FILTERED NOISE.     almost too much,  to a creature that prefers the quiet.  yet,  while it can be a possible distraction, it also serves as a means to remain cloaked,  unseen in a world where there is too much to take in for the average citizen.   at least,  for the most part.  without preferred height on their side   (   or,  at least her side  )   she is all too agreeable to play it safe, to blend in    ;    at least,  until they can ditch the long coats  &  reach for their weapons.    with overwatch reactivated,  there was no telling what agents were nearby,  if any.  &   it wouldn’t do to spoil the fun too quick,  would it   ?   

 a practiced smile blossoms across her mouth   (  violet pigmentation masked just enough in the rainy overcast,  tinting everything gloomy,  grey   )  before she turns into him,  effectively hiding both herself  &  him from the zoom of the street’s camera that moved in their direction                        far too interested,  in her opinion.   but whoever was watching would,  no doubt, become disenchanted by whatever they thought they saw,  in lieu of tourists in a spontaneous romance.  even if that was hardly the case .  (   her instincts on performing had to be good,  after all,  for that rescue mission to work    ;   even if it was a failure  ).  

 ❝                    juste semblant.     ❞       a reminder,  but a warning of what was to come, too.     it wouldn’t do for her lover to recoil from her kiss,  after all.  even if it was a hollow thing,  cold   &   dead    (  just as they were,  in many ways  ).   a worthy imitation to anyone who wouldn’t know the difference,  didn’t know the truth   ;   that she was just going through the motions,  chasing a memory with false passion.  

 gone,  but not entirely forgotten.  ❝       this time,      ❞     an cool exhale,  the pads of her fingers bunching into course fabric,  unwavering determination evident,  even in that hushed voice.     ❝     this time we do not leave empty handed.      ❞