Tag Archives: for the love of a painting

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For the Love of a Painting || kaitouxjeanne

kaitouxjeanne:

Somewhere, a bell chimed in hall’s grandfather clock, signaling the end of the hour.

Unfortunately, it did not signify the end of the conversation she was currently engaged in. Amidst her chosen circle of eligible bachelors, the experienced woman had singled out the one with the biggest ego and deepest pockets. 

“Oh and you would just love my new yacht…”

Yawn.

"Did I mention my family owns a country club over in Izu? It has a fantastic golf course..”

Groan.

Despite her perfect mask of mild interestedness, well placed “oh, is that so”s and the “how fun”s, her inner self was rolling her eyes so hard that the bored thief could practically feel them snapping from the sockets.

The chimes of the clock didn’t end the conversation for the oblivious young master Jeanne had chosen for tonight, but it did signify the start of a new hour.

It was nearing the time.

Skillfully— a slight touch to his arm, a sidelong glance — she had the young man off to entrance hall because this pretty socialite had just the most terrible headache but she’d feel oh so much better if he’d accompany her? And my, how kind of him to offer his place for rest..

The temptress had him hook, line, and sinker. When he thought she wasn’t looking, a lascivious grin would make way to his face. He thought he had her, the mysterious socialite who’d been a regular in the topics of conversations, especially those of the men. Little did he know, this socialite had purposefully left the room with him in a public way. Eye-catching as she was, more than just a few people would know Jeanne had left with a someone.. 

Pig. Young masters who are just too impressed with their wealth and good looks. His brown eyes aren’t even a nice shade. Dull, unlike.. 

Unlike his. Butterscotch-colored with a sharpness that made her catch her breath and a depth she was terrified of sinking into. Just before the thief and her cover left the grand hall, she had caught those eyes just once more. 

No, she couldn’t. Not now. More like, not ever. Shaking her head, the blonde tried to lose those thoughts of him. The action drew the other’s attention.

“Are you alright?”

As if he really cared. Smoothly taking hold of his arm, Jeanne looked back at the detective with a wink and enigmatic smile before guiding him through the doors and turning to her prey.

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The picture of a lovely, weak girl, Jeanne looked up at him through her eyelashes appealingly. Raising her hand to cover her mouth modestly, a pill was slipped between her fingers. Right on cue, the young master inhaled sharply from her actions and came closer to take her in his arms. 

As the other leaned in for a kiss, she closed her eyes to play along. At the key moment, his mouth was covered and the pill slipped in. Instantly, he slackened, drowsy and disoriented. Letting him fall at her feet, she lifted the phone that she’d nonchalantly swiped from his pockets as he fell. 

“Hello? Is this the Mizukata household? The young master seems to have drank a little too much and….”

With that, the household sent a car. As the person meant to carry the unconscious young master into the car reached them, Jeanne looked once more through her eyelashes. This time, she was a slightly embarrassed and innocent young miss. 

“If you would tell him.. I think he, well, wanted to get to know each other more and I wouldn’t breathe a word if he doesn’t. You see, I’m not supposedto talk to any man without father’s permission but he seemed so nice and I wouldn’t want to complicate things..”

The valet, more than a little acquainted with his employer’s son’s habits, privately thanked the stupid young master hadn’t gotten to this sweet young girl. 

"No, of course not. I’ll let him know when he wakes up. Enjoy the rest of your evening, miss.”

“Oh, thank you! Good evening to you as well.”

Finally, her alibi was complete. With the drug’s effects, the unconscious wouldn’t remember what happened right before passing out. What a pain, really. The thief usually didn’t have to bother, except in the rare cases. Yes, the rare cases.. Hakuba was a rare case. But even he couldn’t touch her with an alibi fortified by that household’s prestige and informal pact to keep their master’s honor — all engineered by her. 

