Bright Lights, Bad City [Vio]

[Jess]

Teeheehee, this looks like fun~?

Mimi Monroe

Oh, it's surprisingly lively, isn't it~? Only making herself look like more of a tourist as she searched around herself with her palm atop her brim and a big old grin on her face, Mimi Monroe was mor than a little excited to note that the so-called 'Serine City' was full of hustle and bustle even in the middle of the afternoon, and as such can't help but feel her zeal swelling by the potential she saw around her.
Mother said it didn't really wake up until nightfall? Lucky enough to have arrived earlier in the day by ferry and deciding to spend a few days and setting herself up in a cosy little hotel soon after, the girl with the gleaming green gaze could readily remember all the things that her matriarch told her about the glitz and glamour of the place that she now found herself, and could hardly wait for the sun to go down because of that since the rumour was things only got better here in the dark. If one could call it that of course, in a bright jewel of a city like this.

I wonder if I should take in a show before I hit the casinos? Hearing plenty about the place in fact from both her magnificent mother and the patrons of the cabaret club where she had whiled away so many hours of her youth, Mimi knew that it had always been the dream of many of their performers to strike it big and get taken on for a show in this bustling 'big time' city, and as such she couldn't help but wonder how the place compared to the where she had come from.
Good job I'm feeling lucky! And I've got about five years worth of tips and allowance to spend~! Smirking as she could only speculate on how it might usurp the splendour of the Smiling Swan lounge, the fair femme was left to wonder if she should hit up the sights and the stars to see if she can spy a familiar face or whether she should try her hand at the tables and such right from the get go, and as such found herself torn between both choices as she lingers on the corner of busy intersecting causeways.

Let's see… Heads, or- For that reason reaching into her purse and producing her lucky coin to decide on her next course of action, Miss Monroe rested the item upon her thumb and then flicks it as high into the air as her dainty but deft digit could manage, and watched the coin arc into the sky and begin to fall back down before suddenly it seemed her eye and interest was needed elsewhere.
“Whoa!” Unable to complete her act after all as something seemed to suddenly wrench at her arm and the beryl eyed beauty finding herself thrown off balance because of that fact and her current preoccupation, all too readily does she stumble forward and drop down to one knee because of the rough action, and then look up to see something she really hadn't expected; someone was running away with a purse that looked just like hers! What a coincidence…

### words

Drifting Flower

@tag

	Post Summary
	Having arrived on Amino earlier in the day, Mimi is a little spoiled for choice over what she should do in the Serine City first. Torn between the casino and a show, she opts to flip a coin to decide. Unfortunately interrupted as she does so, she stumbles as something seems to collide with her and wrench her to one knee, before noticing a figure running away with a bag just like hers…

[Vio]

^{Marlus #1}

---

I’ve got to give it to them, they’re not easy to track… Daylight hours served their purpose to some, but not to others. Caine Marlus had spent a fair few days, nay weeks roaming the streets and parlours of Serine City, doing his utmost to blend in with the common crowds, gather information, and get a feel for what he was seeking. Unlike the masses of tourists who flocked here, he wasn’t here to gamble his life’s savings away at local casinos or to lounge about in the company of handsome hosts or beautiful hostesses. Nor did he come to share in the shady side of Amino’s underworld, though that was closer to his purpose.

A man of six and three, sleek and moderate of physique with a typically fairer complexion expected of denizens of the North Blue, he walked the streets and alleys again this afternoon in search of his quarry. Lengthy hair of dark purple hung aside his face and across his shoulders, tied loosely at the back to keep it from being blown into his eyes, defined by its deepest dark roots and chalky tips. His softly squared jawline and blend of smooth yet sharp features gave him a rather distinct visage, further accentuated by hawkish hues that passively scanned every street corner. Black trousers and a soft green shirt formed a rather simple attire—nothing standoffish nor outlandish in comparison to the veritable mix of wardrobe choices that others tended to pick out.

A few hours yet until sunset, I’d best not rush– It was in that moment that his ears, not his eyes, caught something. A second or two longer than he would have liked to process what he was hearing actually worked in the archer’s favour as his footsteps halted just out of sight of a sidestreet’s entrance, between some standard storefronts where nobody would care much if he feigned window shopping.

“…And it doesn’t seem she’d be missed,” said a man’s voice, hushed but not quite enough to elude his ears. Call it paranoia, but every spoken word was worth something. “Should be an easy enough job after last time.”

