hide & seek

Reyna Archer. Con Artist. Crimsons. 33.

[emiliaclarke]

[drkeminity]

Location: High Note

Open to: anyone!

Victoria stood on stage at High Note, her heels tapping as she mentally ran through the setlist. The club was quiet, but the energy was already building in her. This was her time to prep, to get in the zone before the crowd arrived.

She squinted at the harsh overhead lights and called up to the booth, "Bobby, can we dim the house lights for the 'Missing You' number?" As the lights softened, she noticed a figure standing at the edge of the club. Her hip jutted out instinctively, a teasing smirk playing on her lips as she met their gaze.

"You know, you’re better off coming back later tonight," she called down. "That’s when the songs really hit." She stepped off the stage, grabbed her water bottle, and took a long swig, still eyeing the other.

"You looking for Ludovica?" she asked, a playful edge to her voice. "She probably won’t be in until much later, if at all."

[reynaxarcher]

The club was Serpent owned, and Reyna had to give it to them. At least in this one case they had some taste. Perhaps even diamonds could be discovered amongst lesser precious stones. One of the guys who worked in the jazz band owed her some money from a job she had helped him out with a week or so ago and when he was hard to reach due to the substances he seemed to consume after work, Reyna had decided to show up and finally get what he owed her. But when she had walked in, she saw a woman on stage clearly practicing for the day. Reyna herself had an okay job, and watching the woman reminded her of the talent scout job her father and her had pulled when she around 10 through malls in Illinois. Maybe in another life she could have done something with singing on stage. She did have a flair for showmanship since most of her life had been acting of some kind. "Seth actually." She called to the woman, a smirk on her lips. "But he can wait for a moment. I wanted to see the show first."

[unseriousassassin]

Tae-oh leaned back against the couch, throwing Reyna a sideways grin, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “You really want to fight me on this, huh?” he teased, popping the last bit of his snack into his mouth before tossing the empty bag aside. “Fine, fine. Women can be just as ruthless, I’ll give you that. But you’ve got to admit, hitman just rolls off the tongue better than ‘hitwoman’.” He chuckled, his fingers drumming lightly on his leg, considering her point for a moment. “Honestly, you might be onto something there,” he continued, tilting his head as he lazily looked her over. “Maybe ‘contract killer’ is a bit more neutral, but it just doesn’t have the same edge, you know? Doesn’t quite hit the same impact.” He gave her a devilish smile, leaning forward a little, watching her with an amused glint in his eyes. “But then again, you do make a damn good case. What if we start calling it ‘hired gun’ just to make everyone uncomfortable?” He raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the playful back-and-forth. Tae-oh had a way of making things sound like a game, even when they probably weren’t. His smirk never left, and his energy was always unpredictable. He wasn’t wrong, but Reyna had a way of making him think about things from a different angle. He respected that about her. Hell, he might even let her win this little verbal sparring match. For now.

[reynaxarcher]

Reyna raised one brow at Tae-oh as he placed the challenge between them. "Like I've ever been afraid of you." She scoffed. Besides, he should know by now that she was a formable foe. How many people had he seen her best just by running cons? Some of them he had even been involved when she needed another person. "We can be just as dangerous, if not more." She reminded him once more since he was still being stubborn about that point. "It only sounds like it rolls off the tongue to you more because that's what you are used to." She rolled her eyes. The English language had a funny way of sounding right or wrong and most of it was because of the collective agreement and silly rules they all made. "Just like tick tock sounds better than tock tick. It's not because it is wrong, but because we all agreed it is one way." But when he gave her one, Reyna sat up on the couch, looking over at him with a smug grin. "I like contract killer. It sounds more important, and we all know how much you like to feel important." She pressed her tongue against her teeth in a teasing manner and grinned at him. "Hired gun works too, and I do enjoy seeing you make people uncomfortable."

