Partners × In × Crime

Swardani City

- - - WESTON CITY // DECEMBER 30TH - - -

Xavia stands at the edge of the chaos that's currently strewn about their living room. He holds an old clipboard, scanning over the checklist as he starts to read it aloud in his gruff voice.

"Two sets of black clothing, stealth gear..." He watches Dusk who's busily shoving items into an oversized duffle bag.

"Check," She confirms without looking up from her task.

"Medical kit, crossbow bolts, extra batteries for flashlights and our comms..." As he lists off items one by one, Dusk packs everything quickly.

"Yup, yup, and double yup," Dusk answers in rapid succession. She tosses the crossbow bolts into her bag with a flourish that has Xavia shooting her a disapproving look. Her lips quirk up in amusement at his reaction and she hastily turns away to hide it, "What? Just trying to keep things lively."

Xavia raises an eyebrow, unable to suppress the small smirk that tugs at his lips, "Just focus on packing," He grumbles, though there's no real heat in his words, "Emergency flare, ropes, tent pegs..."

He notices her pause for a moment before packing them into her bag with a nod, "And your bow? You got it?" He asks, although he already knows the answer. It's rare to see Dusk without her weapon close by.

"Of course," She replies, patting the violet recurve bow leaning against her bag. There's a sense of pride in her voice that doesn't go unnoticed by Xavia. She then shoots him an impish grin and waggles her eyebrows at him, "Worried about me?"

"Just doing my job," Xavia retorts, rolling his eyes at her teasing. But the faint tinge of red creeping up on his neck betrays him. He clears his throat and looks down at their list, not daring to meet Dusk's gaze for fear she might see right through him.

Dusk opens her mouth to reply, the words already forming on the tip of her tongue. But before she can get them out, there's a sharp knock at their front door. She immediately turns toward it, her playful expression falling away to be replaced with one of surprise, "That must be Zane," She announces.

"Yeah, most likely," He agrees with a nod. As if to confirm their suspicions, another knock echoes through the room. A bit more urgent this time. Xavia sighs and goes over to answer it while Dusk continues her packing.

Zane is standing outside in the cold, holding a box of equipment under his arm with a light snow dusting his shoulders. As soon as Xavia opens the door, he smiles at him with practiced charm, "Evening," He greets as he hands the box to him, "Here's what Aurelius asked me to bring."

"Evening, Zane," Xavia greets him back with a terse nod. He accepts the box from him, briefly checking its contents, "Thanks," He mutters, stepping aside to let Zane in.

"It's some high-tech gear Aurelius thought you might need," Zane explains, stepping inside and dusting off a bit of snow from his trench coat, "Infrared sensors for tracking, top-tier lock picks with different heads for various types of locks and there are also a few other gadgets in there."

"Wow," Dusk breathes out, her eyes wide as she peers over Xavia's shoulder to get a look at the equipment. She grins widely at Zane and gives him an appreciative nod, "Thanks for dropping it off, Zane."

As Dusk leans closer, her excitement is unmistakable. Xavia gives an exasperated sigh, immediately recognizing that look all too well.

"Easy there," He scolds her, "These are not toys."

"I'm sure they won't be used as such," Zane comments, giving Xavia a teasing look, "After all, you're here to supervise."

"Yeah, yeah," Xavia dismisses him with a wave of his hand. He knows he's only trying to rile him up and he isn't going to give him the satisfaction. However, as he looks at the high-tech gear in his hands again, worry creases his brow, "This job... Is it really going to be as dangerous as Aurelius made it sound?"