The playful phantom thief couldn’t help that bit of taunting before, though. She wondered, as her rosary necklace let her evening gown transformed into her costume and made her way to her planned entrance point, if he would have been jealous. If she’d manage to make him burn in a different way than when she kissed him.

Would he? Ah well, I think I’m going to make him burn another way just now..

Having reached the entrance point, a white boot lifted.

The new glass ceiling of the museum was placed to have natural light highlight its main piece. It was made of specially tinted glass so as not to let the UV rays harm the painting, the new pride of the museum curator.

Unfortunately, it seemed as though he needed to find something new to take pride in as one phantom thief crashed through the ceiling. Amazingly, defying human capabilities, the thief landed gracefully just a few yards from the painting. 

The ground glittered beneath Jeanne, the glass reflecting the light of the full moon. Interestingly, the glitter matched the spark in the thief’s eyes that could be seen as she straightened up.

“Reincarnated to seal evil born from darkness… Kaitou Jeanne! In the name of Kami-sama, I have appeared.”

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Game start!

Yes, Hakuba had seen her leave, and yes, he had burned. With anger, with jealousy, with something else entirely and he forced a hateful smile as he saw that man lead her from the stage. Play your game, Miss d’Arc… Nothing would give me more pleasure than to see the entirety of your performance. 

He lied to himself, of course. Yes, he wanted to see what she could do; despite his interest in homicide, it seemed that he always collected the most interesting of thieves to deal with. She was certainly one of them, easily in the top three… 

The detective forced himself to relax his posture, hands unclenching from his sides as he went about his work, investigating everyone else on the floor. Soon, soon… 

And a little while later, it was time. The sound of glass with a thundering crescendo – the call of the woman’s voice. Hakuba tensed, muscles coiled, and sprang from the champagne server with fierce focus, weaving through the crowd to get to that painting – the object he was sworn to protect. 

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For the Love of a Painting || kaitouxjeanne

kaitouxjeanne:

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Distance closing again, an ever tightening hold, honeyed words.

She was falling. Falling deeper into those eyes and in.. No, that sentence won’t be finished. It can’t. What was she doing? Getting herself caught? If she was, the thief was doing a mighty fine job of it. The detective was intoxicatingly close, he had a hold of her, and “darling”? Well, she won’t complain about that. No, wait, yes she would! Fervently. And loudly.

Yet somehow, the complaints seemed to get softer and someone’s heartbeats louder as the detective came even closer. Ah, the continuation of the kiss.. Again, the blonde’s eyelids drooped treacherously. Where was the usual detachment with which she conducted these “romances”?

Anyways, how much would a kiss hurt?

.. won’t be happening. A lot. Quite a lot. I am the fantastic, the marvelous, phantom thief Jeanne.It won’t do to let him steal ANYTHING from me, be it a kiss or my heart anymore time.

Once again, the determined vixen brought a finger to the ever nearing lips to halt the detective’s progress. Oh, it was almost a shame. Fortunately, Jeanne had enough denial in her to believe that. 

Eyes wide with her trademark mischief, she smiled. Let’s bring this closer. Indeed, as in mocking of his attempt to return her kiss, she leaned even further in hold, her lips brushing the finger separating them from a kiss as she spoke.

“Careful, someone might think you fancy me a little too much.”

With practiced ease, the blonde gently slid his hand from her back with her other hand. And no, she did not miss its warmth. Really. 

Moving back, she let the finger she had held to his lips to trail down his face and the fabric of his tie. As the thief did this, her eyes followed the progress of her finger. When she finally reached the end of the clothing article, Jeanne looked back at him and placed the taunting finger on her bottom lip.

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“It’s been fun, love." 

Hopefully not. Yes, hopefully. No, definitely is better. Definitely never again. Yes. Did I just say “love”? It.. it was definitely just in reply to his “darling”! 

