Rhea could tell that her words had come out harsher than she’d intended but it hit the right notes and he’d done what she wanted. In public, the lawyer couldn’t show a bit of weakness and affection was nothing but. Especially with a man who had done the things that he had. Even though her words had the desired effect, it didn’t stop her eyes from sliding to where Eric buried his hands. Had they been alone, she would have welcomed the attachment.

A tiny part of herself wanted to go against everything she’d learned in her career, reach out and take his hand for the world to see but a larger part forced her hands to clench into tight fists. So that even if she wanted to or he attempted to hold them again, it would be unsuccessful. The clicking of her heels on the hard flooring seemed ridiculously loud in her ears.

“Don’t do this, Eric. Not here.” Her voice was soft so that it was only for the two of them. “We’ve had this discussion and I just can’t. Wait until we get to your place then you can hold my hand all you want, okay? Just. Not. Here.”

Maybe her voice was soft as if she was sweet-talking him, but in reality it sounded harsh to the thief. Just another scolding. He was the kid, and she was his mother. And he had done something incredibly stupid. Again. His teeth were gritted as they walked, gaze straight in front of him, sometimes on the tiles, sometimes moving past the people they were passing. Those were the moments when his mind could be found occupied with doubts.

"I heard that you are looking for work, yes?"

It was quite impressive that Green Heart learned of Rhea's infamous at the Leanbox Guild, clearing a A+ difficulty Exterminate quest without calling upon her for assistance.

"I happen to be undertaking a Guild Quest of my own, as a CPU+++ level quest was just posted. I could use some extra support, would you be interested in seeing this Nation's Goddess in Combat, in person?"

“Guess word travels faster than I thought.”

Rhea didn’t sound impressed. More like she was stating a fact. She leaned against her bike, one hand still smudged with grease, the other adjusting some cables. Rhea didn’t care much for titles, but she’d worked enough gigs to know when someone meant business.

“Yeah, I’m looking. Got room in the schedule, long as the job’s clear and the payout’s fair.”

She spoke plainly. No tension in her voice, but no real spark either. Just the tone of someone who’s done this a hundred times and will do it a hundred more, as long as it keeps her moving. “I don’t mind working support, and I’m not here to step on your title. If it’s clean work, I’ll take it. Just don’t expect me to hang around for the speeches.”

“Rule number one? Don’t die for someone else’s mess. I’ll clean it up, sure, haul it, guard it, bury it if I have to. But I’m not throwing myself on a grenade just because some corpo with soft hands overpromised and underplanned."