5ofhearts-chris - Tumblr blog

[5ofhearts-chris]

@musingmemories

It made him feel good when she tried to explain her intentions as a way to make sure she didn't offend him. He felt honored to be respected by her, since he held her in such high regards. Chris put on a cheerful smile when she confidently stated that Love-P wouldn't come back anymore. He wanted to believe her. Yes, maybe she would manage to keep Love-P at bay. It would be... nice.

He found it cute that she wanted to save face and gracefully overlooked her embarrassment while he educated everyone willing to listen, namely her, about the composition of banoffee pie. He was delighted by her positive response, going into the mission more elated.

"Ah, of course~ High Card has it all covered, as long as it's for the sake of the mission~" he stated confidently with a big grin, when she mentioned the insurance.

Chris would have let out an impressed whistle when he saw the interior, but he opted for raised eyebrows in Wendy's direction and a playful wink instead, while keeping an eye on his surroundings, not disturbing the quiet.

While Wendy moved to one of the parlor entrances, Chris let his eyes roam the parlor for any signs of... living. It looked so serene, so... clean. He couldn't shake his feeling of wrongness, when he heard a thud from where Wendy went off. He snapped his head in her direction immediately, closed the small distance and held his gun ready, as he heard an outraged "Hey!", followed by gunshots. Armed guards.

Before he could follow her to the hallway, Wendy fled back to the parlor again and gave him a brief description of what she found. The smile she gave him was irresistible and he found himself smiling back, even though his common sense told him that there was immediate danger and he should definitely go take care of some bad guys instead of standing there.

He nodded while listening, one hundred percent sure that he would go act as the pointman then. "Alright, then let me- what? Wendy, I-" But Wendy already went back in again and Chris just shook his head, grinning. That amazing woman. He didn't hesitate and charged in behind her, dutifully taking out guards that were aiming their weapon too close at Wendy with skillful shots of his gun, paving a way for her to get to the few other guards that were supposed to be there.

When they reached the stairs at the end of the hallway, Chris kicked down one last guard right next to Wendy, catching up to her. The guard dropped among a bunch that they had already taken down together... way more than the report had stated... and when his eyes fell to the upper stairway, his heart sank.

"Wendy, down!" he shouted and jumped in the way of multiple gunshots aimed at her, tackling her down to the floor with him, an arm around her shoulders, his body shielding her from more shots. Ugh... that hurt. He grimaced a bit.

"Are you okay?" he caringly checked on her, while they got up. His wounds healed up immediately and they looked for cover in a blind spot for a second to breathe.

"Seems like someone messed up their report by, I would say, 2 decimal places, how delightful." Chris stated in a joking manner. He didn't feel like laughing at all though.

@5ofhearts-chris

Hearing how her suggestion that Chris add extra equipment must’ve sounded, Wendy wished she’d bitten her tongue. "I don't mean to say that you need it, Chris--!” She added hastily, recalling moments when Chris proved time and time again he was High Card's strongest player. Quite literally immortal and seemingly invincible, if Chris was disarmed he was still left with four additional weapons: his limbs he'd trained to be just as lethal. But what surprised her was the agreement, followed by her teaching him. "If it means you'd be able to predict Love-P's moves and disarm her quickly, then yes, I'd want to teach you." Surely they were truly one, Wendy and Love-P. "But she's not coming back anymore." Said in such an assuring way even Wendy fooled herself as she so often did. Wanted desperately to believe that she had total control now that she'd decided to try her own path.

Which meant being the target of Chris' endless flirting, and Wendy was left wondering just how red her face could get. Calm, cool, collected unless drunk, Wendy wasn't used to such words that were uttered that landed with each thump of her heartbeat. So when she'd teased, she hadn't expected Chris to call her out, thoroughly embarrassed. Had it really made him happy? "I was more so being sarcastic..." She managed to say in an effort to save face, thankful for the shift in topic to banoffee pie. Wendy watched Chris' reaction as he described the sweet, a soft smile on her lips, finding herself drawn to such passion about a baked good. Chris seemed passionate about most things, from what Wendy had observed in the past, despite her claiming not to care otherwise...she'd still listened. "I look forward to trying it." She admitted, hoping their mission would go well enough for them to share the dessert sooner rather than later.

But only time would tell. As they retrieved Chris' rental car and drove to the base, Wendy said, "I hope you got insurance." A light joke to maintain the positivity that had started from the train, anticipating Leo's explosive reaction when they reported that yet another car had been used as a weapon in Chris' hands. One too many Fast and Furious movies, and Wendy wondered if they had been Chris' influence. A thought that wanted to be asked, forgotten when Chris parked the car, keeping in mind the distance for their future getaway. It was almost like two well-dressed people were just taking a leisurely stroll in the countryside and returning home perhaps, with the mansion looming ahead like a beacon. Not a guard in sight as they neared, just as the report had confirmed. Nothing but a beautiful three-story mansion sitting in the middle of nowhere just outside of town.

What made it reality was Chris' glance in her direction before he activated his card. Hesitation was only a split second before she too called out "Play!" and her sheathed sword is in her hands. Following Chris' signals, Wendy had his back as he led the way, sheathed sword clenched in her left hand, right itching to hold the hilt. All seemed quiet around the household, no one coming or going through the front, windows covered with curtains drawn, no approaching cars from the distance. A little too quiet, the only thought at the side entrance, and a firm nod of confirmation for Chris to go ahead before the door revealed itself to be unlocked. Coincidence, or a trap.

Entering and flanking Chris' side, they appear to have entered a large parlor with a grand piano, couches, tables, and plenty of seating. Still eerily quiet. Wendy moved to one of parlor entrances, opening the door to take a peek in the hallway, and found herself face to face with a guard which made her nearly leap out of her skin. "Hi." She says, not hesitating to deliver a swift hit to the guard's gut with the backend of the sword's hilt using the same motion to the back of his head as he keels over and collapses in a heap to the floor. "One down." About to usher Chris out of the parlor, there's only a split-second reaction when Wendy senses another presence rounding the corner, followed by an angry "Hey!" and an immediate spray of gunfire before she ducks back inside the parlor.

She greets Chris with a smile. "Okay so...one--no two guards down the hall, and probably more incoming from the floors above what with all that gunfire. If you cover, I'll charge and see if I can get a lead on the rest that are coming." Without another word, Wendy ran back out into the hall, trusting Chris to cover as she made her way ahead, showing no fear under the gunfire sent in her direction. Only a few more guards from their report, not knowing that an influx of men and advanced weaponry had been hired to protect the card in the mansion's safe on the upper floors.

[5ofhearts-chris]

@musingmemories

"That's actually believable."

It was, wasn't it? He noticed her gaze soften and wanted to believe that she actually liked the thought of them ending up together. Such a selfish thought.

When she mentioned their story of meeting, he vividly remembered the persistent chasing of her, mainly because he didn't want High Card to know about Michelle. It's only been a short time, but it felt like an eternity to him. Had it only been last week or the week before when he had kissed Chelsea? His heart beat faster. Best not think about it. It didn't mean anything - at least, that was what he was trying to convince himself of.