[illlogic-s]

location: a coffee shop near uptown ( morning )  OPEN ( 1/5 )

“—this tastes disgusting.” And really, he should have known better than to try it. Straying away from his usual order to sample their signature matcha was a choice he was chalking up to being nice on the account that the barista conned him with an easy smile and an offer he couldn't refuse, all starting with the line of, Can I interest you in something new? Now all he could taste was grass, like something earthy was stuck against his tongue and was refusing to go away. “And people actually drink this?” JB felt his tongue swipe against his lip at the question, the hand at his side itching to reach up and just wipe off whatever was left lingering. “C'mon, I'm getting back in line. I need something with espresso,” And stat. “and this tastes offensive, so. You need anything?”

[reynaxarcher]

Coffee choices always revealed a lot about a person. Coffee versus espresso. Tea versus coffee. Sweet? Lots of cream? Black? She’d been raised to make such observations that it was second nature. And the man next to her visibly disgusted by his matcha tea drink told her somethings about this man. He wasn’t afraid to try new things, but he wouldn’t shy away from fighting and rebuking the offending thing. A good thing to know with a mark. She gave him a polite smile, slipping into a shy but sweet persona. Her eyes widened in a classically Disney-esque manner at his offer and she smiled. “You’d buy me a drink? You don’t have to, but that’s so sweet! I’ll take a chai latte if you’re offering. But please, let me get you back in some way. It’s only fair.” Her demeanor was sweet, so genuinely kind. Even if she had no end goal with this man, it was second nature to her to slip into some kind of persona.

[unseriousassassin]

closed starter @reynaxarcher // crimson hangout

The worn couch was as good a place as any to kill time between jobs. For a Crimson, the work was never really done. Tae-Oh lazily tossed a ball into the air, catching it over and over as boredom gnawed at him. It wasn’t late enough to crash at his sort-of roommate’s place, and he had zero motivation to get up, even though his restless mind itched for something to do. “I get why they call it a hitman,” he mused aloud to no one in particular, letting the ball rest in his hand. “Statistically, men are more likely to kill—sure, makes sense. But hitwoman? That’s just clunky. Doesn’t roll off the tongue. Why couldn’t they come up with something better?” He frowned, tossing the ball again. “Assassin’s cool, but way too formal. Like, I’m not out here signing contracts with a wax seal or something.”

[reynaxarcher]

Reyna had always felt like an outsider in the Crimsons. She'd been a relatively more recent addition, only pulled in through the smaller con group she had been with before. Liam's cold ignoring since that day had only heightened that feeling. It was hard to believe she had only gotten him to start talking to her once more recently. So, she often did not hang out around the Crimson's hangout. Except, Tae-Oh had texted her, asking her to join him most likely out of boredom. Reyna laid on the opposite couch across from him, wondering if she could convince him to let her go home or to join her so they could go somewhere comfier. "That's very sexist." She scoffed, looking over at her friend. Her affectionately known work husband. "Women are still statistically just as likely to kill. In fact some of the most prolific serial killers have been women. We are far more efficient." She looked over at Tae-Oh, daring him to insult her whole gender again. "You know why it's called hitman, right? Because some man killed someone for a job and thought he invented something so he named it that to only cut it out for himself and other men." Perhaps not entirely true, but she was willing to bet she wasn't that far off. "Contract killer? Hired gun?" She offered other options.

[blcodthirst]

@reynaxarcher

LOCATION: the alibi FOR: reyna archer

𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐒 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐘 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 at a loss for words; those who were closest to him knew that. with luca's reappearance in his life, the raid on the ghost riders, the death of freddie's father -- something was telling him to just pack his bags and run as fast as his legs could carry him. perhaps his mistake had been keeping his birth name. but, he knows he needs someone to talk him down. face it all. he and reyna had their differences -- but there were times where they were extremely like-minded. thus, his gentle smile as he watches her enter the alibi. " hey, rey. " he eventually speaks, placing the glass he was polishing to the side before gesturing for her to find a seat. it was a rather desolate evening, leaving them the room to talk freely. " how've you been? considering your messages in the chat... i'm somehow glad that someone is just as thrown off by all this as i am. "

[reynaxarcher]

