone speaks from the crowd. You turn and find yourself staring back at the eyes of Mine Fujiko. Her confident smirk is still present, and you grimace, remembering your conversation. If I were you, I’d stay clear of men like Lupin.

What is her end-goal?

That is when you notice that she does not hold a card; instead, it is an older man in a wheelchair, next to her, who holds it. He is dressed as fancy as the other guests, but the guests suddenly move away from the man, as if fearful. Dani Souza, on the stage, puts his hands together in gratitude, bowing to the crowd — no, to the man.

‘Ready, gang?’ Lupin whispers from his and Jigen’s side.

You have no time to wonder about the man’s identity, before the auctioneer wraps up the acquisition of the Primer Rose Diamond. ‘Do we have another bid? No? Then, going once, going twice, sold!’

The room goes dark, and chaos ensues.

You quickly follow the emergency lights to the right side of the building, meeting an empty hallway that is barely illuminated by those dim yellow lights. You half expect Lupin to show up behind you, take your hand in his as he did before, under the very same cloak of darkness. But, you dismiss those thoughts aside and focus on the mission.

Goemon, by now, should have jumped down from his position to steal the Primer Rose Diamond — since the two of you are the only ones inside the actual building, and your role was to be a mere observer and make sure the auction went as planned. The stars must be aligned for your success today, and you intend to keep it that way as you prepare for your second task.

The generator is turned on, and shouts of surprise can be heard all the way from the auction room. ‘The diamond!’ You can hear someone yell. You are unable to fight the smirk that blooms in your face, even as the security guards run past you, cursing.

Now, you remind yourself, to retrieve the Primer Rose Diamond.

Goemon is meant to hand it to you through the ventilation system, so that you can leave the building and join them by the escape vehicle. Supposedly, the police will keep an eye for Lupin III and his gang, since he has sent a calling card and since he never acts without his right-hand man and the samurai, and nobody will look for you.

But, something tells you that nothing is as it seems. Nothing is as easy as it is made out to be.

Word travels fast in the Underground. Those had been Fujiko’s words, when she attempted to discourage you from working with Lupin and stealing the diamond. At least, that’s what you believe to be her true intentions. Unless, her advice to stay away from Lupin had another implication.

As you are about to turn the corner, you nearly bump into someone. You find yourself looking right into the eyes of the Inspector Zenigata, as the stressed frown on his face disappears, in exchange for a confused, wide-eyed stare. He blinks as you two look at each other. ‘Excuse me, miss,’ he says politely as he begins to walk around your tense form.

Shit.

You clear your throat as lowly as you can, fighting to ignore the wild beating of your heart, and move to the side. ‘By all means,’ you feign a smile at him and, when his shoulder barely brushes against yours as he moves, the man stops.

He freezes and turns to look at you closely, his eyes narrowing. ‘Wait a minute. You look familiar.’

You tilt your head, hand reaching for your hand purse. You want to look as oblivious and as confused as possible. ‘Are you sure? I don’t think we’ve met…’ Of course something like this had to happen.

‘Yes,’ he nods, ‘I think we have. I just can’t remember… wait!’

His eyes widen, and suddenly your wrist is trapped in a handcuff, the other loop in his grip. The Japanese man brings his left wrist to his face, as his eyes shine in confidence and victory — I have seen that look before, you realize. ‘Bring the squad to the right hall. I have caught one of Lupin’s partners! Over!’ The man giggles almost impishly, but then he tilts his head in confusion, ‘Though, I would’ve expected it to be—’

You don’t let him finish his hypothesis, as you pull out a tiny bottle from your purse and spray the liquid onto his opened eyes. Zenigata cries out in surprise, hissing at the pain in his eyes. ‘Damn it!’ In haste, you turn on your heel and run down the hall. ‘Come back here!’

Down the hall, which is just behind the auction room, you see a glint in the ceiling. Goemon opens the little ventilation door, looking down at you with a serious frown. ‘Trouble?’

‘Zenigata,’ that is your only word. Sooner or later, Zenigata’s men would be here. You and Goemon need to get out of there fast. Even if you hadn’t heard Zenigata specify which thief he had caught, if your interaction and the words from Fujiko meant anything, it is that everyone thinks that you and Lupin are working together — or more than just partners. You don’t think you’re safe anymore.

Due to the sudden change of plans, Goemon falls from the ventilation system, landing by your side, and carefully hands you the Primer Rose Diamond, now wrapped in a white cloth. For a moment, you just stare at it.

‘Let us go,’ Goemon says firmly.

As you begin to run away, you reach for your own communicator, ‘We have the diamond, but there’s trouble.’

Lupin hums, ‘Trouble?’

‘Zenigata found me and he has called for his squad.’

Jigen curses, ‘I see them. Lupin, let’s go.’

You swear under your breath, feeling uncomfortable with your heels. The quicker you get out of Souza’s estate, the quicker Lupin shows up, then the quicker you can take off these insufferable shoes. ‘Alright,’ you hear Lupin reply to Jigen. ‘Stay calm, you two. We’re on our way.’

However, as you near the door that leads you to freedom, you notice that it is locked. Metal bars stand in front of the door, blocking passage. You stop in your tracks, mouth open in shock. Is this it? The man next to you has other plans, however.

‘Step behind me,’ Goemon says, walking around you with a hand on the sheath of his sword. You watch, carefully and, deep down, curiously. A moment passes, as the man stands before the looming door, and then the metal bars and the door are cut to pieces, after the samurai swung his sword in what appeared to have been empty air.

Your mouth is agape. You know that the plan had been for him to cut down the bulletproof glass, but you did not actually think about it, nor did you question it. You just accepted that that could be done, because, why else would he be in Lupin’s gang?

But, witnessing a giant door and metal bars being ripped into tiny pieces by a sword as if they were nothing? Just who is he? What is that sword?