It did bother him how she described their meeting and he couldn't help but retort, "If a certain someone hadn't used their power to inconvience perfectly fine gentlemen, the outcome could've ended in some lovely flowers for the poor, innocent lady and a job well done for the rest." He didn't want to think about how she had played a crucial role in his secret endeavor, all because he got to know her better, through the chasing, through the time spent with his sister... almost as if he... did come to trust her.

When she agreed to his other suggestion of using her as a distraction, he felt a bit disappointed that she would do so gladly. He almost regretted suggesting it, when he saw her huff, but found it oddly cute. Genuine reactions of Chelsea, he wanted more of that.

He chuckled when she proposed using him as a bait. The chuckle died quickly when he heard that High Card would hire her on the spot and he hid his too real worry with sass. "Oh, you can certainly try, honey. Mmh~ You're certainly right in that they would be even more delighted to converse with such a charming young hard working employee." He gracefully pointed at him. "But how about you leave the card retrieving to the immortal ladies' man~"

Chris smiled, when she stated that the dress was perfect and they made the way to the changing rooms. He nodded approvingly when she made a sensible addition to the outfit as they went and he was certain that she would look great in it.

But when she stepped out, his expectations were exceeded by far. At first, he didn't get a word out, too taken in by her beauty and she took the time to twirl around slowly. He noticed her rosy cheeks and found her even more beautiful in that moment.

"You look gorgeous," he answered with a soft voice.

He came closer to her and asked, "May I?" and indicated that he would help her untie her hair.

He would also need to get dressed quickly so they could make their way to the party soon, but he couldn't resist staying close to her... for now.

@5ofhearts-chris

The fairytale version of their story has Chelsea's gaze to soften. It was open and vague enough to be left to interpretation. "That's actually believable." Not a trace of a joke in the words, sincerity filled. Or maybe it's more disappointment they didn't meet so organically. If in another life, maybe their fabricated story was a reality and Chris actually was the soulmate she'd been searching for. "I guess the real story of how we met isn't exactly romantic. Chasing a poor, innocent woman down for her most prized possession that was equivalent to her heart." She teased. Not as though she'd wanted him to be after her heart...at first. But somewhere along the way, Chelsea's feelings had changed, weighing on her soul like the tide. Because when she thought of Chris, she thought of the man beneath the mask, the one that had surely been there for their kiss. Or that was just wishful thinking.

Wishful thinking that still prompted her to look for signs, traces of the real Chris in his actions, expressions with each word, and in the silence. It was why some of her words were deliberate, actions purposeful, attempts to get a rise out of him enough to show how he truly felt. And if Chris did...Chelsea might believe him. He knew, didn't he? That Chelsea didn't need the new and exciting from her soulmate. That all she needed was to hear something akin to I would have you all by myself. Had Chris really just said that? A single thought isn't able to process itself as the words land, swearing her entire chest is now flushed without anywhere to run.

And just as effortless as the smooth words are told the tension shifts and it's an energy Chelsea can shield herself with to completely mask her flustered reaction. ...slightly more irritated than before, and a little hurt, which showed through an upturned nose and a huff. "By all means, use me. I don't mind using the art of distraction, as you know." Each and every time she'd slipped out of Chris' fingers during his mission to retrieve her card. "Maybe I'll steal your idea and use you as bait to get the card myself? High Card would hire me on the spot." No, Chelsea didn't have any desire to be part of High Card, necessarily. Yet.

Wasn't going to be much of a future opportunity if they didn't get to the party. As though on cue, Chris was directly beside her, his voice nearer than expected and Chelsea felt herself freeze slightly as he leaned in, his touch skimming her skin in a gentle brush. All in a matter of seconds. Get a grip, Chels. But her jaw almost dropped at the dress Chris presented to her, exactly what she'd envisioned when she'd thought about it in the car. "It's perfect~" Chelsea was practically floating as she followed Chris' lead, snagging a pair of heels on their way to the changing room, heart pounding when she was finally alone. Was this real? A dream she'd wake up from? Hopefully not anytime soon.

The dress fit perfectly, not an adjustment to be made, paired flawlessly with the jewelry Chris had picked out and heels she'd grabbed last minute. But there was something leaving her wondering if she looked perfect, weighing on whether or not to let her hair down or keep her pigtails as she stepped out. Only one way to find out. "Well~?" Chelsea announced with a hand on her hip and an expectant look that wasn't without carnation pink cheeks and a fluttering stomach with held breath. For dramatic effect, and to spare herself from anxiously staring at him, Chelsea does a slow twirl.

[5ofhearts-chris]

@musingmemories

Wendy's excitement about showing her sword skills was endearing to him and it made him a bit excited for her to show him, too. It was true that he tended to be more cautious around swords, especially when Wendy activated her card, since the experience had never been pleasant so far with Love-P's particular way with swords, but he was always amazed by what Wendy could do with just an activated card and a sheathed sword. He respected her skills a lot.

"Oh, me?" Chris was a bit taken aback by her proposal of him learning to use a sword. He actually never considered using one, having acquired the skill to use different kinds of guns and additionally relying on his MMA and kickboxing proficiency on most of the missions. He did survive so far, after all. Her reasoning sounded sensible though, so he replied, "Mh~ You... might have a point there. Maybe I could try. Would Wendy-chan teach me then~?" he grinned cheerfully. He was sure that he would never make a good swordsman, especially not one that could live up to Wendy's level of skill. But maybe he would be better at predicting Love-P's insane next moves when he had the basics down? Oh, wishful thinking... He banned any thoughts on Love-P from his mind. At least he would see Wendy be all excited about swordsmanship. That outlook seemed nice.

When he heard her tone of voice, he stared at her, surprised. Was Wendy actually teasing him? "Wendy-chan, I am so happy right now - to see the day that Wendy Satou is actually teasing me~" He grinned and the awkwardness was gone.

His grin dropped dramatically when she mentioned the tragedy of never having banoffee pie before. Poor poor Wendy. He put his hand to his chest. "Oh Wendy~ You will be in for a treat then! It's a wonderful composition of coffee-flavoured cream and pure white whipped cream. Beneath some bananas there is a rich toffee traditionally made from boiled condensed milk and a crunchy short crust pastry at the bottom... You're going to love it." He loved cakes and even though he rarely shared his sweets, since he could devour all of it by himself in one sitting, the thought of sharing some with her wasn't bad at all. He smiled, when she agreed. He felt like they were making progress in getting to know each other better, in removing the wall that had always been there between them.

They stood on the platform when she mentioned a car ride. "Oh, good thing I prepared this for us then~" He produced an order confirmation for a rental car service located near the station. He nodded seriously when Wendy said that they would be home sooner than they'd realize.

Within minutes they got their nice-looking car (he made sure of having that particular model) and he drove them to the base. He parked the car a bit further from their destination so that they could walk the rest of the way. When they neared the mansion, it looked calm and mostly empty. So far, so good.

