3, 2, 1 ─ GO

Some people are into that apparently and it does not surprise me-

         Ah, truly kind words I will thank her for. But sadly I don’t want to be nice, at least when it means to best you in teasing ya. ♡

         Then enlighten me on how should I compare your inability to keep yer hands to yourself in another way more… uh, subtle. Unless you want me to be creative. 

Asking Phantom R such thing as to not pry his nasty hands on something is like telling a fly to not land on someone’s food.

         ‘‘ Never though of you as an actual gentleman aside from looks. ‘‘ Another nudge towards trying to pick on his ego, his sincerity might have been enough to win a slight pout from the detective, but it was quickly hidden with a hand as attention drifts away from the thief. ‘’ I’d never let anyone down! Take that to heart, you bastard. ‘’

         ‘‘ – Fine, you pay. Make sure yer wallet is then packet because moi will make it suffer. ‘‘ A blank threat, but it was obvious from her tone how a blatant lie that is. Charlie might have the appetite of million beasts residing her petite frame, but right now all needed was a drink, perhaps a slice of cake or just a sandwich, nothing too fancy. Unless He’s the one craving to destroy the cafe’s kitchen… None of her business.  ‘‘ After that we really need to get on the work, in yer absence I found some info ya might like, Phantom R. Especially about the whereabouts of our target… Might have been ambushed too during that time because of… y’know, they are easily angered when meddling with their stuff but that’s a story to tell later. ‘‘ 

          “  absolutely offended, charlie. guess i really can’t win them all.  “

     laughter  resounds. raphael does not doubt her power to sweep him of every coin he has─charlie undoubtedly possesses an appetite to rival his own. ( somewhere in his mind, he wonders where their limits would be, should they try to out eat one another ) he takes her word in stride nonetheless, not once batting an eye to her threat. 

     his attention  is grasped as she continues speaking. scarlet brows arch & curiosity is alight ‘cross his features. every word he hangs onto, entices & intrigued by suggestion. it comes to no genuine surprise that charlie has made advances in her own investigation; she and her father respectively are ever diligent.  stubborn, as raphael would often phrase it.

fuck off?

         Ugh, his laugh only fueled a frown to arise, more so ‘cause of pettiness rather than actual anger. He’s infuriating, all his actions alone really didn’t help at all though the more time spent has appeased her patience even if a little tad. That’s progress, she guesses.

          ‘‘ Inviting me for a coffee? Huh. ‘‘ Now that has caught her attention and reeled a curious look as a hand flies to her lip thoughtfully, tapping a few times her cheek till she gives an accepting nod. ‘‘ But there’s no need to ya paying all of that, ‘s not like I cannot do that myself. And no, an offer from ya is more like accepting a deal with the devil. ‘‘ Teases, even a cheeky cackle dangerously bubbling out her lips.  

     & does  that smile spread. the thief, spectre to even the greatest minds in paris, is pleased; elated by affirmation of his request. a slender hand removes his hat & places it upon his chest, perhaps in an earnest display of his sincerity, and raphael beams.

          “  i knew you’d come around, charlie. you never let me down. besides─  “

     iconic hat  placed neatly upon his crown once more, honeyed eyes glint in the shadow of it’s brim. he continues, effortlessly as he does breathe.

         ‘‘ And give you the satisfaction of acknowledging yer existence? Nah. ‘‘ Ah but there’s a glint in her eyes actually saying otherwise, though is just as quickly gone as a annoyed scoff kicks in. ‘‘ But guess that’s true, but since ya were gone it’s ya turn to do the worst, no slacking. ‘‘ 

         Tsk. ‘’ … Yer absence was really noticeable. ‘’ Way to go subtle, detective.

     flabbergasted; mouth parted in faux disbelief as she retorts callously. his eyes flutter, a hand placed over his heart and he leans back─he feigns as if struck by a blow to more than his ego. yet a laugh arises. raphael is familiar with her attitude & finds appeal in the stubborn nature of his adversary. are they truly rivals? raphael wouldn’t openly suggest they weren’t, lest he be on the receiving end of a football. he corrects his posture, smile once more at the corner of his lips.

         ‘’ How unfortunate, it’s him. ‘’ Truce or not she’s still allowed to mourn her peace being destroyed by him, right? Why can’t he be stuck on a fence like that other time? He looked better that way.

          “  you didn’t miss me one bit? but, charlie, whoever else will help you sort through the mess that’s your old man’s office?  “

     a jest, writ well within the curl at his lips.