The man sheathes his weapon slowly, turning to you. ‘There is nothing that Zantetsuken cannot cut, even worthless objects such as these.’ He opens his eyes to look at you seriously, but he is taken aback by the surprise and awe in your face.

‘Incredible, Goemon,’ you murmur. ‘I didn’t know your sword—no, I didn’t know you could do that. That’s amazing!’ You are unable to hide your bewilderment. The Japanese man turns his head away, as if uninterested or unbothered, but he cannot conceal the flush that appears in his pale face.

The sound of the police sirens goes louder and louder, snapping you two back to reality. You walk up to Goemon, hand on the purse where you are keeping the Primer Rose Diamond. As the cars drive up to the driveway, the crowd of guests looking baffled, between the two of you, the broken door and the police cars, Goemon crouches slightly, hand on his beloved Zantetsuken.

‘Lupin…!’ You growl into the communicator. If I end up in jail because of you, I’ll kill you with my own hands, you make that promise to him, even if he cannot hear you. But, you try to keep yourself calm. He might double-cross you, yes, but would he double-cross his partner?

‘We’re almost there, chérie!’ The Gentleman Thief reassures you.

Goemon calls your name, noticing your fear. ‘Everything will be okay. No harm will fall upon you, as long as I am here.’ You are hit with the feeling of déjà vu, recalling your first encounter, and you nod. You feel like, no matter what, you can trust what the samurai has to say. He is the most quiet of the gang, but he is—

Honest and fair.

You gulp, and you shake your head horribly. Leave my head!

‘I’ve got you now!’ Suddenly, you hear the voice of Inspector Zenigata behind you, who is rubbing his eye from the remaining effect of the liquid. ‘You’re surrounded. There’s nowhere to go. Now, surrender!’

Goemon shows no intention of giving himself up. As the police officers point their guns at you from behind their vehicles, the red and blue lights shining harshly into your eyes, you narrow your eyes at the Inspector. ‘Sorry, Inspector, but there is no such word in my vocabulary.’

An engine roars in the distance, and the officers, startled, look around their shoulders. Lupin?

‘Now!’ Goemon yell-whispers to you, crouching. Grabbing your hand carefully, he pulls you with him as the two of you run into the driveway.

Inspector Zenigata reaches out, ‘Stop right there! Stop them!’

The police officers jump back into position, aiming at you, and that is when Goemon wraps an arm around you and jumps into the air with you. You hold your breath. ‘Hold on,’ he commands you, as he unsheathes his sword. When the first policeman pulls the trigger, the others follow, but, as it had been the door, all bullets are cut in half by the mythical sword, and thanks to the incredible speed and talent of the samurai.

Is this real? You suddenly wonder if you are in some sort of scripted film, inserted into an universe that is not your own by a sleep-deprived screenwriter. As you land behind the police cars, the engine from before — roaring louder and louder — gets closer to the driveway, the headlights blinding you as you cover your eyes. The car slides to a quick halt, the left side of the vehicle suddenly facing you, instead. You spot Jigen behind the wheel, before he points his weapon out of the window.

You open the door to the backseats, sliding inside as the samurai covers you, sword out and ready to slash away any more bullets. As you get inside, Lupin, from the passenger’s seat, sits on the door, resting elbow on top of the car, as he calls for his favorite Inspector. ‘Hello, Pops! Pleasure seeing you here!’ Didn’t he send a calling card?

‘Lupin! You aren’t getting away this time!’ The ICPO Inspector roars, waving a fist in the air as he runs from the palace, approaching the cars. It is incredible how, despite (yet) not having the megaphone in his hand, his voice sounds through the air. Perhaps, practice makes perfect. Just for how many years has he been chasing after the Gentleman Thief?

‘Time to skedaddle,’ Lupin tells Jigen, not straying his eyes away from Zenigata.

Without sparing another second, the car’s wheels screech before you and the gang are out of the driveway. Bullets hit the car, the tires, but nothing can stop you. You look up at the ceiling for a moment, amazed, yet again, at the samurai’s abilities. How he can stand up there without being thrown off balance is a wonder to you, but, at this point, you are learning not to ask questions.

After many shortcuts, turns and bullets, you have finally shook the police off. Yet, you still feel partially nervous. You cannot tell if it is the fear of treason, the anxiety of working together with an infamous gang. Goemon has long joined you in the back, sitting in silence as he holds the mystical sword. Everything is so quiet on the outside, but your head is obnoxiously loud.

‘Here we are!’ Lupin exclaims happily, extending his arms out and nearly hitting Jigen in the face. The driver grumbles under his breath, but you can see the slight curve on his lips from the rearview mirror. Has it always been pointing my way? You shake your head and try to relax.

You are in the middle of nowhere, in an abandoned farmhouse — although you soon discover the interior was completely renovated and is well taken care of. You feel like that will just make you more suspicious, but perhaps the plan is to stick around for a day or two, before leaving the country. You haven’t really discussed those details with Lupin, but you assume that he has it covered.

It feels weird not being the one in charge, the one in control.

As the gang enters the living room, with Jigen almost flying towards the couch like a moth would do towards the last sliver of light, you keep standing. Something feels difficult to digest, but you are thankful when Lupin turns to you, eyes shining in delight, distracting you from your inner dilemma. ‘Alright, let us see it!’

You reach inside your purse, fingers trembling, and you hold the Primer Rose Diamond in your hand. Looking at it, you cannot help but feel as if you lied to yourself. I could’ve done this alone, a part of you thinks. Why earn four million dollars for this, for a cut, when I could’ve gotten the entire paycheck? You tear your eyes away to look at the waiting thief and his stretched out hand.

He could just take the diamond from your hand and have Jigen kill you.

Men like Lupin are arrogant and selfish. That much, you already know. He screams pride, smugness, and it strikes a wrong chord within you. At least, it did so in the beginning, because now it no longer blooms the same feelings that you held towards him in your first interactions. Instead, it leaves something else in its wake.