With that, she turned away and left to join a social circle with eligible young men. All the thief had to do now, certain the detective’s attention was on her, was to snare some unsuspecting young master with no honor. She’d knock him out, send him home in a taxi — the unconscious would wake up at home with a note saying she had stayed with him until a certain time but he’d not woken up (with the help of a sleeping pill) so she left. The time would cover the amount the heist needed. And with that, her alibi would be complete.

Taking a champagne from a passing waiter, she brought it up to her lips and pretended to listen to the conversation. Jeanne wouldn’t dare look back at the detective.

She was afraid she wouldn’t be able to look away this time.

Every movement, every word had been so carefully timed, so precisely executed, that Hakuba felt almost foolish as she left his side. She wasn’t a normal socialite; this was confirmed. She was a player, but not of the usual game; no, she played her part well, but she was too good at it.

Most women that he considered ‘conquests’ thought of themselves as femme fatales, despite having very little life experience beyond the marbled halls and limitless charge cards. There was a certain arrogance that they displayed that was almost charmingly naive, but Jeanne lacked this little nuance. As much as she tried to pull off the mysterious rich girl, that bit of chess playing set her apart. She was, in fact, the real deal, and very dangerous.

Which was likely why the young detective found himself standing in the moving crowd, staring after her, only just remembering to breathe. That kiss… those eyes… and those fingers trailing down his silk tie…

He managed a sigh before a hand clapped his shoulder, drawing his attention abruptly away from the stirring jealousy of seeing those others with the woman. Hakuba blinked once, then glanced at his employer, who made quick work of complimenting his style and grace, leading into the age-old question of – "Do you know who it is, yet?”

To this, Hakuba offered a slanted smile, head tilting just so. Confident, professional. He may have shown too much of himself to Jeanne in those moments of close musing, but he would not do the same with his client. 

“I have a list, sir; not to worry. You’ve stated that you have non-uniformed officers mixed in, correct? As long as we continue to monitor the entrances and exits as we have, and keep an eye out, I’m certain we’ll be able to draw the culprit out long before the painting is in jeopardy.”

The man, though he wore a smile that ached with concern, nodded with some relief. “I’ll leave it to you, then, tantei-san…”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Oh, incidentally, who was that girl you were dancing with? You two make a stunning pair.”

Hakuba quirked a brow at that, smirking. “Ah, you think so? Unfortunately, I didn’t quite catch her name…” A lie, to be certain. But he didn’t need to know that. “Quite the fascinating woman, though. I may have to ask her out at this rate – after the event, of course.”

“Of course.” The man wasn’t convinced, but he could hardly expect anything else from a teenager. “Just make sure that the painting is safe.”

“Even if I have to attach myself to it, sir.”

“Excellent.”

Once he was gone, Hakuba set about patrolling again, back to work. Mostly looking for the mysterious woman, but also building profiles on the other guests though, really, none were nearly as interesting. This was going to be a very long night. 

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For the Love of a Painting || kaitouxjeanne

kaitouxjeanne:

As butterscotch eyes came ever closer, Jeanne met them unflinchingly with her own violet eyes. And was it her or was the air between them getting increasingly warm..? As the detective drew himself closer to her, the thief couldn’t quite ignore just how well their bodies fit together with their exchanged words bringing them seemingly closer.

Oh, dear. The blonde’s eyes seemed to droop a little more as the distance between them grew less. Would alcohol suffice as explanation? Speaking of alcohol.. I wonder just how the champagne tastes from his lips..

Then she heard him.

It was as if a gust of icy wind had swept through her, taking away the slight dizziness and treacherous warmth. He knew. He KNEW. How could I be such an idiot?? Have I..? No. It has to be a bluff. Her cover wasn’t blown just yet!

Before Hakuba’s lips could meet with hers, she placed a finger on his lips. Her eyes were still hooded, but her mind cleared. She was the phantom thief here. As if she’d let him steal the first kiss. Wherever the game was going, the competitive thief wanted the advantage.

“My, detective, I’m both flattered and appalled. Such a handsome detective seems interested in me, but thinks I am a mere criminal?”