^{“F*¢<,” a second cussed:
“You have to remind me?”}

^{“What does he do with ‘em anyway?”}

^{“Well, I’m not entirely sure, myself,” said the first:
“Some of the boys mentioned the ‘Bird Collector’, but…”}

This is too much of a coincidence, Marlus thought, continuing on to the next sidestreet when he was sure the men weren’t going anywhere. The subtle scent of cigarette smoke in the air was enough to suggest they were enjoying a break out of sight, giving him more than enough time to get a better vantage. Ducking into a nearby alley, he walked deep enough before kicking himself into the air—and then again off the air—to softly land upon the rooftop. Swift but quiet movement got him into position, the slowly declining sun favouring an angle so that his shadow wouldn’t raise the alert. From his back he drew his bow and softly knocked a blunt-headed arrow on the off-chance he needed to act.

Three of them? Easy enough in a fight if I get the jump on them, but I’d rather trail them… Eyes cautiously analysed the thugs as he continued to eavesdrop. They were rough in look, stubbly and uneven, but surprisingly well-dressed for the average street brute. Though, Serine City was a deceptively rough place. I’ve never heard of this ‘Bird Collector’, but they’re definitely talking about someone else with influence, he contemplated, making a mental note to do some additional digging into an unknown name at a later date…

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Post Synposis:—}
<sub>The vigilante Marlus seeks information on his latest sting, taking up a rooftop perch as he eavesdrops on what he believes to be the grunts of his prime target.

Notes:— None.</sub>

---

Caine Marlus | #8b008b
Grunts [NPC] | #cccccc | #888888 | #444444

[Jess]

Teeheehee, this looks like fun~?

Mimi Monroe

I can't believe we… Hey! Thankfully seeming no worse for wear even after her fall and instead Miss Monroe appearing to be more interested in the simple coincidence between herself and the small shape having the same bag, in all honesty she was so tickled by that fact that she couldn't help but want to catch up to him and highlight that fact, but as she reached for the item that should have been hanging from her shoulder, the girl with the green gaze realized she had quite a different reason to run him down.
“H-He…” Pulling her arm across and finding the strap of her purse entirely absent and the rest of it invisible as well, the fair fox looked between that void and the figure running ahead of her in disbelief for a moment or two, but as the runner looked behind him and flashed a grin her way she had all the motivation she needed to kick herself into overdrive.

“He took my bag!” Lurching forward as if she had been a coiled spring as she lingered there on knees and palm and then rushing forward with a sense of urgency she hadn't expected she would need in a locale like this one, though Mimi would have been unlikely to move forward with any kind of record breaking pace she still had plenty of fleetness in her feet and grace in her heels to boot, and for that reason despite her inauspicious start all too quickly was she dashing down the cobblestones with all the elegance of a gazelle or antelope. At least when it came to everything from the neck down.
“Get back here!” Unfortunately everything above this seeming to have turned a beet colour that far surpassed the shade of bubblegum in the ribbon she was wearing in terms of rosiness, the vision of the vixen was wild and filled with a sense of wildness, while her cheeks appeared inflated with rather bulbous pockets of air in spite of her attempt to draw air into her lungs.

My money's in there…! All this born from desperation or perhaps a mix of that and sheer outrage at the act of the plundering urchin, Miss Monroe knew that her bag was the lifeline she needed to enjoy her time here or even survive it, and for that reason she wasn’t about to give it up without a fight. Both metaphorically and literally, in fact.
And my room key! Tempted to even unleash the abilities beyond the speed her long and lunging legs could carry her because of that but conscious of the people around her as well, in spite of her desire to level with the lad before she lost sight of him she couldn't help but remember that all it took was one misplaced spark to set a storefront or even someone's dress ablaze, and so she would be forced to rely only on meat and the mechanics wrought by it. That was, at least until they got somewhere a little quieter, right…?

### words

Drifting Flower

@tag

	Post Summary
	Realizing her mistake and recognising the theft, she lunges forward to chase the theif. Concerned about the collateral damage if she used her devil fruit powers in a busy street like this, instead she uses only her human sprinting and natural gymnastic skill to try to catch him up, reserving her special abilities for emergency or quieter surroundings…

[Vio]

^{Marlus #2}

---

From his perch, Caine Marlus watched and listened, tempering his breathing and keeping himself still and steady, yet ready to bounce at a moment’s notice. The men seemed to be sharing little more than idle conversation at this point, steering their conversation in a far more casual direction which—while pleasant enough—was also somewhat frustrating to the vigilante as he’d hoped to vulture some tangible information. However, as they finished their smokes and seemed to begin to make a move, things went south.

“Outta my way!” Another man, far from matching the aesthetic of the rest, came stampeding around the street corner and down the alley in a frenetic dash. He had something under his arm, though the ex-Marine couldn’t get a proper look at what it was from his current aviary angle. What he did see, however, was the group he was targeting scarper as the stranger came barrelling through, scattering in all directions instead of moving as a unit.