He will take the diamond, give you something other than the cut you have agreed upon, and you will die, one way or another.

‘Here,’ you give him the Primer Rose Diamond, shivering as his fingers brush inevitably against yours. The thief’s gaze doesn’t stray away from yours, and you hold your ground. You don’t want to show that you are scared of what’s to come. You are meant to be brave, as you have always been — even before you met the Gentleman Thief.

I’d stay clear of men like Lupin.

Lupin whistles as he looks at the diamond in his hand. ‘It’s definitely different seeing this beauty in person,’ he says. His partners look at it in thoughtful silence, but you can see that they share the same opinion. At least, about its worth. Jigen lays back, stretching his arms over his head with a contained yawn. ‘Tomorrow I’ll take it to a jeweler I know from around these parts, and the money will be ours, gentlemen. And lady!’

You roll your eyes as he grins in your direction, and you take a seat in an armchair, sitting now between the gang. ‘Good to hear,’ you sigh.

Lupin holds the Primer Rose Diamond out, an eye closed as he puts it next to your figure, comparing the two from his perspective. ‘I’d say, however, it matches you really nicely, chérie.’ You frown, and you cross your arms over your chest.

‘I should’ve known,’ Jigen starts, earning your attention. ‘It’s either a treasure for that backstabbing Fujiko, or a treasure for another one of your lovers.’ The former hitman believes you two are either together, or that Lupin is completely enamored and you are tricking him into doing whatever you please. Yet, when he says that, it doesn’t faze you; instead, it only confirms the assumption you have of Lupin’s character.

A bit of a Casanova, and a bit of a fool.

If he is using you now, then you can turn your back on him while you have your chance. If he thinks he has a chance with you of all people, then—

‘In fact!’ Jigen lunges forward, shoving his finger into Lupin’s chest. Suddenly, the descendant of one of the greatest thieves of all time doesn’t look so confident or strong; yet, you see a kicked little puppy. Goemon is not reacting to any of that. ‘Why was Fujiko there?’

Lupin shrugs, hands up in surrender. ‘I don’t know!’

‘Bullshit!’

‘I’m guessing she was working for someone,’ you murmur. The two turn to look at you. ‘There was a man in a wheelchair. She was standing by him. Along with some bodyguards.’

Jigen scoffs, ‘And now that his treasure has been stolen, I bet she will be coming here to take the diamond right back to him! Or, double cross him and have him come to our door!’ The gunman stands suddenly, huffing. His face is slightly flustered from the frustration. ‘I’m getting a drink!’

As he storms off, Lupin turns to you and shrugs with an awkward chuckle. Nothing is going his way, you think, even though you feel a shimmer of sympathy for Jigen. ‘I’m going to get us something to drink as well. We need to celebrate!’

‘Bring sake,’ Goemon pipes up, and he adjusts his position on the couch. He looks unfazed by Jigen’s outburst. Is this a normal occurrence? His eyes are closed, and you squint slightly in your seat.

Is he going to be the one to kill you? While your new (and hopefully temporary) boss gets you something to drink?

It could be poison, you tell yourself. Be it a gun, a sword or venom, Lupin will find a way to get rid of you.

‘Are you alright?’ The samurai asks you suddenly. He isn’t looking at you, but he is focused on you.

You swallow, hands in your lap. ‘Yes,’ you lie. It’s your other speciality — being a liar. If it helps you survive this heist, that is. Because this isn’t over. Not until you receive the paycheck you have been promised — the one you negotiated with the Gentleman Thief.

You can hear mumbles from the kitchen. An argument.

You don’t want to listen.

Your anxiety is getting worse. It would all be so much better if you would just drop dead right there and then, if Lupin would just finish the job. But, till he does, you leave.

‘I’m going outside,’ you say, dodging Goemon’s dark eyes which are now peeled open and burning holes into you. He murmurs something which you don’t catch, and you are out of the door in an instance. Your legs feel heavy as you drag them across the wooden foundation, and you ungracefully let yourself fall on top of the bench, leaning against it.

Your most expensive dress is probably more than dirty now, but you don’t care.

The door opens behind you, but you don’t care.

You groan and put your head in your hands. Fuck. I knew taking this job would be a mistake.

Did you? Sooner or later, you would need this job, this money, and you most likely — most definitely — would’ve stuck to something small and simple. Not something as risky as the Primer Rose Diamond, something that makes you go against your own ideals. To put yourself out there, in the spotlight, goes against your very being.

What is the fun of taking a job without any challenge? The phantom sound of those words ring, as a shadow towers over you.

‘Do you mind if I sit with you?’ Lupin asks you. You didn’t expect the softness in his voice, and you suck in a breath of air. You are like an open book, you realize. You don’t like this. You want him to stay away from you.

Instead, you turn to give him a slight, forced smile. ‘Sure. Go ahead.’ The thief sits next to you in silence. As promised, there are two drinks in his hand — one for you, one for him. ‘Have you made your peace with Jigen?’

‘He’ll come around,’ he hands you a bottle after cracking it open for you.

You two sit in silence, the empty road in front of you. The stars flicker in the sky, and you are sure you have never had the chance to glimpse upon them so clearly before. Could it be that, now dragged out of your comfort zone and of your own ideals, everything has morphed around you?

No, that’s ridiculous, you shut the thought down before it can go any further. You drop your head back to the palm of your hand, scoffing.

‘You okay?’

You shake your head. ‘I can’t believe it. I simply can’t believe it.’

‘That Jigen is secretly a grumpy old man? Don’t mind him, he’s just jealous.’

‘No, I’m talking about the heist.’

‘Oh, good! Otherwise, you’d have me jealous, chérie,’ Lupin smiles widely.

You roll your eyes, before resting your arms over your knees and leaning forward, resting upon them. ‘I can’t believe we did that. I’m still processing how Goemon got us out of there, how somehow he can break the laws of physics.’ You look down at the drink in your hand. ‘Most importantly, I’m thinking that… I did this.’