Jeanne didn’t wait for his answer — she reached up to him, melding their bodies even closer and pulled him down for a slow kiss, biting down on his lower lip teasingly. After a moment, she pulled away slightly look at him, the mischievous spark in her eyes brighter than ever. She reached up to caress his cheek lightly.

"So detective, it appears I’ve stolen a kiss from you. Are you going to arrest me now?”

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He could try.

To be honest, Hakuba hadn’t quite expected that turn of events. Not that he had a problem with it whatsoever; on the contrary, he was stunned by the pleasant – and rather thrilling – development. As she touched his cheek,  the young detective let a soft sigh escape him, lips parted in his lingering surprise. 

When he managed to compose himself a moment later, Hakuba gently leaned his head into her affection, taking in the caress with a grateful (and significant) glance at her eyes.

“…you cannot steal what is willingly given, mademoiselle.” The words left him with a purr, hand at her back tightening its hold. “And you’re no mere criminal, my darling… not with the proficiency for which you’ve stolen my attention. I do hope that this is some ingenious ploy; I must admit that I’m intensely fascinated by your methods.”

Truthfully, it was a bluff, but Hakuba felt confident in seeing it through. At worst, it was a mystery otaku’s attempts at wooing a woman with a surprisingly convincing James Bond act. At best, it was successfully seducing an intensely interesting mistress thief. Whether the night ended in bed or in jail, Hakuba found it inescapably difficult to mind. 

Alas, if he wasn’t careful, this particular attention that he was paying to only one suspect was sure to be noticed by his client sooner or later… Even so, he leaned in for an attempt at returning the kiss.

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For the Love of a Painting || kaitouxjeanne

kaitouxjeanne:

Oh.

Due to his pulling her in closer, she could certainly smell his good taste in cologne. The lady could even feel his good taste in clothes, or the textures thereof. With her face so close, unbeknownst to her, violet eyes couldn’t help but see his lips. Would he also taste-?

No. I will not. Who cares? I don’t. Right, on with this, this game. Games have winners and losers and I like winning. 

Sure that her inner self was blushing from the proximity, she let her eyes trail slowly to his eyes from his lips, where she er, wanted them. Purposely delaying her answer to his inquiry, she reached up to hold his cheek lightly with her free hand. 

Lovely smile in place, she replied, “I must be blessed to have such a gentlemanly escort tonight.. My, I would think you would know. I have danced with you, if yesterday’s memory is correct. Or was that not the sort of dancing you were referring to?”

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“If that’s the case, I’m afraid I’ll have to retract my earlier comment on your being a gentleman.”

“Oh no; the kind on the polished floor is what I meant. Although it’s true that we danced last night, your specifications were never quantified… or, if they were, the list was never made available to me, and I must admit that I’m curious." 

Hakuba tilted his head curiously, regarding the features of her face and, yes, that lovely smile. His warm smirk in return matched his eyes as he leaned closer to her, palm pressed gently, steadily, against the small of her back. 

"Though, honestly, I wouldn’t be opposed to not being such a gentleman if you had genuine interest when the night was through…” As he spoke, he kept his eyes on hers, closing the distance between their faces, even among the crowd, voice dropping to a whisper. One little kiss wouldn’t hurt anything, would it?  He moved to do just that; just a simple brush of his lips against hers, while continuing his dialogue – that is, if she didn’t prevent him from making his calculated move of seductive strategy. 

“Assuming, of course. that you’re not arrested by then." 

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For the Love of a Painting || kaitouxjeanne

kaitouxjeanne:

So he had noticed. If the momentary lapse of her attentions bothered him, he hid it well behind his smirk. It seemed someone else besides her was more than well-versed in these games. 

Without a doubt, the detective was far more interesting than the rich boy over there. He was also much more dangerous to her well-being. Any plans laid by him would not be so easy to get around if he was as calculating on the job as he was in social situations. In fact, as she was studying him, Jeanne was sure he was observing her just as closely. 