He looked back at Wendy and activated his card. "Play."

Then he signaled to her that he would like to check out the side entrance. They approached it slowly. He couldn't see through the windows since they were all covered. When they got closer, he pulled out his gun, looked at Wendy to check if she was ready, before he tried to open the door.

It was unlocked. Maybe that should've made him suspicious already...

He looked at Wendy one last time before entering the mansion.

@5ofhearts-chris

When Chris suggested she show her his sword skills, Wendy lit up with the words. She assumed, based on Love-P and her bloodlust, that Chris wouldn't want to be anywhere near Wendy and a sword outside of High Card. And if he did feel that way then Chris was an excellent liar and one smooth talker. Which he was both of. Even if it was a suggestion that wouldn't see the light of day, Wendy warmly took it to heart, interpreting it as though Chris didn't think she was the same psychopath her card created.

"If you want, I think you could learn. I mean, you're a marksman but if you ran out of bullets a sword is a great backup." Meanwhile, the sword was her primary weapon of choice and she carried zero backups. Which meant Wendy was either ridiculously confident or completely reckless, both of which were traits Love-P possessed, unbeknownst to her.

As Chris stammered, Wendy chuckled again, finding it amusing that she'd caused that sort of reaction when he was usually so fluid with his words. "Taking your time...I see. Now that I think about it...I've never seen you inhale ice cream or Fudgees bars, or any other food, have I, Chris?" She hoped her attempted teasing was airy enough to dance with the words, expression attempting to lighten itself from the previous glare that had probably been more intimidating than intended. At least his laughter and his second bite, which Wendy almost reached out to beg him to stop continuing, soothed the air between them, ceasing any worry and overthinking that threatened to clamp her mouth shut again.

But it did, anyway, with Chris' next suggestion: sharing a banoffee pie. The intimate offer, or just friends sharing food as anyone else would've taken it, caused her cheeks to pink. "You know..." Wendy tapped her chin thoughtfully, unfocused gaze cast at the train car's ceiling in an attempt to collect herself, sandwich finished somewhere between their exchanged chuckles and words. "I don't think I've ever had banoffee pie." She admitted. Typically around the holidays there were cakes and pastries, but not pie. Wendy couldn't find herself immediately saying yes thanks to doubt the ugly beast trying to rear its ugly head. But as Chris smiles at her somehow it alleviates some of the darkness, reminding herself to remain positive. Because, after all, she'd been trying to stray from the original path she'd taken: Togetherness rather than solitude. "Sure. After the mission." The words made her heart skip a slight beat.

Right on cue, or a sign of foreboding, the train slowed to a stop, the station looming beyond the windows on either side. The countryside visible in the distance. A secluded home somewhere beyond, a base where the card lay waiting. With her belongings packed, Wendy was just about to stand when Chris offered his hand, to which she smirked and accepted. A contrast to before when she'd brushed him off back at work.

No time to dwell anymore. Focused sharpened, Wendy was already calculating their next moves. "We'll need a car for our getaway, but the base is about a 10 minute drive from here. According to the information that was gathered, the card's supposedly not very guarded. So we should be able to get in and get out by the next train and be home sooner than we realize." And if it was as lightly guarded as their intel had gathered, her sword wouldn't need to be unsheathed at all. Maybe they could walk away without spilling any blood. Maybe it would be their first successful mission together.

[5ofhearts-chris]

@musingmemories

Chris hadn't forgiven Leo for bringing in Chelsea. The little boss sure could be pushy... pretty much all the time. But what's done was done. He promised himself to keep Chelsea out of harm's way, no matter what. She didn't belong to their dangerous world. This was a one-time job and after he kept her safe, she would have nothing to do with High Card anymore, he would make sure of that. He didn't want to lose her.

When she pushed the Fudgees bar into his hand, he took it and laughed heartily. He loved her attempt at masking her embarrassment and decided to soothe the waters a bit by reassuring, "Of course you weren't, darling. I like it anyways~" He smiled his disarming smile and took a bite from his bar, this time from his own hand.

"For power? Oh, Chelsea, darling, apple of my eye, how could you say that?" He acted overly apalled. "It was love at first sight, when I first got to meet and work with you while I was leading a very important company project. We spent a lot of time together, valued and respected each other's opinions, got closer... and the rest is history, as they say." His heart fluttered weirdly when he mentioned the getting closer part of his made-up story, so he wrapped it up quickly. It would be nice though, wouldn't it be?

When she suggested someone stealing her away, he tensed slightly and forced himself to relax again. Yes, that thought bothered him a lot and he wouldn't like it at all and no, he should not show her, because he needed to keep his distance - for his sake and for hers.

So he playfully bit on his lip and said, "Oh~ maybe we should keep that our little secret after all? Then I will be the only one giving you something new and exciting whenever you so desire, darling~ and I would have you all by myself..." He was flirting excessively to get a reaction out of her and wished for it to be true at the same time, even though it was never meant to be. "On the other hand, won't they be perfectly distracted while offering you excitement and I would actually be able to retrieve the card? Maybe I should just let them?" he added with a teasing shrug to distract from his secret desire to actually be able to call her his and give her the world if he could. He would never let anyone steal her away from him at this party.

He smiled softly, when her eyes widened at his offer. He got a bit wary though, when that coy smile of hers appeared. "I know what?"

When she daringly quirked her eyebrow at him, he found her somehow irresistible and followed her every move with his gaze, before indulging her by joining her at the racks.

"Mh yes, that would definitely be a lovely choice," he agreed honestly when she held up the sparkling dress. Then he leaned closer to her to reach over her shoulder, accidentally brushing her skin with his hand in the process. He only froze for a second at the warm touch, before he pulled out the bond-girl dress behind her. "How about a more elegant and eye-catching garment, my lady?" He didn't stop there but also equipped her with some fitting and expensive looking jewelry that they picked up on the way to the changing room. While he waited, he filled his stomach up with a lot more sugar and checked his watch again. They needed to get going soon. Maybe he should change here too.

@5ofhearts-chris

For his sake was the silent promise that flashed through Chelsea's mind when the image of Chris and his prior injuries caused her to slip on the ring. Last time, he wouldn't breathe a word of what he'd gotten himself involved in, strict on keeping her out of it. And yet at the same time, Chris had somehow let slip his endgame. Perhaps out of habit in the end, just a way of brushing off that kiss and to keep her at an arm's length. But tonight fate, as Chris would've teasingly put it, had very much brought them together and this time he'd had no choice but to let her tag along. Any danger he might run toward she'd be right there with him. At least now Chelsea could play a part in making sure Chris got back safe without having to worry whether or not she'd see him again.

Physically he was here, and it wasn't a dream. He wasn't a figure in a crowd she expected to see out of her peripheral. Chris was here...biting into the Fudgees bar she'd opened for him right out of her hand. Her mind immediately blanked and Chelsea could only helplessly stare as Chris spoke about liking his wife feeding him and winked at her. Her heart almost dropped to her stomach. In an attempt to mask how flustered she felt, Chelsea nudged the bitten snack bar against his nearest hand on the steering wheel. "I wasn't feeding you!" She insisted as she sat back with a huff, hands folding onto her lap. Off to an extremely convincing portrayal of husband and wife, weren't they?