Lupin watches you seriously, the amusement suddenly draining from his face. It’s as if the mask is gone. Or, perhaps, he’s just listening very attentively.

‘I don’t do this type of thing. I don’t like to be the center of attention. I like to go in, get my target and be out of there before anyone can spot me. I don't… I don’t pull out heists like you, Lupin.’

He’s silent, before leaning towards you. You glance over, eyes falling immediately upon those lips that give you a devious smirk. ‘But?’

You frown, ignoring the blood that boldly flows to your face. You decide to blame the alcohol, and not the closeness, not the hype of a successful theft, not the intrusive thoughts that have been invading your mind for too long. ‘But, as much as it physically pains me to admit it… you were right.’ A shy smile finally graces your face, ‘This was fun.’

Lupin throws his arms up in cheerful victory. ‘See? I told you!’ He wraps an arm around your shoulders, ‘Does this mean you are tagging along for our next adventure? Because I think I’m an excellent influence on you.’

‘You’re a fool,’ you retort, ‘a fool.’

‘Yet, here you are.’

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

Despite the echoes of a promise, it took you less than two days to return to Europe, taking more than a paycheck with you. As much as you earned it, you also carry a new perspective, a revolution to your previous ideals and standards. You don’t take leaps of faith, but now, it no longer sounds foolish. Instead, you come to realize that your own ways were dull, lacking creativity and thrills to keep you going.

So, you decide to adapt to new surroundings with even newer tactics.

You now sit boldly on the chairs of some of the most infamous mafia bosses, feet resting on top of desk, toying with their wives’ necklaces. You drive flashily, blowing kisses to those who chase you. Even if you still waltz right into wherever you want, stealing what you plead, you no longer hide. Everyone knows you now. As they should.

By no means are you a sudden star in the Underground. You wouldn’t dare to compare yourself to the likes of Lupin just yet, because you still believe you have a long road ahead of you. But, you know you will get there, perhaps one day competing for the title.

There is something else that distinguishes you from the rest, however. It always catches up to you, anyway.

You don’t get to the top without making enemies that would love to see you fall, those had been the words that Lupin once shared with you, when you found yourself reaching for your phone, unable to fight the eagerness to hear about his adventures — hear his voice. Indeed, he makes quite the storyteller, and you have drifted off to sleep before, just listening to that gentle voice.

It starts with a knock on your door, in your Nordic getaway.

When you open the door, gun in your hand, because it’s well past four in the morning and whoever came to your door better have a good reason to wake you up, you are suddenly knocked back, vision flashing white as you fumble backwards, hand over your cheek.

A brute stands between you and the door. As you move to aim your gun at the middle of his wrinkled forehead, he rips the gun out of your hand and slams his fist against your face. You hear your nose crack under the impact, and you feel and taste the heat of blood flowing down your nose.

As you fall to the ground, a slim figure slides inside, arms crossed over a black jumpsuit. Your vision shakes, you are about to pass out, but you grin, all teeth and no smile.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

You wake up in a start, gasping in shock. Upon blinking away the confusion and tiredness — probably drugs, if you are being honest (and fair), you realize that you have been awakened to one of the oldest tricks in the book, a bucket of cold water, full of ice.

‘Oh, good,’ a voice purrs. ‘You’re awake.’

You look up to meet the heated gaze of Mine Fujiko, who smiles as wide as the Cheshire Cat’s. Next to her stands the same man who has blessed you with a broken nose. Speaking of which, it still hurts like hell.

‘Fujiko,’ you start, a warning tone in your voice. ‘What a surprise.’

She raises an eyebrow. ‘You already sound like Jigen,’ she sighs. ‘Don’t be like that, though.’

You snort, ‘Well, I’m sorry if I’m not exactly happy to see you under these circumstances. Are you now going to tell me that you didn’t just knock me out and kidnap me?’

‘It’s business, dear. Don’t take it personally.’

The tall man clears his throat. ‘Enough chit-chatting. Where is the Primer Rose Diamond?’

‘Stolen and sold,’ you reply. At least, that’s what you know — what you think has happened after the heist. What Lupin did with the treasure is none of your business, not anymore. ‘It’s not on me, in case you’re wondering. I don’t usually carry millions-worth of jewelry with me.’

We have already moved past this chapter, you tell yourself. The heist, the aftermath — all of it — is now in the past. If you don’t think of your life as a novel, divided into acts and chapters, then everything is too much, and you cannot take everything with you. You must live your life like it’s your very last, like any day someone might decide to end you.

You just hope that today isn’t it.

The man straights his back, and his eyes turn icy. Perhaps your humor isn’t appreciated in this corner of the world. Am I still in Norway? You don’t actually know how long you’ve been out. ‘It’s alright,’ Fujiko speaks up. ‘I know how we can get it back. It’ll be as easy as a piece of cake.’

‘If you think Lupin will fall for—’

‘Oh, I don’t think Lupin will fall for it,’ she smirks. ‘I know he will. He’s very predictable, you know? Because, after all—

As long as it is a beautiful woman…

Clearly, there’s a reason for your rescue.

‘—Lupin would do anything for a woman that has stolen his heart.’

The Cat Burglar’s eyes glimmer in melancholy, and you drown in the forgotten knowledge of her history with the Gentleman Thief, a story that has yet to be told but one that you have glimpsed through remarks and distant looks.

But, it makes sense. You can see why they would be together, and you smile bitterly.

‘You misunderstand,’ you shake your head. ‘I don’t have his heart. We are just partners. Were, actually.’

Do partners do what you did? The feeling still lingers upon you — alcohol flowing through your system as the world bent and twisted, painted in unfamiliar, yet not completely unknown sensations, painted in pleasure — and it won’t let go. Perhaps, that is precisely why you run; you want to get away from it all, from those memories, from that night, from that heist.

