Ask Bad Ideas

[Cipher 7]

Raxus
Raxulon, The East Quad

The East Quad was a standard upper middle class area of Raxulon. The neighborhood Seven lived in was on the lower income spectrum of that. To most it would be off putting, but if you looked past the poorly maintained sidewalks and urban parks you'd see culture that wasn't apparent in the rest of the capital. For whatever reason, The East Quad was a melting pot in the uniformity of the Empire's capital, and Seven loved it. His apartment building was at the corner of 151st and Broad. There was a speakeasy in the basement and one of the best views of the Raxus urban sprawl from his balcony.

Seven stood there now, half-lidded baby blues lost in the constant miasmic undulation of the flashing neon's, speeders, and passersby. He took a drag off the cigarra hanging from his lip. He should be happy. He should be drinking like a fish and smoking like a chimney. He'd been assigned his first full operation. In a few days he'd be shipping off to Tatooine where his first objective was to infiltrate Peef Callo's gang.

No big deal.

He hadn't answered Levik. Seven was livid with himself for allowing Karn to take up the amount of mental space he had. He knew what his answer was, but when and how to deliver the news still eluded him. Easiest route would be just to ignore it. Feign getting blackout drunk that night or something stupid. He blew out a plume of smoke. If only Karn was the only thing he had to worry about tonight.

Seven's chrono buzzed and he took a parting drag on his cigarra before flicking it over the railing. His chrono buzzed again and he frowned. He looked down at the display and it showed his heart was racing. He scoffed.

Nervous over a girl, real cool Seven, he thought.

Seven stepped back into his apartment. He walked over to his record player and put on some music. He let the sultry tones of the music wash over him as he moved into his kitchen. The timer on his stove read fifteen minutes. His anxiety spiked. What in the hell? He could fly combat missions in the vacuum of space. He face down a crazed Ardeniann with a mini-gun turret, but cook for Six? That was just crazy. He shook his head. It was fine. Everything was fine. He chewed on the inside of his lip as he ran a hand through his loose curls. Seven was dressed simply navy button down over a white t-shirt and black jeans. He took one last look in the mirror and then flicked off the light. There was a buzz at his door and he took a deep breath.

For the first time in his life Sev—Jacen, was going to try and let someone in.

@Sreeya

 

[Cipher Six]

Six was surprised that he had invited her over to his place for dinner. It was cozy and more intimate than she would have expected, but it certainly had her curiosity. She didn’t lose sight of the fact that he was still, ultimately, a Cipher. As a result, she had her subtle weapons and gadgets on her, though she left her pistol behind this time. She could rely on her natural strength in case anything got uneasy. Ever since the incident with Cipher Two, she was slower to trust Ciphers even more than before. However, Seven didn’t set off any alarms just yet.

When he opened the door, he would find her dolled up, dressed sharp with tall heels, and holding a bottle of expensive wine from Coruscant in her hand. Six flashed him a genuine smile, leaning in for a one armed hug, “Hey there,” She said as she pulled back, “You look great,” She said genuinely, tilting her head to look past him, “And that smells amazing.”

She waited for him to invite her before she stepped inside, taking in sight of his apartment. The music was appealing, and he certainly kept things neat. She set down her purse, spotting the balcony and pausing, “Whoa, look at that view!”

@Zay

 

[Cipher 7]

Jacen reached out and hit the panel on the door. The hiss of compressed air from the door might as well have been his breath because Six was stunning. Her smile lit up her face as his baby blues landed on her ocean eyes. Any anxiety he’d had evaporated.

“Hey,” he said, welcoming her hug. She complimented his appearance as he gestured for her to come in, “Thanks, I love those heels,” he replied in kind. He closed the door as the aroma wafting in from kitchen hit Six.

“I hope you're hungry. I might have made way too much food,” he laughed.

Six spotted the view immediately. The dim lighting in the apartment allowed the neon lights to spill in through the windows. As she admired it, he admired her.

“Not many things in the universe could improve that view, but you’re doing a pretty good job,” he mused making his way to the kitchen counter.

“Make yourself at home,” he said, grabbing a couple of wine glasses and a bottle opener.

“You want a little tour or shall I take you to your table?” He asked, offering her his elbow.

@Sreeya

 

[Cipher Six]

Six smiled at his compliments, knowing they were genuine. There was always a sliver of nervousness when a man was actually invested. Anyone that was completely smooth wasn’t really engaged.