^{Damn… Marlus tensed:
Which do I trail…?}

^{“Get back here…!”}

…? Another momentary distraction, this time in the form of a young woman’s voice on the approach, gave the gloomy hunter a moment of lucidity to the events transpiring. Hawkish hues glanced back at the intruder, realising that the package he held under arm was stolen goods—a purse. A coin had already been flipped, but heads or tails was a choice he had to make. Focus on ‘now’, Marlus: You’ll get another shot, he chided himself as he wrestled his own reasoning out of its indecision and fired himself into gear. A combat roll sent him careening off the rooftop at an angle, using a dulled Moon Step to adjust his descent and orientation as he drew the arrow back.

SPOILER: Click to show

{

^{Impact Shot…
“Innvirkning Skudd…”}

}

_{Marlus notches an arrow with a blunt, heavy head. This arrow is designed to deliver concussive force, as opposed to his usual piercing shots, with the intent of disarming opponents or incapacitating them with minimal risk of severe injury.}

Thwop– Smack! The arrow released, the blunted projectile descended upon the thief and struck true, aimed for the lower shin as his leg reached forward for his next step. An experienced bowman, Caine’s missile struck true, prompting a pained noise to escape the robber’s mouth and nose as he tripped over himself and rolled to a halt, purse still in the clutches of one hand as he nursed the point of impact with the other. At the absolute worst the bone would have a minor fracture, at best he’d be hobbling away shortly, but for now he had to look up at the now grounded gentleman.

^{“Afff! Wh– Who are you?!”}

^{“…I know times are trying,” the vigilante motioned:
“But there’s better options… Now. Go return it…”}

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Post Synposis:—}
<sub>As Marlus watches and listens, the moment is interrupted by a thief on the run, whom Marlus decides to cut off as his original targets scatter.

Notes:— None.</sub>

---

Caine Marlus | #8b008b
Mimi Monroe | #f29e79
Grunts [NPC] | #cccccc | #888888 | #444444

[Jess]

Teeheehee, this looks like fun~?

Mimi Monroe

He's pretty quick, I'll give him that…! Panting a little as she flung her feet forward at full pelt in an attempt to catch up to her mugger before they had the chance to escape with her belongings, Miss Monroe drew the back of her hand across her brow as she felt the dew of exertion building upon it and then narrowed her green gaze to hone in on her target, before glancing around herself to see just how well they were doing in escaping the mobs of people that they had been rushing through.
I might have to… Reluctant to use the full effect of her fruit powers due to how hazardous they could be to a bystander given the blistering heat and combustive properties of her powers, even so she couldn't but feel tempted to unleash a short thrust to close the distance between herself and the thief before her as she noted the crowds in their vicinity thinning, but it would seem an unnecessary gamble all the same with what happened next.

“Oh…!” Squeaking when those emerald eyes spied something seeming to take care of the problem for her, the brunette blinked for a moment in confusion as she watched the figure she had focused on seem to stumble due to means she did not quite seem to understand, but given the situation seemed happy to take advantage of all the same.
You're mine~ Racing forward with everything she had at the opportunity she was given and striding onward as the figure she had trailed seemed to stall, the boost of adrenaline seemed to mean that Mimi felt little reason not to hurl herself onto her target once she found them in range, and then seemed to flail and grapple with them in a fashion which was both suffused with energy and determination as well.

“Got you~!” Wrapping her fingers around her bag firmly and perhaps making such dainty digits seem like a vice as she did so, the brow of the beryl eyed beauty seemed to furrow whilst her nose and lips wrinkled as she wrestled her possession clear of the hands which sought to take it away from her, though perhaps once she had liberated it showed a subtle note of decency in how she opted not to dish anything else out now she had what was hers again.
“That's not very nice, you know? What would your mother think if she knew you were doing these kinds of things, hm~?” Instead seeming to straighten herself up and then begin to wag her finger at the tyke who had tried to steal her belongings away in a fashion none too dissimilar than what might have been expected from a parent or older sibling, even after all that now that she had her bag back Miss Monroe wasn't all that angry honestly. No, in many ways, she was just disappointed…

### words

Drifting Flower

@tag

	Post Summary
	Tempted to use her fruit power all the same as the crowds seemed to thin, she is relieved of such thought by the deed of the stranger, albeit unknowingly. Tacklepouncing the thief, she grapples for a moment, and pulls her bag back from him. Standing up and wagging her finger, he lectures him on his misbehaviour, though has little intention of punishing him more directly for his transgression.