Chelsea knew she'd have to do better as she imagined herself in the story Chris painted for her. Their story. Which caused a chuckle. "Faithful, huh? You sure you didn't marry me for power, being my rich dad's right-hand man?" She asked, wondering if there was just the slightest hint of sincerity and reality mingling with the words. Chelsea did find herself wondering how he might've proposed, how he would've taken her hand and slipped the ring on...a missed opportunity putting hers on right in front of him.

Ah, Callgram...a callback to their paths crossing, something she still used and updated, maybe hoping he'd see her posts. Then Chris called her out in such a knowing way Chelsea was almost taken aback. Not such a secret though, was it? "Hmm~ telling people that I love anything new and exciting, might just inspire someone to steal me away tonight, darling." She let the tease slip, wondering if he'd even react if that happened while thinking of something to offer with his inquiry about herself. "My life's on public display, I've got no secrets." Social Media was still her platform--everything she loved, her hobbies, her friends, her life, all of it was for the world to see.

The excitement fluttered back in her stomach when they arrived at the shopping area, and finally the shop where Chris offered her anything, causing Chelsea's eyes to widen slightly. "Famous last words..." Said before an idea popped into her head, tugging a coy smile on her lips as she decided to practice. "You know~ I like it when my husband tries to pick out a dress for me. Just to test his taste of course, being the daughter of a fashion tycoon." There was a challenging brow quirked upward in Chris' direction before she moved toward a rack with a few black dresses. Pressed for time though, weren't they? As much as she wanted to try everything on and watch Chris' reactions, this wasn't the time. She was almost disappointed by the fact when she selected a potential option that sparkled like stars. There was an example of a bond girl dress just behind her, or maybe Chris would end up picking one that would actually be the choice.

[5ofhearts-chris]

@musingmemories

Chris often wondered how Wendy could act and distract their clients on the missions so easily (though he suspected the drunk state that they would find her in afterwards played a role in it) and seemed to get along with Vijay and the others just fine, but was so uptight and quiet when it came to him, since he usually didn't have that effect on people. But it seemed like she finally warmed up to him a little and he had fun sitting right next to her on that train ride.

He couldn't help but chuckle when she confidently stated that of course she was skillful with her hands. "Maybe you should show me sometime, Wendy-chan~," he cheerfully replied and would genuinely be happy about whatever she would show him. Her katana skills were very impressive to look at, after all. He found that he wouldn't mind just sitting there and letting her show off her passion and skill with the sword.

When she glared in his direction he feared that he might have seriously offended or hurt her and worked his mind in overdrive to come up with a smooth reply - of course, he could lie his way out of this, but - should he? Did he want to? Wendy's honorable ways somehow made him want to be honest with her, "Ah, it's not that... I don't like it-" at least a little. "I just like... taking my time?" Gosh, that was pathetic. He started to make a fool out of himself in front of her. What was wrong with him?

But then she chuckled and he found himself chuckling along with her like an idiot. When she offered him to not finish the sandwich, he felt a bit bad. He considered eating it all up - but what if his stomach couldn't take that? And since when would he force something not enjoyable into his stomach? Anything to make her smile just one more time. So he mindlessly mirrored her and took another bite of the sandwich. He was so going to regret it.

Wendy made him smile widely again when she innocently asked what things she should share. "Mmh~ I can't think of a thing right now," he lied for her sake. "Let's share a banoffee pie when we get back from the mission maybe?" He intentionally mentioned something sweet to distract from his initial innuendo and couldn't stop grinning somehow.

The arrival at their destination saved him from his death by sandwich - he hadn't been able to finish it in time.

"Let's get to work, shall we?" He smiled kindly at her and offered her a hand to get up from her seat. Then they headed out to their mission.

He straightened himself, bracing himself for what was to come. Get in, get the card, get out. Nothing too complicated, right?

@musingmemories

It often left the others unfazed when he got injured or 'killed' because of his ability. They tended to forget that it always hurt immensely and often more than any human could normally take. He hated the pain. But he endured it silently or waved it aside with lighthearted remarks, because who was he to complain? He was practically immortal after all. Immortal with feelings - an immortal who got hurt, too.

If possible he would avoid pain in any setting. He also avoided thinking of what Love-P would actually do to him if she had unlimited access to him, since Wendy would have it under control and Love-P wouldn't be needed. His lovely co-worker would never want to hurt him after all. He knew that and so he concentrated on the easy conversation at hand, which he began to enjoy a lot.

He saw her blush and couldn't help but smile a little. "They look very lovely," he complimented honestly. "Shows that you are very skillful with your hands... Heh," he grinned about his own unintended ambiguous statement and winked at her.

Then he hesitated when he got offered to take a sandwich. The last time he tried one, it... wasn't to his taste. But maybe it had just been bad luck and this time it would be better?

What you need is manners, grace and a readiness to risk your life. He decided to go with High Card's motto and picked an unsuspicious-looking sandwich out of her bento box.

"Then I'll give it a try. Thank you for the food~" He bit into it .... and chewed deliberately.

Then he finally swallowed. "... Wendy-chan, how about I make some sandwiches with you together some time?" he suggested in a cautious, friendly way. He didn't know what she did to make the sandwich taste so... interesting, but surely, he could help her improve those? "Maybe you can share more than just sweet things with me then~" he added to give her a playful out, if she needed one. He didn't want to push her and cherished the peaceful conversation they had. Too bad that they would arrive at their destination soon.

[5ofhearts-chris]

@musingmemories

Chris still found it hard to believe that Chelsea would wear the ring so easily when she so fiercely believed in meeting her soulmate anytime. It was a very serious commitment for her. He decided to make her time with him at least somewhat worthwhile - and to involve her in the dangerous things as little as possible.

When Chelsea got excited about shopping, his expression softened. He would have liked it better for her to say that he was the best, but oh well - making her this happy actually felt nice. It's just a job, it's just a job. Then he tried hard to not indulge in an imaginative future where it was perfectly normal for Chelsea to hold onto his arm exactly like that, because it just felt so right.

He concentrated on the road ahead while Chelsea was looking for his emergency Fudgees bars in the gloves compartment - of course he kept a stash of sweets everywhere he could - and was pleasantly surprised when she even opened the wrapper for him.

"Thank you~," he said and because he wouldn't be Chris if he didn't try to make a beautiful lady melt and blush a little, he gracefully bit off from the Fudgees bar still in her hand and added, "Mmh~ I like it when my wife feeds me my favourite things." He winked at her.

When she listed off the things that he actually liked, he felt warm inside and pushed that feeling away immediately. It wasn't like people didn't know he had a sweet tooth. Still, it was nice.