This was a mistake, you had murmured to yourself when you woke up the following day. And, you had left, right in the middle of the night, because the feeling was unbearable. It weighed on you like a dead horse, and you cannot carry that type of baggage with you. It is dangerous in the world where you now reside.

There is a noise, and you watch the man grab his communicator, pressing it against his ear. He frowns as he listens, and then he nods. When he puts the device down, you get the chance to finally see his smile.

‘The boss wants to see you.’

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

Nothing is ever a coincidence. Whoever tells you otherwise is a fool.

Those were the final words of your very first partner — because you didn’t know how venomous trust was, how dangerous partnerships could be. She hadn’t been your partner, but a puppeteer. And you, her new manikin. You were still an amateur, fresh in the Underground, which made you the perfect target for people like her. Now that you look back on it, she was as vicious as Mine Fujiko.

In the end, the heist that the two of you had been making plans for — or at least you thought you two were working towards the same goal — was meant to be hers all along. You were bait, soon to become dead weight, until you miraculously survived, until you came back to your hideout to find everything drained of life, abandoned.

You never saw her again, except for that piece of paper in the middle of the kitchen table.

That was your first and, you believed, your last partnership. From then on, you learned to work alone, to rely only on yourself and on your skills.

Yet, despite your attempts to put everything behind you, despite living through each and every day as individual and unconnected chapters, those words haunt you like a damn scourge.

Even now, as you sit on a velvet chair, nose even more bloodied after your first failed attempt in escaping wherever you are, staring holes into the elderly man in front of you, the words ring in your ears.

He says your name slowly, almost spelling it out, as his fingers remain laced together over his lap. ‘Let me just tell you, I’m so very sorry for my lack of focus. Had I known you were this beautiful, I wouldn’t have told my men to use force. Perhaps, that’s what made you such a delightful thieving partner to our dear friend Lupin III, no?’

‘Spare me the flattery,’ you snap, ‘because it’ll get you nowhere now.’

He smiles coldly, and you try to picture yourself in the future — free, and hands wrapped tightly around that wrinkled neck.

‘Such fire,’ he hums. ‘That is the beauty of youth, I suppose.’ He raises a hand, golden ring reflecting the fireplace to your right. ‘Ah, but pardon my manners. My name is Dominik Gazda.’ You blink in recognition. You had heard this name before, but from where? ‘I am a busy man, you see, but, most importantly, I am very impatient. So, allow me to get straight to the point.’

The man leans forward in his wheelchair, eyes sharpening. ‘Where is the Primer Rose Diamond that you have so gracelessly stolen from my friend Souza?’

You scowl. Everyone’s eyes are on you, and Fujiko tilts her head slightly from behind her boss. ‘As I told your men before,’ you begin, ‘I don’t know, because I don’t have it anymore.’ You hiss, mimicking him and leaning forward in your seat, feeling the tight rope around your wrists scratch against your skin as you test them subtly.

I have to get out of here…! For now, though, you must fight off the panic as best as you can.

Gazda heaves a deep sigh. ‘Well, that much I reckon is the truth,’ he says. ‘Yet, you know where it could be. You know where he is.’

Word travels fast in the Underground, surely you knew that already, you remember that conversation, turning your eyes away from the Czechman, instead finding yourself in a silent eye contest with Fujiko. They speak of nothing more than you and Lupin being partners.

‘I hate to disappoint you, but I don’t know where Lupin is. We worked, what, once? And, I haven’t seen him since.’

The boss leans back, silent.

‘There is another way, Dominik,’ Fujiko suddenly begins, walking up to the desk to sit on top of it, back to you as she looks deeply into his eyes, crossing her leg over the other. You raise your eyebrow at the use of his first name, but you are quick to remind yourself that this is kind of her thing — to be seductive and destroy them from within, leaving nothing behind. ‘We can use her as bait, and get Lupin to deliver the Primer Rose Diamond to you.’

I bet she will be coming here to take the diamond right back to him, Jigen is starting to make lots of sense, in this dire moment. You only wish, now, that the two of you would have gotten along better. After all, you haven’t given him any proof that you are untrustworthy or backstabbing — unlike the Cat Burglar.

You gulp as the silence grows, as the Japanese woman’s smile widens slightly in her lips, as Gazda looks between her and you. For a moment, you think that he will listen to her. But, even then, you doubt that Lupin would come to your rescue—

No, a part of you corrects you immediately. He would. He will. He has before, why wouldn’t he do it now?

Perhaps, you would be able to escape while he is yet to come.

‘Ne,’ the boss suddenly says. Everything suddenly stills. ‘I’m starting to think this young lady enjoys wasting my time, but I won’t let her go any further.’

Fujiko blinks, ‘What do you mean?’ You almost hear something in her tone, but you are lost in your thoughts, lost in panic.

Gazda laces his fingers together, watching you thoughtfully. Calculating, cold, and merciless eyes, that freeze your body and take your breath away. ‘I have no time for worthless things, Ms. Mine. I’ve told you that before,’ he turns to caress her cheek with his thumb. ‘I thought we shared that opinion?’

The thief looks at you from the corner of her eye. You meet hers in uncovered terror, as realization sinks in. Yet, you don’t know what is going through her head — and now isn’t really the time to worry about her feelings. Right now, you feel a phantom feeling; one that you haven’t quite experienced, but one that you know that he strives for.

As to confirm your thoughts, the Czech criminal boss tilts his head, smile widening, ‘I’m afraid that although her neck is far too pretty to be broken, and her eyes too beautiful to gauge out, my mercy can’t be extended to those who are undeserving of it.’ The grin disappears in a flash, rage burning behind those eyes, ‘So, I ask you, one more time — and you better make use of this last chance — where is Lupin?! Where is my fucking diamond?!’

Your mouth opens. Yet, you find yourself to be too weak to say anything. You have given him your answer, and nothing has changed from then to now. You remain blissfully unaware of Lupin’s whereabouts, despite his best attempts to reunite with you, and you keep dreaming of the Prime Rose Diamond’s glow and color in your hands, wishing that, perhaps, yes, Lupin was right when he said that it’d look pretty around your neck.