[Vio]

^{Marlus #3}

---

…Well… Quite frankly, Caine Marlus was surprised at what happened mere seconds after his warning. It seemed the thief’s victim was not the type to raise the hue and cry, instead opting into her own aggressive reclamation of rightful possessions. In all honesty, that was nice to see, especially when the thief was forced to give in. Any aggression and anger had flown as swift as an arrow from his bow, replaced with an apparent need to scold the purse-snatcher. Of course, the single most excruciating punishment one could inflict upon another:

Disappointment.

There’s nothing to gain from standing around, the bowman berated himself silently. His plan had been foiled by fate’s own wicked whims one more time—a running theme he felt he kept crashing into headlong whenever he even considered straying from the path. Either destiny was vehement about him returning to his past life of obedience and conviction, or it was very, very eager to test his mettle. All the same, he shouldered his bow and stepped forwards, closing the distance between himself, the thief, and the brunette.

“Is everything alright here?” Marlus asked, even if he knew the situation was more than alright at this point. One look at the pickpocket’s face showed the keen blade of disappointed words had cut deep, expression sullen and ridden with guilt. It was also obvious that his own arrow hadn’t done much more than inflict a brief, debilitating sting, which he noted as he squatted down and retrieved the very same missile before storing it in the quiver upon his back.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Post Synposis:—}
<sub>A calm Marlus approaches the situation.

Notes:— None.</sub>

---

Caine Marlus | #8b008b
Mimi Monroe | #f29e79
Grunts [NPC] | #cccccc | #888888 | #444444

[Jess]

Teeheehee, this looks like fun~?

Mimi Monroe

“I bet she's worried sick! When was the last time you saw her, hm?” The lecture of the lass continuing as she stood before a shorter and younger soul who seemed to be rubbing his arm and doing everything that he could to evade that emerald eye line, by now Mimi had her cheeks puffed out like a squirrel stuffed with acorns and her knuckles pressed firmly into her hips as she denounced his deed, and in doing so hoped to inspire him onto a straighter and narrower path as she did so, no matter how unlikely.
“Now, run along, go tell her you love her!” Always a champion of love and goodness in the world which would be something of a surprise given the position she aspired toward, sure she could have got angry at the kid for making such a silly decision but that didn't feel as if it would help anyone really, and so she sent the boy on his way with his tail between his legs and with any luck a renewed respect and consideration for his matriarch, wherever she might be.

“I think we sorted it out~” Huffing in a hefty manner was she had done so and watched the boy seem to stumble away in an unsure manner and then turning her attention toward the figure who had been loitering nearby all the while, the brunette let loose her irritation with her blustery breath and forgot it, and all too quickly found her spirit turning sweeter as she looked toward this new figure.
“Were you the one…” That green gaze quickly seeming to size up the scene given the prominence of his weapon and his interest in the situation as well, suddenly the strangeness of how the lad seemed to lose his footing all too quickly seemed to make sense when she realized the intervention of an outside party was responsible, and soon did she had a culprit in mind for such a deed as well.

“Did you trip that boy for me?” Few people seeming to turn their heads after all when she had rambled after her and those who did seeming as if they were more intrigued or offended by the spectacle than anything else, an earnest inquiry as to wellbeing seemed a stark difference to that, and instantly seemed to make Miss Monroe feel that she was standing in front of someone with a good heart.
“Teehee, my hero, eh~?” For that reason seeming to grin and even giggle as well as she noted the fact that in spite of her misfortune she had her very own guardian angel looking out for her here, she flashed him a little wink and even blew a kiss toward him as well, all the while wondering just who her saviour really was…

### words

Drifting Flower

@tag

	Post Summary
	Finishes her lecture and sends the thief on his way. Turns her attention toward the stranger nearby, and quickly guesses he tripped her target. Curious about him and thankful for his aid, she giggles and shoots him a wink/kiss blow combo~

[Vio]

^{Marlus #4}

---

“Teehee, my hero, eh~?” The woman’s response was a little strange, enough so to make Mister Caine avert his gaze momentarily to shrug off the sense of embarrassment she’d instilled in him. Maybe it was just a result of his recent mental addlings, but he felt more awkward about the positive reinforcement than he did about any other connotations. Still, he had been asked a question, and soon shook off the moment of bewilderment in favour of something a little more professional.

“I– …I did, yes,” he answered somewhat calmly, composure reclaimed. “I saw what was happening and thought it was a good idea to intervene. It doesn’t sit right with me just standing by while petty thieves get away with acts like that,” Marlus confirmed, reasoning out his choice verbally for as much his own benefit as that of the interested party. There was truth in that statement. A Marine no longer, that didn’t mean he could just cast aside his desire to do what was right. If more people stood up for others in the petty crimes of city life, then that would make a considerable dent on crime rates the world over.