“A tour would be lovely,” She said, already impressed by the view. She usually didn’t stay in one place too long herself, but this looked like a nice, cozy place he had inhabited for a while. She was surprised he invited her to his dwelling - where she could learn a lot about him easily, but it was yet another sign that he wasn’t keeping this superficial.

“How long have you lived here?” Six asked, walking over to look at some of the pictures or posters he had on the wall. Decor was always a glimpse into a person’s psychology, and she wanted to understand his.

@Zay

 

[Cipher 7]

Seven’s eyebrow quirked up when she actually wanted to go on a tour. He blinked then scoffed, “Alright,” he said, leading her away from the view. He felt his heart rate increase. Six was the first person he’d ever let into his home. He hadn’t considered she’d actually want to see the thing.

The space was a healthy mix of rustic minimalism and industrial chic. Treated wooden beams were exposed along the wall and were used as accents within. The coffee table and main dining table both matched the beams. Six would no doubt notice that the dining table was bare. Strange considering they were supposed to be having dinner. A gunmetal durasteel support beam hug overhead. That raw metal look was found in the railings leading upstairs to his room, the frames of his windows, and the trasparisteel door leading to the balcony.

The fireplace had a mantel and the only thing on display was a Power-5 heavy blaster. The thing looked like it had been blown up and put back together with bad intentions and fear.

The kitchen was pragmatic. Black marble countertops, a gas stove and convection oven, with storage for his pans hung above the island in the center. Everything he needed was within reach. If she was looking, Six would spot a familiar whisky bottle on the wet bar connected to the island.

“About five years. Landlord’s cool,” he said with a shrug as he added, “There’s a great bar in the basement, and live music around the corner,” his eyes slid to her, “Hard to beat if you love dancing, drinking, and nice views,” He kept his face forward, but if she looked she’d see the smile he always fought to keep off his face.

Six stepped over to the pictures on the wall. He swallowed. Jacen loved art. He was especially drawn to scenes encapsulating fate. Currently, he had three pictures hung. Two stacked, and one to the right, centered on the other two.

The top picture was a called, ‘Purgatory’ It was painted by a Corellian surrealist named Qali. Directly underneath that picture was a piece called ‘Light and Shadow’ and the final picture… the one he was the most embarrassed for her to see… was one of him.

Four pilots were grouped together for a cheesy gag photo. Each was wearing the pitchback imperial pilot’s jumpsuit and either making an obscene gesture or a weird face. Except for Seven. He was in the center of the group beaming like a moron. He’d never go back to his old life, but he missed his wing mates.

While she looked over the pictures he opened the bottle of red and poured them each a glass.

“What do you think?” he asked, handing her a glass. He was genuinely interested, it had been forever since he’d been able to talk art with someone. He smelled the wine, enjoying the bouquet before taking a drink. His eyebrows inclined, "Wow, this is delicious, thanks for bringing it."

 

[Cipher Six]

She took in sight of everything as he led her on the little tour. She had to actively remind herself not to shift into study and analysis mode, a constant battle she had with herself. Six spotted the familiar whiskey and smiled at the sight, moving onto the paintings. The Light and Shadow one held her gaze for a bit longer, and she found herself musing about the multiple identities she wore on the job. She didn’t want to wear one of those identities tonight, but truthfully she didn’t have full control anymore. Her thoughts lingered on the blaster on the fireplace - work was never out of arm’s reach.

Six laughed softly at the picture of Seven and the other pilots, looking over their faces, “Do you still keep in touch with them?” She asked as she clinked her glass against his before taking a sip. She didn’t have any photos like that back in her dwellings. Sometimes she was envious of those that could set down roots and form long term relationships. She wondered if that was a possibility for someone in her line of work - friendship or otherwise.

“All right, I’m starving and the food smells way too good,” She said as she walked back towards the table. She let him do all the preparation however he pleased, calmly watching him as she sat at the table. If he wanted to pamper her, she wasn’t going to deny it.



@Zay

 

[Cipher 7]

”Nah,” he shrugged, “Miss em, though.” he admitted. His glass rung out when their cups touched and he took a sip.

“What about you, got anyone you miss?” he asked.

Seven smirked as Six decided it was time to eat. He followed her to his kitchen and he slipped two plates and two bowls out of the cabinet next to his fridge. He watched her take a seat at the table and smirked. She looked good there. Reluctantly, he looked away from her, turning his attention to the task at hand.

