kaitouxjeanne:

As if the broad-shouldered young man needed anymore charm, he showed a smirk that could summon pink to the cheeks of about all the girls here. However, Jeanne knew better than to fall into the pace of a charmer who knew the trade so well. Or she told herself now. Thankfully or not, he turned away from her to look at the crowd.

Well, it’d hardly be right for the detective to bring a date that wasn’t the police force to the heist. If only he were that unprofessional. This job would be much easier, without the alibi-creating. But speaking of alibis, the opportunity to both take closer looks at any traps he might’ve laid is tempting.

But she wouldn’t appear too eager. The blonde demurred, looking out to the crowd herself as if there was chance of better company. She even went so far as to slip herself away from his light grasp. Before it seemed as if she was going to reject, however, Jeanne placed her hand, the correct one, into the one she just vacated. 

Smiling teasingly, she said, “A tempting offer.. I suppose I will let you hold me back, detective.“ 

For now.

It was almost unfortunate that every move she made played so perfectly into the profile that Hakuba was beginning to establish. She was a crafty one, this Jeanne d’Arc… and while the detective was certain that he was going to get into a lot of trouble with her, he couldn’t exactly complain about that. 

Her ploy worked wonderfully, and as Hakuba gently tightened his grip upon her hand, he nodded in kind and began to lead her toward the side tables. 

"Champagne?” he asked, taking a flute from the first one they approached. “Or are you more of a wine enthusiast?" 

Hakuba’s gaze lingered on her face for a moment before he shifted, ever so slightly, to take in the rest of the atmosphere, noting people as they milled about. God, with this distracting challenge, Kaitou KID could come in disguised and Hakuba might not recognize him. 

kaitouxjeanne:

Gratification. Jeanne wouldn’t lie— that short moment where the detective was not all smooth charm and impeccable manners was extremely satisfying. Score one for the phantom thief!

Observing him regain composure, she regarded Hakuba thoughtfully with her lashes lowered so her attention wouldn’t be obvious. Well, she definitely had his attention. And as sharp as the detective was, he probably had some professional interest, too. Fine, it was part of the plan. Of course, she could have not played quite so hard but whether it was the phantom thief instinct to wind things up as much as possible with a fun opponent or some other interest..  Well, you could have your own guess.

As she felt the slight pressure at her back, the blonde did not tense.

There was no room for shyness in this game.

Speaking of games, the young man seemed to want to play. It seemed Jeanne wasn’t the only one with a competitive side. Interestingly enough, the detective even thought he could win.. How cute.

Lashes still lowered, she reached across the almost indecently short distance between them to rest lightly his chest. Her hands traveled slowly upward to his collar, to fix it. Amidst her observations, she saw a slight ruffle or imperfection.. though it might have been her fault. 

Only after this act did Jeanne finally raise her eyes to his and answer him.The gracious smile had adopted a playful tilt. 

“I don’t know about angels, but I came by myself tonight. Perhaps I will be more lucky leaving this event.”

Eyebrows tilting up slightly, the blonde’s expression turned to one of mock sadness. Eyes still teasing, she smiled sadly and said, “However, it appears I’m with a certain young Sherlock now. And since you’re still Sherlock despite not using his closet.. I suppose you won’t make my luck.“

He was probably at least a little puzzled. Though demure, her flirtations were a tad stronger than the usual brand. Only using small, light touches, she made her interest clear but she was by no means attaching herself to his arm. Vagueness was a key part of the game. A general intention could be made out but just how intent she was and in what direction was still in fog. Sure, she was suspicious but she had barely mentioned the painting. She was sure he thought her a mystery, or at least a challenge.

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

So coy. So smooth. Hakuba watched her, working through those words while his smile quirked just ever so slightly in one corner, giving him a lop-sided smirk that, according to many, was terribly charming. 

"I came alone myself,” he said, then turned his head, looking out to the crowd and away from the woman. “Such a shame, isn’t it? Still, there are many things that can be done when you’ve no one else to hold you back." 

The detective let out a sigh, meant to be theatric, and then gestured toward the the rows of tables set up along the side for guests to sit and eat their scavenged horderves.

"All the same, I would love to have your company as I secure the premise and take advantage of the rather extensive spread that my client has put on…" 

kaitouxjeanne:

Stepping out of the car was another young woman in her finery. However, the exact nature of her clothes would make her the most eye-catching of the evening. If the blonde was an elegant lily in white the evening before, she was a luscious rose tonight. Wine red covered a slim figure that was all sleek muscle, though it left areas to the imagination. The dressmaker had created an evening gown that would emphasize her small waist and generous chest. Furthermore, her slender back would be shown with the backless feature of the dress. Tasteful jewelry and sultry makeup completed the effect.