When the attack had happened, Reyna had held her tongue. She had silently and privately grieved for Remi. He'd been a friend, and yes a hookup, but someone she held a basic level of fondness for. He had been her friend and someone she still spoke to up until a week or two ago when Miray finally decided what side she was going to put the Crimsons on. That short amount of time hadn't been enough for her to cut him out or to make the pain any less when facing his loss. One moment he'd been here and the next he was gone. She had even snuck into his funeral, staying off on the edges with her head down. But her grieving had all been private. Away from her fellow Crimson members and everyone else. But when Miray had decided to make fun of the dead, to disrespect Remi's memory and treat his death as a joke Reyna had seen red. She could have been so worse, her comment had been respectful in a manner even if speaking out against her precious leader in a public sphere had been disrespectful to a degree. But seeing how Liam had rushed to defend Miray, even when it was just the two of them had hurt. Seeing him all but kiss the ground the leader walked on, as if simply because she was a leader she could do no wrong and Reyna had no validations to her argument or emotions had hurt her more than she could admit. There once had been a time when Liam had her back. But now she could see those times were gone. She thought she'd been alone in her shock and disgust at the way their leader acted. Until Elias reached out and asked to meet. Reyna slid into the bar stool, already having given the place and the few patrons a clocking when she walked in. "Hey." Reyna greeted. "I'm just glad there is someone who feels similar who isn't drinking the Kool-Aid." Reyna muttered, still feeling raw from the whole ordeal. "Why weren't you a part of the hit?"

[reynaxarcher]

WHO: Miray Aslan @mirayaslan LOCATION: One of the balconies

Remi was busy, not that Reyna blamed him. The sight of one of his own switching sides to the enemy in such a bold and dramatic way was certainly the highlight of the night so far. But Reyna would be stupid if she thought that was the only surprise the night had to offer. The tension that had been present before now only was amplified. Something was going to happen. So while her date was busy, Reyna took advantage of one of the empty balconies to smoke. This waiting was hell. Reyna's methods had always been to be ahead of the heat, to go in, play her mark and get out before anyone got wise. She hated this waiting. So as she exhaled, she heard heels behind her and Reyna half thought sending whoever it was away. "I don't have any to bum, this was the last of the pack." She lied smoothly over her shoulder.

[mirayaslan]

The whole evening although it was entertaining it was also a lot and Miray eventually got to the point where she needed a breather. Too many Serpent and Society members were looking to speak to her and she quickly grew tired of it. Miray looked over to Reyna when she spoke, moving to lean against the railing. “I’m good I don’t smoke, you can keep them to yourself. I came out here for some fresh air and space from the vultures inside that room. Are you enjoying your night so far? I know it’s early and nothing too exciting has happened yet.”

[reynaxarcher]

ENDED AND HEADCANONED

[wcrstnightmare]

𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐀 𝐂𝐀𝐍'𝐓 𝐋𝐈𝐄, 𝐈𝐓 did hurt to leave reyna behind. but, what if she knew? what if she had been complicit in her father's greed? even when veronica had known about the ghosts in her father's closet, there was not a loose tie undone. she had remained quiet, of course, because he was her father. the only parent she knew, from the very second her mother decided she didn't want to be a mother anymore. " oh no, i was simply doing what one might call a return to sender. " she replies bluntly, sipping from her drink. mr. miller, the one who she had once regarded to be a second father in her own's stead was the reason he had to leave his daughter behind. all because he didn't want to be in a partnership anymore. the realization had taken what was once a sweet young girl and turned her into the shark she was today. because if your family can so easily betray you, who's to say the rest of the world won't? thus, she simply makes damn sure that there will never be another opportunity. " since your father put one in mine first. " her father had already served years when she found out. had he even known? she'll never forget the look in his eyes, as he was dragged from their home. the hurt. frankly, she had simply been tired of everyone trying to shelter her from everything. she had been just fine all on her own. " bet he's happy now, having everything all to himself. "

[reynaxarcher]