Better a diamond necklace than a rope.

‘I have already told you all I know,’ you say. ‘I’m being truthful. I haven’t seen Lupin since Brazil, and I haven’t kept tabs on him.’ You scoff shakily, ‘I was only hired to help. I’m only a lowly thief.’

‘Lowly thief,’ he echoes. ‘That much is true. But, I’m sorry.’ He claps his hands twice. ‘I don’t believe you.’

At once, the rope that keeps your hands behind your back, tied to the chair, is gone, and two men pick you up by either arm. You move to fight back, to get out of there before you can meet your Maker, until you choke, as a piece of a cloth presses roughly against your windpipe, pushing against it and pushing, and pushing pushing pushing—

‘Spi dobře, škůdce.’ Sleep well, pest, a little voice translates for you, before everything fades to black.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

When you open your eyes, you are locked in a cage. Everything is so dark, with the exception of the dimmest of lights you have ever seen on the outside wall. You can vaguely see the stone wall around it, and you think you hear the sound of water dripping somewhere around you. But, you aren’t sure.

No, because, when you move, you feel your skin bruised, your neck choked and the crawls of your ghosts. You immediately lean back against the wall, coughing. Someone has a fetish, huh, you think drily to yourself as you try to reach up to touch the cold lock around your neck, but you can’t even do that.

You are like a doll, chained to the wall to be admired. And, soon, if you don’t get out of Gazda’s hands, you’ll be a stringless puppet.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

Eating is the worst thing you have done.

You can’t do it on your own, not with your hands tied, not with your neck attached to the wall, so Gazda’s guards have to feed you themselves. There is nothing gentle about it, and oftentimes, when you refuse to eat, out of stubbornness and because you want to fight, because you want to kill them, they allow you to be empty-stomached. They let you go on for an entire day, if they so feel like it.

On the second day, when you refuse for the first time, you are left with a punch to the face — to your broken nose — and you scream in pain, and you scream to the skies above that you are going to get out of here, and you are going to make them pay, they’ll pay for this, pay, pay pay pay—

Gazda watches, instead, as they force a spoon of horrible stew down your throat.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

‘It’ll take place in two days,’ Fujiko tells you, from the other side of the cell. Her arms are crossed over her chest. You can’t see her expression clearly, but there is something that makes you chuckle.

‘So be it,’ you say slowly.

You try to imagine your escape, you try to recall the feeling of your daggers, and you try to picture the river of blood that you will create with Gazda and his army.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

The day of your execution comes.

You are surprised that Gazda has let you live for five days, considering that he looked so excited to see you die from strangulation, but something tells you that he had listened to Fujiko’s plan. We can use her as bait, and get Lupin to deliver the Primer Rose Diamond to you.

‘He isn’t coming,’ you tell Gazda when you are shoved into a seat in front of him, as he eats his dinner. Fujiko is sitting by the fireplace, reading a magazine. Everything appears so casual, as if you aren’t bleeding right in front of them, as if you aren’t malnourished (the steak looks so delicious, you could go for a bit of salad right now, and the water is tempting, so tempting, give it to me, give it to me give it give it), as if you aren’t fantasizing about his death in this very moment.

‘Perhaps,’ Gazda shrugs, and he grabs his glass of wine. ‘If not, then it’s your loss, miláček. I have the perfect place to bury little insects like you.’

‘Lupin will come,’ Fujiko says from the couch. ‘I made sure he would.’

Gazda looks up at you and studies your expression. His eyebrow twitches. ‘Although I have given you the best dress for someone of your caliber,’ he begins, ‘you still look awful.’

Oh, no, I wonder why, you roll your eyes. ‘Does it make any difference to you? I’m going to die, aren’t I?’

‘Death is the most beautiful stage in the circle of life,’ he shakes his head. ‘Even then, especially then, you should look like Aphrodite herself.’ He points at you with his fork, ‘Not like a beaten up puppy, with blood running down your face.’

‘Whose fault is that?’ You grit your teeth, only to hiss when someone slaps you. You turn to glare at the bodyguard, who tells you to watch your mouth. ‘If it bothers you so much, then let’s get it sorted out. You’re the boss.’

‘I just might,’ Gazda murmurs after a pause, and Fujiko raises her head from the magazine at his statement. ‘Someone, take her to the bathroom and clean her face. Call one of my wife’s assistants if you must.’

You are grabbed by your arms, wincing as your body trembles and struggles to stand. A man pulls you roughly against his side, acting like an escort and your own personal crutch, but you know better. ‘Wouldn’t you rather I did it, Dominik?’ Fujiko pouts, earning a chuckle from the Czechman.

‘Don’t get your hands dirty, dear Fujiko. That’s what servants are for.’

The door clicks behind you, and you find yourself in a silent hallway, curtains pulled and lightbulbs softly dimmed. It doesn’t surprise you that it is nighttime, but, somehow, it is welcoming. To go out like a star in the sky in the middle of the night… The dress is a waste, though.

‘Get going,’ the guard growls. You resist the temptation to snap at him, because you certainly don’t have the strength to fight him, to move on your own. You follow him, instead, across the hallway and into the closest bathroom. A communicator buzzes. ‘Can someone come up to the upper floor? I need someone to clean Her Highness.’

When you enter, the first thing you see is the mirror and oh god, your face.

You don’t recognize yourself. Not the hollow cheeks, visible cheekbones, pale skin, dried blood around your nose, which is bended beyond recognition. Your collarbone is exposed, and you see the bruises around your neck. You may look beautiful, but you lack spirit. You have been stripped of your confidence, your pride and your soul. You are soon to be hanged, but your life has long departed this world — as well as your hope.