Excellent, she was aiming for that effect. Eyes would follow her, some with captivated stares, some with jealous glares, and some with disapproving sniffs. But eyes would be following her. And she knew that the young detective from last night would not fail to miss her, as observant he was. Her movements would be noted even more so than usual and here her calculations would bear fruit. Charming her way around the men, perhaps with more drink than she should, she’d leave the function early. Perhaps with a man she’d get drunk enough to forget the rest of night. Her alibi would be made and any unpleasant attention the detective might throw upon her would subside.

Stepping out of the car, she made her way gracefully with ease to the greeting party of the event. Hm? I’d expect the perceptive one to be here coolly sizing up every guest while participating in the pleasantries. Finishing with her greetings, she was immediately surrounded by a mix of her admirers and friends who wanted to commend her on her appearance for the night. As she exchanged hellos and flirty remarks with skill from experience, Jeanne scanned the room for the second-to-most troublesome guest of the evening. The demon being the most annoying, of course. 

Ah, there. He seemed to be.. retrieving drinks? Not in the most gracious way either, judging by his less than pleased expression. It also seemed he lost the Sherlock getup for tonight. Along with other ladies in the room, the thief eyed him with appreciation. Sherlock-chan seems to have come out to play with the other kids.

Good manners, good looks, good style, and obviously, good breeding — it seemed the detective would receive a high score from any of the women of high standards and indeed, most women in general.

Amidst her group, she watched him with a champagne flute at her lips. After completing his task, he glanced around, seemingly looking for someone. Finally, eye contact. Butterscotch eyes met violet ones.

A devilish smile to match her appearance, she raised the flute slowly in a toast to Hakuba in greeting.



Game start.

Hakuba, who had no glass to raise, instead dipped his head in greeting, smile returning to his face. It surprised even him, how the tired, negative emotions melted away a the sight of her. Beautiful, of course, with stunning gown and that irresistible mystery. Really, if he didn’t know better, he’d almost suspect that she were KID in disguise… but that would be a lot of extra work to go through just to mess with him. Er, or steal a painting. Not that she was here to do… 

The detective, momentarily flustered, turned back to speak to his client briefly before stepping away and through the crowded hall toward Jeanne. Yes, he was working, but he could certainly enjoy himself, too. After all, mingling with the guests – as he’d done the previous night – was likely the best possible way to catch a thief here. And it helped, after all, without the detective costume, he was much more… sneaky.

He made his way to Jeanne and offered her another bow, this time appropriate for their attire and station.

“Good evening, Miss d’Arc. It’s a pleasure to see you again.:

Those butterscotch eyes did all they could to hold her gaze as he straightened up, sizing her up not by physical attributes but by how well she took his scrutinizing eye. 

The following evening brought out the usual high society crowd in droves. Each dressed in their finest to impress, young Saguru Hakuba included. He’d forgone wearing the deerstalker and ‘classic’ Sherlock outfit in favor of a black tux with burgundy vest, both because the costume was technically inaccurate and because he wanted to show off as he had been unable to adequately do the night before. If there was ever a time to be a pompous ass, a function like this was it. 

He stood near his client as they greeted the guests, but could not keep himself from glancing periodically at the painting in question. Truthfully, he was a little nervous. He much preferred to work with cold, dead corpses that weren’t going anywhere, with paper trails coated in inherent flaws that he could inspect to unearth the truth. This robbery business… It was well enough and fine, but he was no athlete made to chase over buildings and up walls. And their riddles? Exhausting. But he did as he clients bid him to do, and so steeled himself for the evening.

Hakuba nodded politely, charming smile fixed into place, polished and friendly as was expected. Despite the mixed blood, he had good breeding on both sides, which went a long way with the rich crowd. ‘Oh, both sides of the family are rich? What a fine young gentleman!’ 

It was difficult not to think about that while taking the hands of the ladies to kiss and the men to shake, nodding hellos, bowing, and offering bits of trivia about themselves to confirm that, yes, he was supposed to be there, he did belong, and he was a damn good detective there was no need to worry. 

But where of the girl from the night before? She was new. Jeanne. He hardly knew anything about her except that she was interesting and very suspicious, both of which he enjoyed. Surely, she would show. 

He hid a sigh and turned to his client, raising a faint brow at a whispered request, then moved away to seek out a server. Asked to retrieve drinks? He wasn’t a butler. But he did as he was told, slipping into the crowd, disappointed bitterness hidden away.