Deception

-6-

     Mark is locked away in his room while JC and Lira are sitting in their room, the redhead braiding the brunettes hair into a braided crown. The speedsters hair goes up into a bun while the telepath, also has a braided crown with the rest of her hair down. There is a knock at the door and both JC and Lira's eyes shot up. Both of them stood up and walked towards the balcony to see the two guests that have arrived, the mayor and the detective, speaking with the butler. 

     The telepath looks at the speedster and grins, getting one in return. She looks back forward at the people downstairs. 

     "Damn. Not even a hello? You're slacking, detective," she states. 

     Abe and Damien's eyes shift towards the two and they both grin. 

     "Oops. I mean, I could've just not come at all," he starts but the redhead and brunette were already down the stairs. 

     "Nah. You would've come anyway," she finishes.

     They grin and pull each other into a hug. Damien and Lira smile brightly and hug, too. They all let go and look at each other, their smiles still visible. 

     Abe looks at JC's shoulder, the wound still there but scarring. 

     "I see it's healing," he states. She looks down at her shoulder. 

     "Yea, it's getting there," she shrugs as she places a hand on her shoulder. The brunette turns towards Damien and Abe. 

     "How have you been?" Lira asks both of them. 

     "I've been doing well," Damien replies but Abe frowns. 

     "I lost another partner," he states. 

     JC looks at him with a frown, Damien and Lira looking at him. 

     "It's alright, Abe. Maybe having everyone back together will help cheer you up," the speedster states, earning a half smile from him.

     Lira and Damien start to talk with Benjamin about the last guests that are supposed to arrive. The redhead looks at Abe. 

     "Wait. I have something for you," she states and goes towards her room. 

     She comes back with Abe's jacket. He smiles. 

     "Thanks. I'll go put it with my stuff." He walks out of the room to go put it away. 

     As he walks out, Benjamin starts walking towards the door, seeing one of the last guests opening the door. The butler walks up to them. 

     "Ah, bonjour! Welcome to Markiplier Manor. Your invitation, please," he states. They hand him their invitation as JC cocks her head and Lira and Damien look at each other. Benjamin smiles. 

     "Very good, very good. Right this way!" he states, leading them towards the foyer. The butler turns back towards them. 

     "Good luck at the table tonight! I shall fetch you a drink forthwith," he states then walks away. 

     Abe walks back in and joins the group of people talking. Damien looks up, excuses himself from the group, and smiles. 

     "Oh! There you are, old friend. How are you settling into your new office? Now, I know it will take some getting used to, but there is no one I would rather have alongside me to protect this great city of ours. Now, I'll see you at the table soon, but try not rob me blind again. We'll catch up," he smiles as he looks at Lira and waves as he walks out of the room.