He decided to fill her in on the details of the job. "This evening, the cover is that you're the daughter of a rich CEO of a fashion company that is supposed to be really popular among young people abroad - Richard Fetcher - and I am your faithful husband working as the CEO's trusted right hand man. Now, is there something I should know about my beautiful wife other than her love of anything new and exciting? Oh and Callgram, of course."

He nodded when Chelsea told him her preference in a dress. "I know just the place~" His thoughts threatened to go into forbidden territory when he imagined Chelsea in a revealing black dress and was glad that they arrived at their destination soon. He parked the car in Bond street, helped Chelsea get out of the car and led her to one of the expensive shops lined up. "Go on, sweetheart, choose anything you like. My treat~"

@musingmemories

It was hard to charm Chelsea sometimes, since she seemed to see through every lie he said and of course, showed her disbelief of yet another phrase with a simple click of a tongue. It hurt more than he thought, but what did a liar expect? In another life maybe he would have given her the world and proved to her that there was some truth behind his words.

In another life, he forcefully repeated to himself.

Chris was taken aback by her commitment and refused to interpret her mentions of her soulmate to have anything to do with him. His foolish heart longed for it, but he didn't dare hope. He mustn't.

His grin turned a tad sour when she finished by using the nickname and her sarcasm on him and it was completely wiped off his face when he witnessed her sliding the ring on her finger. No way.

For a moment he was speechless and unwanted thoughts of him slipping the ring on for her intruded his mind. Silly mind. He was glad that she turned to Leo a moment later.

"Oh someone knows how to dish out today," Chris commented. "My poor heart~ Leo, did you hear that?"

Leo ignored Chris and promised that he would talk to Douglas, the manager and bartender of the pub, and would compensate him for her shift, of course. As for the dress... Leo glanced to Chris, who finally came to terms with what was happening.

"Yes, yes," Chris swiftly finished his drink and got up. "My dear Chelsea, High Card wants us to be dressed for the occasion of course, so we'll pick something suitable for you in Bond Street. Let's go, sweetheart, or we'll be late to the party~" He offered her his arm like a gentleman would.

"We'll be back with what you desire soon, Leo... Thanks for picking up the tabs~" With that they left the pub for his car and he opened the passenger door for her, then headed straight to their city's luxury fashion shopping street to quickly choose a fitting outfit for Chelsea. His own outfit, a classic tuxedo was in a neat bag in the back of his car.

"Is there a dress color you would prefer, my stubborn wife~?"

While waiting for an answer, he glanced at his watch again and hummed. Should be okay, if they didn't dawdle and he could eat more sweets while they were choosing her dress, too. Speaking of which, "Chelsea, dear, would you mind handing me a Fudgees bar from the glove compartment~?" Might as well make the best of this situation.

[5ofhearts-chris]

@musingmemories

It often left the others unfazed when he got injured or 'killed' because of his ability. They tended to forget that it always hurt immensely and often more than any human could normally take. He hated the pain. But he endured it silently or waved it aside with lighthearted remarks, because who was he to complain? He was practically immortal after all. Immortal with feelings - an immortal who got hurt, too.

If possible he would avoid pain in any setting. He also avoided thinking of what Love-P would actually do to him if she had unlimited access to him, since Wendy would have it under control and Love-P wouldn't be needed. His lovely co-worker would never want to hurt him after all. He knew that and so he concentrated on the easy conversation at hand, which he began to enjoy a lot.

He saw her blush and couldn't help but smile a little. "They look very lovely," he complimented honestly. "Shows that you are very skillful with your hands... Heh," he grinned about his own unintended ambiguous statement and winked at her.

Then he hesitated when he got offered to take a sandwich. The last time he tried one, it... wasn't to his taste. But maybe it had just been bad luck and this time it would be better?

What you need is manners, grace and a readiness to risk your life. He decided to go with High Card's motto and picked an unsuspicious-looking sandwich out of her bento box.

"Then I'll give it a try. Thank you for the food~" He bit into it .... and chewed deliberately.

Then he finally swallowed. "... Wendy-chan, how about I make some sandwiches with you together some time?" he suggested in a cautious, friendly way. He didn't know what she did to make the sandwich taste so... interesting, but surely, he could help her improve those? "Maybe you can share more than just sweet things with me then~" he added to give her a playful out, if she needed one. He didn't want to push her and cherished the peaceful conversation they had. Too bad that they would arrive at their destination soon.

@musingmemories

Chris thought it felt nice to sit next to his co-worker and managed to relax a bit, since he made the decision to trust in Wendy and noted the fact that she didn't push him away - one step closer to having a real conversation with her today.

When he started the conversation however, the familiar pattern resurfaced and Wendy remained quiet. Funny, because when she got too drunk, she seemed to like talking. He thought of all the nights he made sure that the drunk samurai girl got home safe. Those were the little moments that revealed her true thoughts and where she let down her guard for a bit. Maybe that was why he wouldn't give up trying to make a connection with her.

Chris didn't skip a beat when he replied, "Oh, I'm always a bit nervous around pretty ladies - especially someone as pretty as you, Wendy~" He didn't go into what she actually wanted to imply. He didn't want to think about the possibility of Love-P getting involved too much and hoped that it would distract from the topic.

His face brightened when she took the Fudgees bar and he just found out that he really liked seeing her enjoying her food and being content. He would love to see more of that.

He didn't even notice his lopsided grin from observing her and almost missed her 'thank you'. It took him by surprise and he wanted to exclaim it in a cheerful way, but when he saw her shuffling consciously, he bit back a remark, proceeded to smile genuinely and said, "You're welcome!" Though he couldn't resist playfully adding, "You can share sweet things with me anytime~," and meant it.

When she put her bento box onto her lap, he got curious and witnessed her opening it to reveal neatly prepared sandwiches. He couldn't help but remember the last time she brought in sandwiches. He decided to push his luck in conversing with her and asked, "Sandwiches! Did you prepare them yourself, Wendy-chan~?"

[5ofhearts-chris]

@musingmemories

It was hard to charm Chelsea sometimes, since she seemed to see through every lie he said and of course, showed her disbelief of yet another phrase with a simple click of a tongue. It hurt more than he thought, but what did a liar expect? In another life maybe he would have given her the world and proved to her that there was some truth behind his words.

In another life, he forcefully repeated to himself.

Chris was taken aback by her commitment and refused to interpret her mentions of her soulmate to have anything to do with him. His foolish heart longed for it, but he didn't dare hope. He mustn't.

His grin turned a tad sour when she finished by using the nickname and her sarcasm on him and it was completely wiped off his face when he witnessed her sliding the ring on her finger. No way.

For a moment he was speechless and unwanted thoughts of him slipping the ring on for her intruded his mind. Silly mind. He was glad that she turned to Leo a moment later.

"Oh someone knows how to dish out today," Chris commented. "My poor heart~ Leo, did you hear that?"

Leo ignored Chris and promised that he would talk to Douglas, the manager and bartender of the pub, and would compensate him for her shift, of course. As for the dress... Leo glanced to Chris, who finally came to terms with what was happening.