Reyna still remembered the day Veronica left her behind. When she had done everything for her after both their fathers ended up in prison. She had taken her in so that the system wouldn't. Barely an adult herself but at least 18 she took on finishing raising her cousin. Only for her to turn around one day and leave her with nothing but insults of betrayal with little sense to be made. "Return to sender? Funny, I don't remember doing anything to stab you in the back. In fact, I only remember raising you when we were left alone." Reyna's voice was sharp, the pain having sliced her edges into nothing but thorny edges. Hearing her blame her father, the man who had raised both of them again made Reyna shake her head. "What did my dad ever do to yours? He took you in, Veronica!" Disgusted by this game they kept playing, Reyna wondered if she'd ever get her cousin - the girl she had once considered a sister back. "Oh, yes. I'm sure he's very happy in his cell. He only has about 50 years left. He's just ecstatic."

@rcsesnoir

[letthefairyinyoufly]

[liamjarcher]

Reyna ➝ Liam

Reyna: We have to respect our own leader, Liam. Maybe I should have said what I said in the private Crimsons chat, but how do you think it makes us looking when Miray makes a joke out of his life and death when we are responsible for killing him in public? Liam: You mean Miray? If you needed to say something like that it should of been done between the Crimsons. She's the leader, if she chooses to make a joke it isn't our place to correct that where the enemy can see. You've got to know how that looks to people outside of us, that's how they find a weakness.

[reynaxarcher]

Reyna: Yes. Her. And I don’t think she should make a joke of the dead. You’ve got to know how that looks to people outside of us, her making a joke like that. Even that D’Amiano girl noticed it too.

[reynaxarcher]

Reyna ➝ Liam

Reyna: We have to respect our own leader, Liam. Maybe I should have said what I said in the private Crimsons chat, but how do you think it makes us looking when Miray makes a joke out of his life and death when we are responsible for killing him in public?

[moody-money-deactivated20250125]

closed starter: @reynaxarcher

location: gala main room - some back wall

Donovan couldn’t wait for the evening to be over. He despised formal events. The tailored suit he wore felt restrictive, even though it fit him perfectly. The lavish surroundings felt alien to him—his finances were stable, but he had no desire for the kind of luxury everyone here seemed obsessed with chasing. The event’s charitable cause was its only redeeming quality, though it seemed more like an excuse for the wealthy to pretend they cared about the less fortunate. Leaning against the wall with a frown that likely made him appear unapproachable, he glanced at a passing guest. “Do I look as thrilled as I feel?” he asked dryly.

[reynaxarcher]

Even if she wasn't working the room tonight, Reyna still was in the habit of reading everyone else. A smart woman knew exactly who was in the room with her, who were the marks and who were the threats. And the man standing against the wall was one of those in the gray area, a mark who under the right pressures could be a threat. But, Reyna took pity on the man. After all, Reyna was bored and he did look good in that suit, even with his sour mood. She approached with two whiskeys, chuckling at his greeting. "Oh, you look ecstatic." She offered him one of the drinks. "Careful not to have too much fun, this is for charity and should have some degree of somberness. I can't have you showing up the rest of us with your excitement."

[liamjarcher]

status: closed | @reynaxarcher location: holiday gala

"How long are you going to hover before coming over?" He questioned before taking a sip from his drink and shrugging his shoulders. He'd gone back to avoiding her after her drop in the other night, part of him still wondering how she found his new apartment in the first place. He wasn't heartless — not completely so her injury was in the back of his mind once he saw her. "How are those stitches holding up?"

[reynaxarcher]

"Ah he speaks." The words tumbled from her lips with the signature smirk of hers, though they both knew it was an act. Reyna had been watching him through the night, tracking his movement to see if he'd acknowledge her this time. Usually she knew she'd be dead to him, but after he stitched her up that night, she wondered if things could change. Even a little. Reyna walked up to him now, meeting his gaze as she took in his current state. "They are doing well, thanks. Healing quickly and I should be able to take them out in a few days." She nodded, her hand moving to the shoulder under the sleeve of her dress. "Who knew you'd become a doctor too."