“Well, as long as nobody’s hurt and nothing was stolen, I should be on my way,” the violet-haired vigilante expressed, confident that his work was done and seeing no immediate reason to stick around. Perhaps he was getting impatient, though even as he turned to depart he couldn’t help but stop and notice the absolute lack of any signs of his initial quarry. This was a bust. “Hmm,” he exhaled, venting some of his admittedly minor frustrations through a complete emptying of his lungs before reclaiming some fresh air.

There’s no way I’ll catch any of them any time soon… He turned again, noticing that the woman hadn’t actually left yet as he scanned the immediate area for signs of the men he’d been tailing. Nothing. At all. Any leads he had on these disappearances were growing thinner and thinner by the day, and he had only an inkling of an idea—the knowledge that an event was scheduled—that another would soon join the ranks. Then he realised something: He probably looked very awkward right now.

^{“Sorry, Miss,” he spoke again:
“Did you need something…?”}

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Post Synposis:—}
<sub>As Marlus tries to pick up where he left off, he realises that such a feat is now mostly impossible.

Notes:— None.</sub>

---

Caine Marlus | #8b008b
Mimi Monroe | #f29e79
Grunts [NPC] | #cccccc | #888888 | #444444

[Jess]

Teeheehee, this looks like fun~?

Mimi Monroe

“Well you certainly did me a big favour, and I won't forget it any time soon~” That bright smile remaining as her 'hero' seemed to dismiss his deed as nothing that anyone else wouldn't have done, given how she had hauled ass after the thief for quite some time before this guardian angel had stepped in to assist her Miss Monroe had to observe that his generosity wasn't quite as commonplace as one might have otherwise believed, and as such could only gush with appreciation because of this. That, and well, a sizeable portion of intrigue and curiosity as well, of course.

“Hehehehe, so are you one of the local police?” These latter factors perhaps the reason why she didn't simply offer him a bow or something and go along her way, instead the beryl eyed beauty continued to grin as she loitered close to where her new friend seemed to be lingering and quizzed him not with suspicion but rather genuine interest in who he was, which was likely to be natural given the help he had given and how much of an impression it had left on her.
“You don't look like you’re a typical town guard…?” Tilting and almost seeming to wiggle from the waist as she looked him over whilst swaying from one side and toward the next, and in doing so found that his garb looked unlike anything she'd ever seen on a deputy or any other keeper of the peace that she had encountered before this moment. Instead Mimi couldn't quite put her finger on exactly what he seemed to remind her of, she still seemed to feel keen on him all the same, even if she did look a little like a puppy that had lost her owner right now.

“Oh no it's just, since you were so nice, and well, I don't really know anyone here…” Shaking her head and pushing her fingers back through those silky soft locks of hers slowly when he seemed to question her reason for remaining and ultimately opting to lay her cards on the table because of that, though Miss Monroe had made for this place with the intention of enjoying herself the combination of her intrigue and the debt she owed meant that she was happy to waylay such notions in favour of making a friend, and also returning on what she felt she owed him as well.
“I wondered if you were too busy to grab a cup of coffee or a bite or something? As my way of saying thanks~?” For that reason the fair fox seeming to feel that a spot of sociality and generosity was well and truly on the cards as far as she was concerned, if nothing else it felt like a boon to better make the acquaintance of someone who seemed to know the lay of the land better, and besides, after a run like that she could certainly use a drink as well, right~?

### words

Drifting Flower

@tag

	Post Summary
	Clearly thankful for Marlus intervention, she idly questions whether he is a member of the local police or guards, but expresses doubt on that subject. Keen on paying him back for his generous deed, she asks about the possibility of grabbing some refreshments together, with the ulterior motive of acquainting herself better with her 'hero'…

[Vio]

^{Marlus #5}

---

“Hm? No, I’m not,” Marlus answered, curious as to why she’d think that when he was hardly dressed for the professional look—a point she in turn had raised. “I was in the business of law enforcement once, but that’s behind me… I guess old habits die hard,” he continued somewhat sullenly, surrendering the hunt for loose ends entirely now that he was sure there was little point in hanging on. He’d have to mull it all over, figure it out, and just be a little more alert about his surroundings.

^{“As my way of saying thanks~?”}

^{“Hmm…,” he sighed softly, smiling:
“Well, it seems I’m at a loss… Sure.”}

Surrendering to social normalcy was perhaps the best thing Mister Caine could have done in his present situation. He wasn’t blind to that. But his own mindset always seemed to want to impede him whenever he dared to try and walk that path. Better to accept the token gesture from a complete stranger than to remain an elusive, socially awkward shadow that roamed the streets. Not that the city cared for his choices at all, but he was trying to remain as inconspicuous as possible.

