[IC] Back Alleys and Black Markets

[Thorned Hammer]

"But you like bacon," He pointed out, resting his chin on her shoulder.

[Redthorn Anvil]

"I do like bacon, and I'd be happy to cook it for you, except I'm not here often enough to make it all before it goes bad." She pointed out, looking over her shoulder at him.

[Thorned Hammer]

"bacon goes bad?" Victor asked in surprise, straightening up at that. "I thought it was one of those indestructible kind of foods,"

[Redthorn Anvil]

"Well, once you open the package, you have to make it all and eat it all in one sitting. You can't let it just sit around, then it gets all nasty, because then the grease solidifies back into a fat, and..." She stopped. "It's just gross, trust me."

[Thorned Hammer]

"huh, did not know that." Shrugged Victor before moving past her to the sink. He fetched a cloth from beneath the cabinet, soaking it in water before carefully starting to wash his arm clean. "Learn something new everyday I suppose.'

[Redthorn Anvil]

"Mhm. So, what'd you do to your arm?"

[Thorned Hammer]

Victor seemed to think it over, not wanting to encourage Marie's wrath which he knew to be immense. But he knew lying would be worse. "I got shot, raiding a den in the Green District.:

[Redthorn Anvil]

"You got that, by chasing down some stupid band of thieves? Really?" She replied, slightly exasperated. She sighed, then shook her head. "What am I going to do with you..."

[Thorned Hammer]

"I had to, they stole my messenger pad." Victor continued carefully. He didn't want to tell her to much, letting her know what the contents of the pad were could loop her in and if they were discovered her punishment would be as bad if not worse then the ones he and Ethan would be dealt.

[Redthorn Anvil]

"...Over a pad, too." She sighed again. She straightened when she was done and turned to look at him with a slightly dubious, slightly exasperated look. "I love you, Victor, but you really do scare the hell out of me." She told him bluntly.

[Thorned Hammer]

He was overcome then and, in a very not Victor like move, he wrapped Marie up in a hug and pulled her in tight despite the burning sensation in his arm.

[Redthorn Anvil]

She blinked in surprise at that--Victor was not a touchy-feely guy. But she was glad he had. It made her feel a little better, at least. She smiled contentedly and returned his hug.

[Thorned Hammer]

"This is, bad Marie.". He mumbled finally into her shoulder. " you might have to stay put for a little while till it gets sorted,"

[Redthorn Anvil]

"But for how long? I can't just sit around while you go and risk your life over--whatever this is; what if something happens to you? I don't want to wake up in the morning and wonder if I'll ever see you again." She said, her voice shaking slightly.

[Thorned Hammer]

"Just for a little while, just until I destroy the messenger pad,". Victor said in an attempt to reassure her, cupping her face with both hands lightly. " and nothing will happen to me, it'll be fine I promise."

[Redthorn Anvil]

She watched him for a moment, then reached up and placed a firm kiss on his lips.

[Thorned Hammer]

Victor brushed his thumb over her cheek lightly, holding her there as he kissed her back.

[Redthorn Anvil]

After a moment, she broke off the kiss and lay her head on his shoulder. "I don't want to leave." She said.

[Thorned Hammer]

"I know.". Murmured Victor as he slipped his arms around her. " I don't want you to either, but it won't be for long,"

[Redthorn Anvil]

She looped her arms around his neck with a small smile. "It better not." She teased.