Partners × In × Crime

Medieval Tapestry

- - - HARLINTON // JULY 2ND - - -

Xavia storms off towards the restrooms, hoping to have a moment alone to collect himself. The mirror above the sink reflects a man with dark brown eyes, filled with an anger he knows damn well is misplaced. He scowls at the figure in front of him, all decked out in knightly armor and bearing a sword he doesn't want to hold.

With more force than necessary, he turns on the faucet and splashes his face. The cold water does little to soothe his tumultuous emotions but it helps clear his mind enough for him to realize that he had been unreasonable towards his partner... Again.

He shouldn't have snapped so hard. She doesn't deserve that when she's just trying her best like always. But goddamn is this job draining him mentally and emotionally. He doesn't know why she can stand him when all he does is push people away.

The white-haired man takes another look at his reflection, his fists clenching and then relaxing as he lets out a deep sigh. Leaving the bathroom behind, Xavia assumes Dusk is most likely back at the archery booth, practicing for her performance later.

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"Dusk," Xavia grumbles, crossing his arms over his chest as he watches her shoot an arrow right on target.

The way she handles her bow and arrow is nothing short of mesmerizing. It reminds him that despite their banter and arguments there's a reason why they're still partners.

"Nice shot," He adds reluctantly, leaning against the wooden post beside him.

Turning her head at the sound of his voice, Dusk gives him a small smile, "Thanks, Xav," She replies quietly before nocking another arrow into place. She draws back and releases again, hitting the target dead center once more. The satisfaction from it helps in easing some tension between them.

"Good aim," Xavia mutters, "Keep that up and we might just get through his unscathed."

The sarcasm in his voice makes Dusk laugh, a short, quiet sound that adds to the happiness of her successful shots, "I'll try my best," She responds with an impish smile before focusing on her target.

Her body moves smoothly as she fires another arrow at the bullseye, each motion so practiced that it's almost second nature for her now.

An uncomfortable silence falls around them for several agonizing moments before Xavia speaks up, "Hey, Dusk?" His voice comes out a bit softer than usual as he rubs the back of his neck awkwardly, not meeting her gaze, "About earlier... I was out of line."

Dusk lowers her bow slightly, turning to look at him, "Xav," She begins gently, setting the weapon aside as she turns to face him.

She doesn't need an apology. Not really. But it still makes a warmth spread through her chest because this is Xavia admitting he was wrong, something that he rarely does.

"I..." Xavia falters, gritting his teeth. He's always pushed people away, wearing a fortress around himself due to his fears of rejection and abandonment. But Dusk has proven time and time again that she isn't going anywhere.

He nods briefly before muttering out an almost inaudible, "Sorry."

Underneath this tough exterior lies an equally rough yet vulnerable interior. He had never learned how to open up without feeling pathetic or weak.

The dark-haired woman reaches out and places a comforting hand on Xavia's arm, her mismatched eyes softening with understanding, "It's okay, Xav," She assures him, giving his arm a reassuring squeeze, "We're partners in crime or something like that, right?"