“There’s a café a couple of blocks down,” the violet-haired vigilante gestured, reminding himself of the lay of the land as he started to walk back out the alleys with his company. “I’ve stopped by a couple of times since I arrived, and it’s quite nice.” A quaint establishment owned by an elderly couple, Marlus had picked it on a whim, but he seemed to have found its homely atmosphere pleasant in comparison to Serine’s usual capitalist nature. Enough so that he tended to relax within its walls. “Marlus, by the way,” he added as they walked. “That’s my name…”

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Post Synposis:—}
<sub>Remaining a little elusive as to his identity and purpose, Marlus suggests a local café that he’s been frequenting as a place for the two to talk.

Notes:— None.</sub>

---

Caine Marlus | #8b008b
Mimi Monroe | #f29e79
Grunts [NPC] | #cccccc | #888888 | #444444

[Jess]

Teeheehee, this looks like fun~?

Mimi Monroe

“Teeheehee, so just my own personal guardian angel~?” The brow of the beryl eyed beauty lifting as her new friend admitted that he wasn't a member of the law, or at least not currently, she couldn't help but to giggle and grin as she took his good deed into even higher esteem, and joked about the connection between them given his beneficence.
“You will? Hooray!” The mood of the merry Miss Monroe only lifting further when he seemed to also approve of the idea to grab a little bit of refreshment together albeit a little reluctantly, regardless of the hesitance that her 'hero' showed the girl with the green gaze was downright gleeful at the agreement she was offered, and showed this fact with a little cheer and even a heavenward thrust of her arms as well as she showed herself to be a pitch perfect contrast to the dourness of her new partner.

“Oh gosh, I'm Mimi! Mimi Monroe…!” Lifting her palm to her mouth however when it seemed it was the turn of her companion to highlight the absence of courtesy she had shown, for a moment the brunette wore a hint of blush on her cheeks as she realized she hadn't even introduced herself, and as such spat out her name with even more gusto than she had before.
“It's nice to meet you~” Hasty to make amends for her negligence and to reach for the hand of her new acquaintance as well, the breezy belle pushed both of her hands toward that of the fresh face in her life in an effort to offer up an enthusiastic gesture of greeting, and would be reluctant to part as well should they have the opportunity to linger.

“Oh then show me the way~” Certainly seeming to want to stick close to this new and generous figure as he indicated an understanding of a good café nearby, Mimi would further demonstrate her casual disregard for personal space or measured familiarity in how she would aim to cling to his arm as they made their way toward their would be venue, and seemed a little oblivious to the implications of intimacy in doing so.
“So, have you been here long, Mr Marlus~?” Instead tickled as pink as her dress if not more so and finding herself focused on her excitement and curiousity instead, she couldn't help but dip forward a little and look toward the man with wide eyes and a wider smile as she asked after him, and as she did so felt just as giddy as she might have at one of the shows or tables at the casino all the while…

### words

Drifting Flower

@tag

Post Summary

That irrepressible cheer continuing, she beams happily as she calls Marlus her guardian angel, and gets hype for their little coffee date. Blushing a little when she realizes they hadn't been introduced properly, she gives her name, and tries to snatch his hand with both of hers to shake. Continuing to be a little clingy as she tries to hold his arm as they move off, she lets Marlus lead them to the café, and attempts to get to know him better on the journey…

[Vio]

^{Marlus #6}

---

What had he been dragged into? The entire situation was a mess from start to finish, though most of the causes for that were entirely beyond Mister Caine’s control. A happy-go-lucky victim of an attempted petty theft who just so happened to be fleet of foot enough to keep up with a pickpocketing youth, a bunch of exceptionally flighty gangsters whose discretion had earned them an escape from his hawkish eyes, and a labyrinthine city where not even the open streets were free from capitalist corruption. Black and white was the distinction between right and wrong here, as clear as ever in the bowman’s understanding, yet the shades of grey between it all happened to be the people surrounding him.

“Uh…,” he tensed a little as he felt Miss Monroe transition from an eager handshake to practically hanging off his arm. Something inside him went on high alert, but he held it back—no need to be overly suspicious of an individual even if he was a little paranoid about the wider web of criminal organisations here in Serine City. “A couple of weeks, just over… and Marlus will do, I’m not one for proper titles,” he answered as they moved along the busy streets, his eyes keeping a cautious watch over the town as they moved, just in case he was able to spy one of the goons he’d been tailing. Nothing.

“I’m planning on moving elsewhere soon,” specified the violet-haired vigilante, truthfully, though perhaps not open-ended enough to warrant a question. Still, he almost expected her to pry at this point. In an ideal scenario, he would be done with his little mission and could quickly set off to another country, doing his bit for the good of society and eluding the press and authorities that wanted him. “I just have a few things I need to wrap up here, first,” he confirmed, again choosing elusive wording, but soon turning it about on Mimi to avoid the social awkwardness that seemed to be flocking around him.