"Yes, yes," Chris swiftly finished his drink and got up. "My dear Chelsea, High Card wants us to be dressed for the occasion of course, so we'll pick something suitable for you in Bond Street. Let's go, sweetheart, or we'll be late to the party~" He offered her his arm like a gentleman would.

"We'll be back with what you desire soon, Leo... Thanks for picking up the tabs~" With that they left the pub for his car and he opened the passenger door for her, then headed straight to their city's luxury fashion shopping street to quickly choose a fitting outfit for Chelsea. His own outfit, a classic tuxedo was in a neat bag in the back of his car.

"Is there a dress color you would prefer, my stubborn wife~?"

While waiting for an answer, he glanced at his watch again and hummed. Should be okay, if they didn't dawdle and he could eat more sweets while they were choosing her dress, too. Speaking of which, "Chelsea, dear, would you mind handing me a Fudgees bar from the glove compartment~?" Might as well make the best of this situation.

@musingmemories

The moment Chelsea scoffed at him saying that she wasn't trained, he suspected he fought a losing battle of trying to get her away from this endeavor.

It bothered him more than it should that he didn't have an answer to her true statement that she got away from Finn and him when they found her every single time. Touché, my lady. Technically she was right, but they both knew that if Chris had been serious about getting the card at all costs...

When she mentioned the saving him part, he froze. He didn't want her this closely involved with any dangerous player and it was bad enough that it happened once while he had been trying to heal his sister. He wanted to scream, 'You were lucky enough that nothing serious happened to you!' but he didn't, because he kept his act up. Because he didn't want to, shouldn't feel the way he did about her.

Thanks to that he got to put on a show of being teasing and relaxed while he witnessed her looking at his lips (where his heartbeat accelerated again and where he was anything but relaxed) and her shock at the mention of 'wife'. When Chelsea pulled back, he raised his eyebrows and grinned widely.

"Oh, I would never mess with you, my sweet Chelsea~!" He leaned back and took his time to sip from his café au lait. "The mission involves escorting me as my wife to a high society party tonight." He winked playfully. "Still confident you can handle that, honey?"

Just to add to the fun, he produced the fake rings that Bernard had already given to him before Wendy got called in by the president, put one on his own ring finger and suggestively put the other in front of her on the table. He hoped that that would make her back up and that he could make his way to the party soon to fulfill the mission alone. He glanced at his watch to confirm that they he didn't have that much more time left when keeping preparations in mind. He felt bad for teasing her like that, but it was for her own good to not get involved with High Card too much.

[5ofhearts-chris]

@musingmemories

The moment Chelsea scoffed at him saying that she wasn't trained, he suspected he fought a losing battle of trying to get her away from this endeavor.

It bothered him more than it should that he didn't have an answer to her true statement that she got away from Finn and him when they found her every single time. Touché, my lady. Technically she was right, but they both knew that if Chris had been serious about getting the card at all costs...

When she mentioned the saving him part, he froze. He didn't want her this closely involved with any dangerous player and it was bad enough that it happened once while he had been trying to heal his sister. He wanted to scream, 'You were lucky enough that nothing serious happened to you!' but he didn't, because he kept his act up. Because he didn't want to, shouldn't feel the way he did about her.

Thanks to that he got to put on a show of being teasing and relaxed while he witnessed her looking at his lips (where his heartbeat accelerated again and where he was anything but relaxed) and her shock at the mention of 'wife'. When Chelsea pulled back, he raised his eyebrows and grinned widely.

"Oh, I would never mess with you, my sweet Chelsea~!" He leaned back and took his time to sip from his café au lait. "The mission involves escorting me as my wife to a high society party tonight." He winked playfully. "Still confident you can handle that, honey?"

Just to add to the fun, he produced the fake rings that Bernard had already given to him before Wendy got called in by the president, put one on his own ring finger and suggestively put the other in front of her on the table. He hoped that that would make her back up and that he could make his way to the party soon to fulfill the mission alone. He glanced at his watch to confirm that they he didn't have that much more time left when keeping preparations in mind. He felt bad for teasing her like that, but it was for her own good to not get involved with High Card too much.

He knew it wasn't fair of him. He felt like he left her hanging, after he trusted her fully to keep his package for him. In his head, Chris played it down: he could have sent it to any woman he knew. He had the free choice and chose her.

It would be more unfair to let her be with the empty man he was inside - if she would even have him. She was so righteous and brutally honest. The blatant lie that he embodied was a poor match for that. And yet, wouldn't it be... wonderful?

Chris immediately banned the thought from his head.

He acted overly hurt, once she made her retort and didn't react to his compliment, by putting a hand to his heart. "Me, stalking you? I would never! It's fate that brings us together time and time again~" He loved saying that line. Maybe if he said it often enough it would become true.

Chris saw Chelsea perk up at the word 'escort' and he wanted to scream 'No, he didn't!' , wanted to keep her away from this life, the potential danger. His potential loss.

... And then her answer dropped and with it, his heart.

He glared at Leo. "She isn't trained, Leo." But Leo wouldn't hear any of it. Chris was a great mentor after all, wasn't he? And didn't he say he could pull it off alone anyways?

Chris gritted his teeth and tried to hide his true feelings behind his carefully constructed mask. It slipped a bit when Chelsea leaned a bit closer and he automatically held his breath. He frowned a bit when she revealed her motivation for volunteering. Of course. He should have known better.

Then, he broke into a grin. "Darling, are you sure you can handle the Immortal Ladies' Man?" He mirrored her by leaning towards her now with his own chin in his palm, only inches away from her. "You'd have to be my wife, sweetheart."

[5ofhearts-chris]

@musingmemories

Chris thought it felt nice to sit next to his co-worker and managed to relax a bit, since he made the decision to trust in Wendy and noted the fact that she didn't push him away - one step closer to having a real conversation with her today.

When he started the conversation however, the familiar pattern resurfaced and Wendy remained quiet. Funny, because when she got too drunk, she seemed to like talking. He thought of all the nights he made sure that the drunk samurai girl got home safe. Those were the little moments that revealed her true thoughts and where she let down her guard for a bit. Maybe that was why he wouldn't give up trying to make a connection with her.

Chris didn't skip a beat when he replied, "Oh, I'm always a bit nervous around pretty ladies - especially someone as pretty as you, Wendy~" He didn't go into what she actually wanted to imply. He didn't want to think about the possibility of Love-P getting involved too much and hoped that it would distract from the topic.

His face brightened when she took the Fudgees bar and he just found out that he really liked seeing her enjoying her food and being content. He would love to see more of that.

He didn't even notice his lopsided grin from observing her and almost missed her 'thank you'. It took him by surprise and he wanted to exclaim it in a cheerful way, but when he saw her shuffling consciously, he bit back a remark, proceeded to smile genuinely and said, "You're welcome!" Though he couldn't resist playfully adding, "You can share sweet things with me anytime~," and meant it.