You put your hands on the counter, leaning forward to look deep into your own eyes — to search for that fire that has kept you alive until then — but ultimately giving up. Gazda has compared you to Aphrodite, in your final stage of life, but perhaps you are the closest to Persephone — once full of life, now drained of it.

The door behind you opens, but you ignore it. Gazda can dress you up as much as he wants, he can paint you like a supermodel, but it doesn’t change the fact that you are going to die. It doesn’t make death any more pleasant. If only I could make us change places, you scoff.

‘Ready for the finishing touches?’ A voice grumbles behind you.

‘Whatever,’ you sigh.

You straighten your back, turning on your heels to face the assistant, when you fumble and fall. The man grabs you before you hit the ground, ‘You alright?’ He then curses under his breath, ‘Shit. You don’t look so hot, darling.’

‘That’s fine,’ you shakily reply. ‘I’m on my way to the death row, no point in worrying about appearances. Can’t you tell your boss that? That there is no point in dressing me up like a millionaire’s widow?’

The man is silent, before sighing. ‘Well, my partner would disagree with you.’ You pause. ‘In fact, I think, under different circumstances, he would have enjoyed seeing you like this a little bit too much.’

You raise your head, narrowing your eyes in confusion when you finally get the chance to glimpse upon the assistant’s face. You open your mouth in surprise, a choked sound leaving your throat, and your body begins to tremble. ‘What—’

Jigen gives you a quirk of his lips, ‘Don’t you look surprised? Do you really think, by now, Lupin would let you die?’ Clearly, there’s a reason for your rescue. ‘He’s not letting you go that easily, and I’m afraid I’m not allowing that, either.’

‘I thought you hated me,’ it slips out of your lips before you can help it, because, well, what else would he think of you, when he has continuously accused you of plotting behind Lupin’s back, of using him?’

The smirk fades away. ‘I’ve never said that. I expected you to pull a trick like Fujiko always does. That’s all.’ He sighs, ‘I may have been wrong about you.’ Before you can say anything, he stills you and looks deeply into your eyes, your reflection barely present in the lenses of his glasses, ‘We are getting out of here. You ready?’

God, you have been thinking of nothing but escaping this place — for so long that it has become a dream that you believed to be unachievable. You bite your lip, feeling tears burning in the back of your eyes, and you nod, unable to make a sound. Jigen just stares, for a moment, and then he straightens you.

‘Let’s go,’ he says firmly.

The guard stands with his back to the door, glancing down at his watch. When he hears the door open, he turns to look over his shoulder, only to gasp and fall to the floor, upon the impact of Jigen’s gun against the back of his head. ‘How did you know where to find me?’ You ask, unable to hide your curiosity.

Jigen escorts you down the hall, pulling you close to his side — just as the man before, but no longer as harshly. Despite his rough exterior, there is something gentle about guiding you away from your captor, as his left hand digs softly against your waist to keep you upright and the other holds his .357 Magnum.

He mumbles angrily under his breath, before he answers you, ‘Fujiko told us.’ You raise your head in disbelief. ‘When it became obvious that he wasn’t letting you go one way or the other, she called Lupin.’

‘She wants to use me as bait,’ you retort.

‘Yeah, that sounds like Fujiko.’

‘You’re telling me she had a change of heart?’

‘There’s usually a motive behind her changes of heart,’ Jigen shrugs, ‘but, I couldn’t tell you this time.’

If I were you, I’d stay clear of men like Lupin.

Lupin would do anything for a woman that has stolen his heart.

You gulp, and, when the two of you turn the corner, Jigen comes to a halt, freezing next to you. ‘Where the hell do you think you’re going?’ One of Gazda’s men snaps, leaning away from the wall.

‘Uh,’ Jigen suddenly fumbles with his words. I guess he wasn’t expecting this, you think. ‘I’m taking her to my station. Did you expect me to work on her in that hideous place?!’ The only hideous thing you can spot is the horrible low ponytail he has.

The man snorts, ‘You makeup artists are really something. But, yes, that’s what we did.’ Two more men appear, nearly out of nowhere — but you haven’t been paying attention, really.

‘Let’s get you back, shall we?’ Someone reaches towards you, and you react on instinct.

You lunge for their throat, nails scratching against their skin, and the two of you fall to the floor, reaching for a weapon — any weapon — that he may carry. The guards yell in surprise, moving towards you until they hear the sound of a weapon clicking. ‘I’m not going back. I’m not going back!’ You shout as you put his own knife against his neck.

‘You heard the lady,’ Jigen says, his weapon pointed towards the remaining two guards. ‘Why not be gentlemen and comply with her wishes?’

‘The boss would never let us hear the end of it,’ one replies, and a shiver appears to go down his spine. ‘You know how he is.’

‘None of my business,’ Jigen shrugs. ‘Let us through.’

‘Fine, fine!’ The man beneath you yells through pained breaths. ‘Just get this bitch off me!’

You nearly end his life right there and then for that alone, until Jigen calls out your name. You pause, scoff, and stand — even though you shake and nearly lose your balance, you keep looking down at the man as if he is nothing but a speck of dust, an insect.

When you begin to walk away, there is a sound. You don’t know what it is, but your bodyguard does. He turns in a flash, and three gunshots echo through the air. He watches as the bodies fall to the ground, and you cower from the sound, knowing what is about to come. ‘Fools,’ he says. ‘They should’ve taken that chance.’

Then, as the alarm roars through the building, the former hitman grabs you by the shoulders. ‘We’re on the third floor. If you keep running this way, you will find a stairway. Take it, and you’ll find a balcony right in front of you.’ With that, he pushes you lightly. ‘Now, go!’

In an instance, you run.

Slowly, yes, because you are in no condition for this type of getaway — or any, really — but you aren’t going to waste any second in this shithole anymore. You don’t know what awaits you on the balcony, if at all, but you believe Jigen and you believe that he is your savior, even if under Lupin’s request.

My partner, he’d said. Never boss.