“What about you? I’m guessing you’re not from Amino, either,” he suggested, finding common ground based on the young lady’s previous statements and queries. “What brings you here? Vacation? Business…?” The latter seemed unlikely, but who was he to judge? It wouldn’t have been the first time somebody took the opportunity to engage in a little tourism. Conversation carrying them by, however, they soon reached their intended destination. A quaint little café with one of those striped canvas awnings and a couple of outside tables at which a few patrons sat, having mundane chit chat over coffees and sandwiches.

It was never a busy place, but it was still somewhat popular—enough so that Mister Caine never seemed too out of place enjoying a cup of coffee or the like on his lonesome. The single door with its stained glass pane was held open by a heavy wooden door stop carved into the likeness of a sleeping lion, allowing fresh air in and the scent of fresh baked pastry and hot beverage out, perfuming the immediate area with a welcoming warmth. Inside was homely and warm, visible through the windows were the dark oak floorboards and a few matching tables scattered about the relatively cosy innards of the establishment, with tiny hand sewn cushions upon the wooden chairs and floral tablecloths.

At a glance, it seemed empty on the interior, save for the elderly woman occupying the space behind the counter, whose rounded features, wrinkled smile and small eyes gave her the aura of the family’s favoured grandparent. She must have been in her eighties, Marlus had estimated, but she and her husband—who was likely currently in the kitchen area behind—were far more sprightly individuals than their age may have let on. Passion projects and the like seemed to help maintain a semblance of youth, even in the wizened and venerable, and that was always nice to see…

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Post Synposis:—}
<sub>A little confused and awkward, Marlus escorts Mimi to their destination, answering her questions ambiguously and asking a few of his own.

Notes:— None.</sub>

---

Caine Marlus | #8b008b
Mimi Monroe | #f29e79
Grunts [NPC] | #cccccc | #888888 | #444444

[Jess]

Teeheehee, this looks like fun~?

Mimi Monroe

“Teeheehee~” The girl with the green gaze giggling as her new acquaintance dismissed the need for formality between them, Mimi couldn't help but grin and feel a note of giddiness at the feeling of intimacy in calling him so casually, and felt that it was a big and important stride toward the two of them making friends, as was how he didn't seem to mind her snagging his arm either.
“Wow, you sound like you know your way around well for only two weeks? I'm impressed~” Only seeming to cuddle the latter closer because of that as she marched ahead with him as her guide, the fair fox titled her head when she considered the relative recency of his arrival and found a note of amazement with how well he seemed to be able to get around, especially when one considered the vibrancy of their locale as well.

“Oh~? Anything a gal like me might be able to help her guardian angel with?” Intrigued however when Marlus seemed to mention some manner of business keeping him here and eager to offer him her help as well, though he had agreed to accompany Miss Monroe to the café and share a drink that didn’t mean that their debt was clear in her mind, not by a long shot, and so she was happy to lend a hand or even just some company to go through it with if he needed it.
“Kind of? I've always heard a lot about the place, and since I'm just setting out on my journey, I wanted to pop by and see what it was like as my first stop on a world tour~?” The brow of the beryl eyed beauty tightening for a second however when she found herself questioned on her reason for being here, she had to admit that her presence here was closest to a vacation even if it didn’t totally feel that way, and confessed as well that for her this was just a little waypoint in a much greater adventure which she had planned for herself.

“Oh this is nice, huh?” Impressed again when they arrived at their destination swiftly as well and not least because of the efficiency that her guide had shown her, though she had been happy enough to hold onto the arm of her new associate in the interim Mimi soon broke away when they entered the café and began to look about the place, and found herself enjoying the homey feeling of the place immensely, and the figure at the centre who looked like a grandmother all the more.
“Teehee, Hello~! What can I get you, hm~?” Skipping toward the counter for that reason and clapping her hands onto it excitedly as once more the girl found herself giggling, she offered a chipper greeting to the proprietor before she looked toward her rescuer with that almost eternal serenity and asked his order, before looking back at the menu to see what she might get for herself as well…

### words

Drifting Flower

@tag

Post Summary

Enjoying the absence of formality, Mimi continues to cling to Marlus arm, and is impressed by his familiarity given the shortness of his stay. Offering her help with his business, she admits that she is here on a vacation, but also as part of the 'first stop' on a greater journey too. Arriving at the café, Mimi loves the homey feel, and finally releases Marlus arm as she trots to the counter, and asks for his order…

[Vio]

^{Marlus #7}

---

… Marlus had dodged the question, at least for now, but he’d quickly been growing accustomed to Miss Monroe’s mannerisms. Sooner or later, she’d likely pry again, at which point evading it would probably come off as rude. Gloomy as he might have been, he wasn’t ill-mannered. On the bright side, his own question seemed to stave off her immediate interest, giving her some time in the spotlight to define her own wants and reasons for being in such a place. Sure enough, her reasons weren’t unusual, but they were interesting in their own right.