When she put her bento box onto her lap, he got curious and witnessed her opening it to reveal neatly prepared sandwiches. He couldn't help but remember the last time she brought in sandwiches. He decided to push his luck in conversing with her and asked, "Sandwiches! Did you prepare them yourself, Wendy-chan~?"

@musingmemories

As Wendy ignored him once again, he tried to brush it off easily, not letting him get affected by that, and dropped his arm to make her feel more comfortable. He expected as much, but still - having her react to him once in a while would feel nice, he supposed.

"Off we go then~," he said, when they were done with the briefing. He threw away the empty bag of donuts he already devoured and left the office to make his final preparations.

Chris arrived at the train station shortly before their train left - just in time. He had looked around the platform but didn't see Wendy there, so he finally went in to check the wagons.

"Is this seat next to you still available, beautiful lady?" he asked using his charms.

He put away his suitcase and sat down next to Wendy without waiting for an answer.

"Ha~ Isn't it nice, Wendy? Us two together on a mission again?" He tried to break the ice a bit by offering her his favourite sweet. "Fudgees?"

Okay, yes, maybe he was a bit more anxious about this mission and less excited after all. But he decided to trust Wendy. She could handle any situation. And so did he.

[5ofhearts-chris]

@musingmemories

As Wendy ignored him once again, he tried to brush it off easily, not letting him get affected by that, and dropped his arm to make her feel more comfortable. He expected as much, but still - having her react to him once in a while would feel nice, he supposed.

"Off we go then~," he said, when they were done with the briefing. He threw away the empty bag of donuts he already devoured and left the office to make his final preparations.

Chris arrived at the train station shortly before their train left - just in time. He had looked around the platform but didn't see Wendy there, so he finally went in to check the wagons.

"Is this seat next to you still available, beautiful lady?" he asked using his charms.

He put away his suitcase and sat down next to Wendy without waiting for an answer.

"Ha~ Isn't it nice, Wendy? Us two together on a mission again?" He tried to break the ice a bit by offering her his favourite sweet. "Fudgees?"

Okay, yes, maybe he was a bit more anxious about this mission and less excited after all. But he decided to trust Wendy. She could handle any situation. And so did he.

@musingmemories

The day started really sweet, Chris went to pick up a full bag of lovely donuts from one of his favourite bakeries before heading to Pinochle's Old Maid branch.

When he turned around the corner he was delighted to see Wendy further in front of him. He entered the office shortly after her with a donut in his mouth and just heard Leo's last sentence as Wendy turned towards him - their eyes met and time stopped for a second.

Chris' eyes widened and he didn't shout out his usual cheery greetings, but he quickly caught himself again, swallowed his donut and winked mischievously at Wendy.

"Ah~ a mission with my dear Wendy!" He came up to her and playfully put an arm around her shoulders. "This is going to be great, right, Wendy-chan~? When are we going to leave?" He directed the last question to Leo and got the answer that their train would leave this afternoon.

"Wonderful~" He smiled pleasantly and hid the small worry that had been creeping up in his mind by now. Surely, Love-P wouldn't be needed on that mission, he reassured himself, she rarely was. Wendy was already incredibly skillful with the card's enhancements and her sheathed sword. Chris would need to stock up on sweets... just in case.

Their mission briefing was short, the mission itself simple. Infiltrate the base, retrieve the card from their surveilled storage, get out. Simple. What could possibly go wrong?

[5ofhearts-chris]

He knew it wasn't fair of him. He felt like he left her hanging, after he trusted her fully to keep his package for him. In his head, Chris played it down: he could have sent it to any woman he knew. He had the free choice and chose her.

It would be more unfair to let her be with the empty man he was inside - if she would even have him. She was so righteous and brutally honest. The blatant lie that he embodied was a poor match for that. And yet, wouldn't it be... wonderful?

Chris immediately banned the thought from his head.

He acted overly hurt, once she made her retort and didn't react to his compliment, by putting a hand to his heart. "Me, stalking you? I would never! It's fate that brings us together time and time again~" He loved saying that line. Maybe if he said it often enough it would become true.

Chris saw Chelsea perk up at the word 'escort' and he wanted to scream 'No, he didn't!' , wanted to keep her away from this life, the potential danger. His potential loss.

... And then her answer dropped and with it, his heart.

He glared at Leo. "She isn't trained, Leo." But Leo wouldn't hear any of it. Chris was a great mentor after all, wasn't he? And didn't he say he could pull it off alone anyways?

Chris gritted his teeth and tried to hide his true feelings behind his carefully constructed mask. It slipped a bit when Chelsea leaned a bit closer and he automatically held his breath. He frowned a bit when she revealed her motivation for volunteering. Of course. He should have known better.

Then, he broke into a grin. "Darling, are you sure you can handle the Immortal Ladies' Man?" He mirrored her by leaning towards her now with his own chin in his palm, only inches away from her. "You'd have to be my wife, sweetheart."

@musingmemories

Chris was acutely aware that it wasn't a wise idea to get girls... her seriously involved with him. It was dangerous. On that day he had been certain that he would give his life and did what he felt was right back then... and in consequence, his heart became a mess, longing for things he shouldn't long for. Aching for something he shouldn't even think about... His head on the other hand knew exactly what he needed to do, so he shunned any more thoughts on that kiss and how he felt about her for now.

He knew that Chelsea would be coming over soon, but his heart still skipped a beat when he heard her sweet voice. Traitorous heart.

"Why thank you, Chelsea! I didn't know you would be working here today. Always a surprise where one might find your lovely face next, hmm~?" He smiled an easy smile and picked up his spoon for his sweet beverage.

"'Cute'?" he repeated with a pang of jealousy in his heart he didn't know he could feel and recovered quickly by adding, "Oh, Leo's fine! He just can't come to terms with me being so charming and lovely all by myself." He winked at her and hoped that Leo would understand that it would work out with just him.

"A big container of water to drown him in would be nice," Leo responded with growing headaches, passing over the boy's slight embarrassment of being called cute. "Chris, for the last time - you need an escort and that is final." Leo crossed his arms and looked to Chelsea to order another coke, when something suddenly clicked in his head.

Chris saw it too, and tried to cut Leo right off, "Absolutely not, don't-" But it was too late.

"Chelsea, what do you think of working for me as a one-time job tonight?" Leo leaned back and looked expectantly at Chelsea. In his eyes, she would be perfect, since she was a player, too, and could pass off as Chris' wife easily.

"Leo, this is unnecessary, we don't really need to involve her~" He tried to talk sweetly to his boss, but he knew that look. Chris wasn't violent by nature, but right this instant he would gladly punch that smug look off Leo's face, because he already foresaw what Chelsea's answer would be, that clever little bastard.

Now Chris could only hope that Chelsea didn't want anything to do with him... while he secretly hoped she did. Stupid, stupid heart.