Just great.

An eyebrow was arched on the blonde’s face in response to Hakuba’s. Turning her head to once again look at the man in question, she sipped her champagne idly and said nonchalantly, “I should think that question would be better suited to him. And I thank you for your kindness, but I already have made his acquaintance.”

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Fingers squeezed the detective’s arm slightly. Their owner had a rather impressive smirk of her own, along with a playful question in her violet eyes that gazed into the detective’s own.

Drawing closer so their bodies brushed just slightly, she asked him with a light laugh in her voice, “Why do you ask? Do you feel not interesting enough for my attentions or do I tire you already?”

Sip on that scotch, detective.

“Oh, no, not at all… I find you quite fascinating and would be pleased to share your company for the rest of the night, were it to work in my favor.” Yes, night, not evening. “But, it is my desire to also be a gentleman, and thus curry to my lady’s favor. If he were more to your taste, who would I be to stand in your way?”

Yes, as if the detective didn’t suspect Jeanne to be on the top of the list of suspects. 

“Though, I would have to warn that I hear that he’s not the most agreeable lover." 

Hakuba smiled oh-so-smugly, pulling the woman closer against him in kind. No, it was far too interesting to keep her close to him, that fact was certain. He just had to find a way to disarm her enough to get her motivations out into the open. 

"Now that we’re on the subject, though, I must ask; what do you look for in your, ah, dancing partners?” 

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For the Love of a Painting || kaitouxjeanne

kaitouxjeanne:

The game was on. Or rather, games. The sandy-haired detective seemed to be interested in another sort of playing, if that smug look was a signal, if not sounding alarm of the intention. Decidedly smooth, the amusement seen in his butterscotch eyes along with his well-bred air completed the effect. The dear detective wanted to challenge her.

The outreached hand seemed to be reaching towards the thief’s competitive side, if not just for her hand. It couldn’t be seen in her eyes, but the fire inside her flared spiritedly.

Oh, he wants to play. Let’s not disappoint, shall we?

Thank goodness she decided to forgo the gloves for tonight’s outfit. Not that she was planning this.. Ahem.

Slipping her left, or wrong hand into his, Jeanne stepped close to him before he could make a move. The other hand, she let hold the right side of his face in a gentle caress. Tiptoeing slightly despite her heels, she kissed the knuckles of her own hand that held his face. 

But she wasn’t done yet. Not even close.

Moving slightly further towards him, she spoke in his ear softly.

“A little different, but this is a bit more interesting than the usual knuckle-kissing, no?”

Moving back so her face was almost close enough to his to kiss but not quite, the wickedly playful look in her eyes could be clearly seen. Violet eyes seeming to tease him as they peered unabashed in his. And yet her smile remained as gracious as if she was receiving him for tea. 

“And interesting is the least I could do for my dear detective.”

If there was to be a loser in this risky game, it would not be her.

 

Uhm.

For a brief moment, the surprise was evident on Hakuba’s face. He didn’t move, not wishing to pull himself away, not daring to steal a kiss. He knew that he was likely to be denied and made a fool with either move, so he stayed where he was, staring right back at her as he regained his composure. Quickly, yes, but with someone that sharp, it was sure to be noticed.

“Interesting yes, I wholeheartedly agree. Thank you for that.”  

Indeed, the detective was grateful. That display of wicked confidence not only made her the most desirable woman in the room, but also put her at the very top of his suspect list.  No one out for a night of mock romance was that intense. No, no; someone of that sharp intelligence was manipulative and calculating… was figuring out how to use him instead of the other way around. 

His free hand moved to cradle the small of her back, but did nothing more than rest ever so gently. Barely there at all. It was a risky and dangerous game, yes, but Hakuba wanted to play. He very badly wanted to play and to win. At least, in a manner of speaking. 

“Are you here with someone tonight, mon ange?”