“Mm. Just a flat coffee, if you don’t mind? Uh, black, no sugar,” the bowman specified, perhaps revealing a little of his personality in his choice of beverage without realising. Maybe it was the past regime clinging to him, but he’d never been a fan of anything too sweet or complicated—additives always muddied the waters of what was really going on.

“Why hello, dearie~,” the old proprietress greeted, a welcoming smile on her face. “What can we get for you?” A pleasant old lady she was, calm and yet bristling with a vigour that seemed to manifest most fiercely in the presence of new faces. The old couple appreciated company, no matter how dull and boring they might have been, and that only reinforced the effort they seemed to put into maintaining the business despite being well past retirement age.

Mister Caine waited patiently, all the while letting himself be swallowed up by the shade of his own deeper thoughts and concerns. He couldn’t blame himself—nor anyone for that matter—for letting his intended quarry escape. It just added a layer of difficulty to the situation that he wasn’t entirely sure he was prepared for. All he needed was the where and the how and he’d be fine, but the obstacle now was finding out that information without leaving Mimi vulnerable, or worse, disheartened.

As he took a seat at one of the tables, the violet-haired vigilante sat himself in such a way so as to keep a hawkish eye upon the streets without. He at least knew what some of the goons looked like, so if they passed them by, he’d be ready to tail them without hesitation. At least, that’s what he hoped. The chances of that happening were slim, not to mention the practically omnipresent concern that he might drag Mimi into the entire operation against her will. Was he overthinking…?

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Post Synposis:—}
<sub>As Marlus allows Mimi to order, he sits and contemplates the situation perhaps too deeply.

Notes:— None.</sub>

---

Caine Marlus | #8b008b
Mimi Monroe | #f29e79
Elderly Café Lady [NPC] | #cf80c6
Grunts [NPC] | #cccccc | #888888 | #444444

[Jess]

Teeheehee, this looks like fun~?

Mimi Monroe

“We'd like.. One flat black coffee, or is it black flat? Anyway, no sugar regardless~” That smile shining brightly as the old woman asked for her order, Miss Monroe nodded at the request she had been given by her new friend, and showed a little wonder and whimsy as she relayed it to the frail figure beyond the counter from where she stood.
“I'll have… Ooouuuu, one of these pink lemonades, perhaps~?” Narrowing her gaze as she looked toward the menu soon after to select her own drink, the emerald eyed enchantress had to admit that she was feeling something cool and refreshing a little more than a hot drink after that madcap dash she had just been through, and so selected something that suited that spirit a little better than a brew.

“Oh and, maybe a couple of slices of this cake as well? It looks yummy~” Turning her eye toward the counter itself soon after and not failing to moisten those lips of hers with a lick as she did so, with such a spread of treats and snacks arrayed before her Mimi couldn't help but glance between it and her new friend, and then surrendered to compulsion as she added a little extra something for both of them to enjoy as they got better acquainted.
“Whew, good job I got this guy back, hm~?” Stuffing her hand into her bag once she was done with her order as well and taking little time to root out something cute, once more the brunette was beaming as she produced a pouch which was shaped rather like a cute little froggy from which she could retrieve her finances, and given the effort she had to hang onto 'him' couldn't help but press her cheek against him to boot.

“Keep the change, okay~?” Humming happily as she pulls a nice crisp bill from his maw once she had unclasped it and in such a good mood now that she was happy to offer a hearty tip to boot, the fair femme flashed a little wink to the woman as she collected up the handy round tray on which their order had been served, and then Miss Monroe trotted merrily on over to where her new friend had opted to seat them.
“I hope you like carrot cake~? I couldn't resist!” Laying both their food and their drinks out on the table where marlus had sat in perhaps a little show of habits ingrained from working so many years in a bar, soon after she was smiling as she presented him with an item he had not asked for, but hoped he would enjoy all the same. Though even if he didn't, at least she could relish getting a double helping, right?

### words

Drifting Flower

@tag

	Post Summary
	Confirming Marlus order, she makes her own as well, and adds a couple of slices of carrot cake for them to enjoy. Showing off her frog-shaped money pouch a bit, she collects up their orders, and joins him at the table, eagerly awaiting his response for her 'treat'.