[5ofhearts-chris]

@musingmemories

Chris was acutely aware that it wasn't a wise idea to get girls... her seriously involved with him. It was dangerous. On that day he had been certain that he would give his life and did what he felt was right back then... and in consequence, his heart became a mess, longing for things he shouldn't long for. Aching for something he shouldn't even think about... His head on the other hand knew exactly what he needed to do, so he shunned any more thoughts on that kiss and how he felt about her for now.

He knew that Chelsea would be coming over soon, but his heart still skipped a beat when he heard her sweet voice. Traitorous heart.

"Why thank you, Chelsea! I didn't know you would be working here today. Always a surprise where one might find your lovely face next, hmm~?" He smiled an easy smile and picked up his spoon for his sweet beverage.

"'Cute'?" he repeated with a pang of jealousy in his heart he didn't know he could feel and recovered quickly by adding, "Oh, Leo's fine! He just can't come to terms with me being so charming and lovely all by myself." He winked at her and hoped that Leo would understand that it would work out with just him.

"A big container of water to drown him in would be nice," Leo responded with growing headaches, passing over the boy's slight embarrassment of being called cute. "Chris, for the last time - you need an escort and that is final." Leo crossed his arms and looked to Chelsea to order another coke, when something suddenly clicked in his head.

Chris saw it too, and tried to cut Leo right off, "Absolutely not, don't-" But it was too late.

"Chelsea, what do you think of working for me as a one-time job tonight?" Leo leaned back and looked expectantly at Chelsea. In his eyes, she would be perfect, since she was a player, too, and could pass off as Chris' wife easily.

"Leo, this is unnecessary, we don't really need to involve her~" He tried to talk sweetly to his boss, but he knew that look. Chris wasn't violent by nature, but right this instant he would gladly punch that smug look off Leo's face, because he already foresaw what Chelsea's answer would be, that clever little bastard.

Now Chris could only hope that Chelsea didn't want anything to do with him... while he secretly hoped she did. Stupid, stupid heart.

Of Lies and Other Truths...

@musingmemories​

“Chris, I am telling you, you can’t go there alone, no matter how ‘charming’ you think you are!” Leo made some air quotes with his fingers and pinched his nose. 

Chris was suspecting that Leo might benefit from a day off and suggested as much, but he only got a glare in response, so he smiled easily. “Don’t worry, Leo. I can handle it alone~ It will be fine without Wendy. Besides, I can just flirt with some girls there and make them my new escorts. ” He winked playfully, then looked around their usually frequented pub to see what took his café au lait with extra ice cream so long -- when his heart stopped for a second the moment he saw Chelsea putting on the waitress apron behind the bar. What was she doing here?

He tried to play it cool and focused back on Leo who had launched in a tirade about how hard it had been to put a fake couple on the exclusive guest list on short notice and that this card was highly important and that they would be even more suspicious and scrutinize him even more if he came alone - which they absolutely cannot afford.

Chris' reassuring smile never faltered but his mind was now occupied of thoughts about Chelsea and the last time he was alone with her, just a while ago, on that parking lot and ... about what happened then. Chris felt his heartbeat quicken when he relived that kiss and thought it silly. He didn't have feelings for that reckless, naive, beautiful, strong and gorgeous girl, did he?

... Oh, for Fudgees' sake.

[5ofhearts-chris]

@musingmemories

The day started really sweet, Chris went to pick up a full bag of lovely donuts from one of his favourite bakeries before heading to Pinochle's Old Maid branch.

When he turned around the corner he was delighted to see Wendy further in front of him. He entered the office shortly after her with a donut in his mouth and just heard Leo's last sentence as Wendy turned towards him - their eyes met and time stopped for a second.

Chris' eyes widened and he didn't shout out his usual cheery greetings, but he quickly caught himself again, swallowed his donut and winked mischievously at Wendy.

"Ah~ a mission with my dear Wendy!" He came up to her and playfully put an arm around her shoulders. "This is going to be great, right, Wendy-chan~? When are we going to leave?" He directed the last question to Leo and got the answer that their train would leave this afternoon.

"Wonderful~" He smiled pleasantly and hid the small worry that had been creeping up in his mind by now. Surely, Love-P wouldn't be needed on that mission, he reassured himself, she rarely was. Wendy was already incredibly skillful with the card's enhancements and her sheathed sword. Chris would need to stock up on sweets... just in case.

Their mission briefing was short, the mission itself simple. Infiltrate the base, retrieve the card from their surveilled storage, get out. Simple. What could possibly go wrong?

Actions and Consequences

@5ofhearts-chris

Routine will take you further than willpower. Down to the most finite detail, Wendy had grown up learning that discipline was a strength, and preferred to keep her mind clear and spirit pure because of the weapon she possessed. The Ace of Spades was an heirloom, a blessing or a curse depending on the user, and Wendy could only hope to one day to make her father proud. This time...this time...a mantra every time the card was played, the sword secured in its sheathe. Wendy's skills with a sheathed blade were often times unrivaled, and Love and Peace's spirit wasn't needed. But there were times her alter-ego was called.

This time will be different.

This time she'd be the one in control.

The card weighed heavily against the fabric of her breast pocket, as though carrying the very soul of the sword and the lives it had taken, the blood that had spilled. Usually the burden disappeared the second she stepped into the High Card automobile company, Finn yelling in surprise from learning something new, Vijay there with a soft smile and her cup of tea ready to go. The air was different, quiet, and Wendy hesitantly gathered her hair into that signature ponytail, glasses adjusting. "You seem serious...is there a mission for me?" She asked Leo, just as the door opened.

"Actually, this mission is for both of you." Leo said with a thoughtful hum.

Wendy expected to turn and find Vijay, anxiety swelling in the pit of her stomach and heartbeat skip over the person she would be partnered with instead: Chris.

[5ofhearts-chris]

Of Lies and Other Truths...

@musingmemories​

“Chris, I am telling you, you can’t go there alone, no matter how ‘charming’ you think you are!” Leo made some air quotes with his fingers and pinched his nose. 

Chris was suspecting that Leo might benefit from a day off and suggested as much, but he only got a glare in response, so he smiled easily. “Don’t worry, Leo. I can handle it alone~ It will be fine without Wendy. Besides, I can just flirt with some girls there and make them my new escorts. ” He winked playfully, then looked around their usually frequented pub to see what took his café au lait with extra ice cream so long -- when his heart stopped for a second the moment he saw Chelsea putting on the waitress apron behind the bar. What was she doing here?

He tried to play it cool and focused back on Leo who had launched in a tirade about how hard it had been to put a fake couple on the exclusive guest list on short notice and that this card was highly important and that they would be even more suspicious and scrutinize him even more if he came alone - which they absolutely cannot afford.

Chris' reassuring smile never faltered but his mind was now occupied of thoughts about Chelsea and the last time he was alone with her, just a while ago, on that parking lot and ... about what happened then. Chris felt his heartbeat quicken when he relived that kiss and thought it silly. He didn't have feelings for that reckless, naive, beautiful, strong and gorgeous girl, did he?

... Oh, for Fudgees' sake.

[5ofhearts-chris]

"love p chan" + bonus with chris 🤭

[5ofhearts-chris]