[wcrstnightmare]

@reynaxarcher

LOCATION: the plaza hotel, evening. FOR: reyna archer.

𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐀 𝐇𝐀𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐃 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 to believe that the woman she had become was an act a long time ago. only a couple years out from law school, and she was already one of the most well-respected and well-paid attornies in new york city. she did that. with no help from anyone else. thus, she was able to hold her head high, roll her shoulders back -- and it was her natural posture. but there was one person in this world who had known the young girl she had fought to hide -- shroud in everything she could until she was invisible. while veronica appears to be statuesque amidst the crowd -- mid-conversation with a former client, her eyes are soon taken by a familiar figure behind him. her focus returns to the conversation just as quickly. but when she sees her again, she knows she needs to run. perhaps a brisk walk, for appearances sake. she's always been quick enough, evading instances like these with the ease of a feline -- but it is she who knows her every move. perhaps better than she knows herself.

" i ran for a reason, reyna. " she eventually murmurs curtly. they're still in public, thus the volume of her voice. even though her care for even that notion is hanging by a thread. " so, i'll go back to being a ghost. it's easier for the both of us. " and while he use of the age old term if i may sits along her tongue, she opts for finality instead.

[reynaxarcher]

Well, now this was a surprise. Reyna knew that Veronica was in New York City and had known for a while, though their paths rarely crossed. When she could, Reyna kept tabs on the woman she used to consider a sister. The woman who had once been the only person she could ever have counted on in this world. But it seemed loyalty only run so deep. Reyna spied her across the gala, talking to someone in an expensive suit she didn't recognize. Their eyes met and Reyna knew Veronica couldn't hide from her this time. Her feet carried her to the woman before she could stop herself or understand the consequences of dragging up this old bad blood. "You made that very clear when you left." Reyna's voice was measured, lacking any emotion. Her gaze took in the woman before her, the confident young woman she had grown up into that the photos of her didn't do her justice. "Is it? I never said this was easy. You did this because it was easier on you, to run away like you did. Anyway, I wanted to return you the knife you left in my back. Can't leave a woman without her tools."

[jnnniferlawrence]

Phoebe Buffay being a mood since S01E01 gifset by me

[reynaxarcher]

WHO: Miray Aslan @mirayaslan LOCATION: One of the balconies

Remi was busy, not that Reyna blamed him. The sight of one of his own switching sides to the enemy in such a bold and dramatic way was certainly the highlight of the night so far. But Reyna would be stupid if she thought that was the only surprise the night had to offer. The tension that had been present before now only was amplified. Something was going to happen. So while her date was busy, Reyna took advantage of one of the empty balconies to smoke. This waiting was hell. Reyna's methods had always been to be ahead of the heat, to go in, play her mark and get out before anyone got wise. She hated this waiting. So as she exhaled, she heard heels behind her and Reyna half thought sending whoever it was away. "I don't have any to bum, this was the last of the pack." She lied smoothly over her shoulder.

[lucaxcortez]

Luca rolled her eyes when she heard that sweet southern accent. They always annoyed her. Then again most people annoyed her in general. "I don't need your help," Luca said as she looked at the taller girl, most people were taller than her, as she was only five feet. Her eyes dropped down to the wallet, "And I don't need his petty cash either, it won't make a dent in my account." Luca let the wallet drop to the floor, not bothering to try and catch it.

[reynaxarcher]

Despite how much of her was wrapped in lies and deceit to fit who she needed to be for each situation, Reyna was still a girl's girl. Maybe the girl could have handled herself, but Reyna wasn't going to do nothing. "Do you see all the security crawling this place?" Reyna asked instead, her gaze not scanning the room. "You break a finger, you get escorted out of here so quickly and I doubt you'd want that." If she was here, she had to have a reason for being here. Reyna couldn't have her good mood dashed though. She shrugged, bending down to pick up the wallet. "Well, have fun with that. I'm going to go order some new shoes and anything else I want until he has no money left, all while not touching my own account." Reyna knew you could have all the money in the world and spending someone else's was half the fun. Turning, she walked away.