You don’t know how this side of the house is completely empty, but you keep going. You rush down the stairs, having tossed away the painful shoes that Gazda has given you, and you find a dark hallway in front of you. It is ominous, and something feels… final, but you shove your feelings away and continue on your merry way.

The windows are uncovered in this section, for whatever reason. But, you follow the moonlight coming through. The balcony doors are right in front of you, your ticket to freedom, and you feel the emotions that you have been holding off crash within you, turmoil growing and growing, until it all snaps. The tears that you could barely hold minutes ago run down your face, and your pace increases, even if pained.

I’m going to be free, you think. I’m free. I’m free!

You open the balcony door, gasping for breath, sweat coating your forehead. There is nothing. Absolutely nothing. Nobody. But, you breathe in that air, you breathe in the freedom that awaits you. You are beginning to shiver, but you don’t care. You gaze towards the distance, spotting no light.

Completely isolated. As you had been in the beginning.

Before that day, before that party in France, before that heist.

Before Lupin.

You walk towards the railing, hands gripping it tightly in order to keep your balance. Your eyes never stray away from the horizon, nor the stars. You want to become one, you realize. You want to be gone from this godforsaken place, and be free, and shine as the lowly thief you have always been. Monsters like Gazda may exist, but they would never reach you.

Your name echoes in the night. You freeze, your awestruck expression falling into disbelief, before you lower your head. You’d recognize that face anywhere, that crooked smile. Your lips tremble, and you find, once again, unable to form words.

See? A part of you begins. I told you he’d come!

‘Lupin,’ you whisper, watching as he walks towards the light. He stands on the ground floor, staring up at you, still on the second-floor balcony. You cannot read his eyes, his mask, from this distance, but that is okay. You only want him closer. You want him to take you away.

Does this mean you are tagging along for our next adventure? Because I think I’m an excellent influence on you.

You’re a fool. A fool.

Yet, here you are.

‘I’m sorry I took so long,’ he apologizes, hands leaving his pockets and slowly stretching out to you. ‘It’s time to go.’

You nod once, then again, a smile finally breaking through that shock. Your hands on the railing grip, as if making sure that this is real. Your famine could be getting to you, you could be getting delusional and your dreams could have become illusions. How many times have you dreamt of your escape, being saved by Lupin? You nearly pinch yourself, too.

‘Yes,’ you say. ‘Let’s go.’

Then, time stops.

A burning feeling rushes through you, and your eyes remain fixed on the Gentleman Thief. You watch, instead, as the calm expression he carries shifts and morphs into one of terror, panic, and rage. All at once, and you easily spot those emotions in the split second that you recognize that you have been shot.

‘A pity,’ Gazda sighs. ‘You could’ve gone out like a star, but no. You chose this.’

Your hold on the railing weakens, and you feel your body tremble. You were already too weak, and the bullet seems to have been the cherry on top of the icing. You fall, hearing Lupin’s distressed call.

You hear a wire, and suddenly he is right next to you. His hands are on you, and you feel the blood leaving your new wound, you feel the bullet within you, but you decide to focus instead on his eyes. You have seen them so up close before, but now changes everything. As he holds you in his arms, bleeding out, as his eyes search your face and as they notice every single bruise and drop of blood on your body, as those eyes shift into something dangerous, you still.

You feel at peace. I don’t think I’ve ever loved someone this much before, in that moment of peace, that revelation feels like a bucket of ice. You gulp and reach for his blue jacket, gripping it as tightly as you can. Your mouth opens, you want to say something, but nothing is coming out. Only pained breaths, horrible sounds, and you can only watch as the thief’s eyes close, taking a deep breath.

‘You think I wouldn’t know that you’d come? That you’d try to get her away without so much as a drop of sweat?’ Gazda begins. ‘You are still young, thief. And that shows.’

He doesn’t look up to listen to Gazda. You don’t know if he’s listening. It’s just you and him.

‘I bet you haven’t even complied with our deal,’ he says. ‘I’ve asked you for the Primer Rose Diamond. I’ve waited for days, and only now do you show up. No diamond in sight, but, well, no girl to be saved, either!’

‘They don’t call me Gentleman Thief for no reason,’ Lupin interrupts him and finally turns to stare at him. His voice sounds so cold. You haven’t heard it like this before, and you want to reach for his face, you want to cup his cheeks and turn him back to you. Don’t look at him, you want to say. Ignore him. Stay with me.

‘I always keep my promises. One way or another.’ You hear something next to you, a low gasp, and suddenly you are picked up. You don’t know who does it, but you fight to keep your eyes open. Lupin slowly faces away from you, eyes hardened and dead serious. You blink and try to look up at the figure who is now holding you. You’d recognize that stoic expression anywhere.

‘Goemon,’ you whisper.

‘Save your energy,’ Goemon shakes his head.

Lupin searches his pockets. ‘You wanted the Primer Rose Diamond?’ He extends his hand out, elevating the diamond towards his eye level. ‘You wanted this piece of rock that badly?’

Gazda scoffs, ‘I wouldn’t expect a thief like you to understand—’

‘Then have it.’

The Czechman pauses. The guards next to him don’t stray their weapons from Lupin and Goemon, but they, too, seem to be on edge. ‘“Just have it”, you say.’

‘Yeah.’ Lupin just tosses it. It flies across the balcony, and Gazda just barely catches it, before it could hit the floor. ‘Have your diamond.’

Gazda stares down at the Primer Rose Diamond in disbelief, before a grin blooms across his face. ‘You do keep your promises, huh? That’s a surprise.’ He raises his head, hands tight around the jewel, ‘Now, about that—’

His head goes flying back.

You had barely noticed the movement — perhaps due to your state. You don’t think you have ever seen Lupin use his weapon, because you haven’t really seen this side of him. Something vicious, dangerous and destructive. The guards all but scream, taking aim before they fall to the ground, two figures behind them.

‘There you have it,’ Lupin drops his arm. ‘You got your diamond. Now, rot with it.’

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