He pulled a bowl and two platters from his fridge and set them on the table. The bowl contained a vibrant salad, and the platters were covered in charcuterie, one garnered toward fruit, the other covered in assorted meats and cheese.

Seven set a small plate and a bowl in front of Six.

“Feel free,” he said with a wave of his hand at the spread, “the main course will be up in just a minute.”

She’d find utensils on her small plate.

Seven took a sip of his wine, and slipped on a pair of oven mitts. He opened the stove and pulled out a terracotta pot. It’d be apparent that this was the origin of the incredible aroma wafting through his apartment. He set the terracotta pot down on his stove and cut the heat to another pot, moving it from the hot burner to a cold one. He pulled the lid from the terracotta pot and steam billowed forth. He took a pair of tongs and pulled out two short ribs, setting them on a rack to the side to cool.

Seven grabbed the plates he’d snagged earlier and began his presentation. He plate’d their food then made his way to Six. He set her’s down. He couldn’t believe how nervous he felt. It was like he was on some cooking show and she was about to rip his life apart.

“It’s a braised short rib topped with microgreens over a bed of classic risotto,” he smiled, “This is the fancy, look I’m trying to impress you part,” he chuckled, “There’s a lot more back there, so don’t hesitate to get seconds, I’m going to.”

Seven slid into the chair next to her doing his best not to watch her expression as she tried the food. He’d never shared a meal with someone like this. It was terrifying. He was so used to being alone. So used to fending for himself that doing something for someone else was alien.

He snapped, “Aw shit.” he said, hopping up and jogging over to his counter. He pulled out a box of matches and stepped back up to the table. He lit the candles casting Six in a soft amber glow.

“That’s better,” he said, flashing her a genuine smile and trying to push past him, totally forgetting them in the first place.

@Sreeya

 

[Cipher Six]

Six didn’t answer the question immediately. Truthfully, it was a difficult question to answer. Most recently she didn’t get close enough to others enough to miss them, but she did miss working with certain people. However, he had been genuine thus far and she was inclined to let at least a few walls down, “I had a cousin I adored,” She said quietly as she began to pick at some of the appetizers he had laid out, “Circumstances took us apart and eventually he got into the wrong circles and passed. I still miss him,” She admitted, her thoughts far away. She didn’t divulge more than that, the truth entirely too scandalous to reveal. Just yet, anyway.

She looked down at the food and her brows rose, the entire presentation immaculate, “Wow, have you considered a career as a chef?” She asked with a smile as she tried the first bite. The pleasure was clear on her face, “This is exquisite,” Six said, genuinely impressed, “Thank you…” She looked at him, a fondness in her eyes then that hadn’t been there before, “I…can’t remember the last time I ate a homecooked meal, let alone made by someone else,” Her gaze lingered on his for a few moments then, as if she didn’t want to look away. The glow of the fire highlighted the contours of his face and she found herself staring far too long. She cleared her throat and returned to the meal, still reeling from the effort he had put in.

“I was a jerk to you on that rooftop,” Six said after a moment of silence, glancing down at her plate, “Truth is I’m used to keeping people at a distance…and…well I was technically your mentor on that mission,” She said with a chuckle, a red tinge rising to her face, “And I guess I didn’t want to admit you’re damn charming,” Six said with a smirk, taking another bite.

@Zay

 

[Cipher 7]

To his surprise, Six opened up a little. He’d assumed she’d brush his question off, but her response was a familiar one. Loss was universal.From the counter he listened to her without trying to find the perfect words to help. In his experience, most people didn’t need to be placated, they needed to feel safe enough to say what they’d been afraid to admit. Even if tonight went off the rails and he was left alone again, that single shared moment of humanity made all of his effort worth it.

“If you adored them, they had to have been pretty incredible. It’s nice to know you had that,” he remarked. No lies or promise of returned joy, just a simple truth for a terrible one.

Seven couldn’t contain his curiosity and when he chanced a sidelong glance at her he felt himself chasing that sneaky smile, the one that was never a problem until she was around, from his lips.

He shook his head at her Chef comment, “Not enough bungee jumping for me,” he scoffed, taking a bite for himself. Her continued praise found him not only trying to hide a smile, but also the blush from his face.

Six thanked him and he cocked an eyebrow at her, only now able to bring himself to turn in her direction. The look in her eyes did nothing for his current fluster, but he didn’t look away. He held her gaze allowing himself to believe what she was saying even against his professional paranoia.

“You’re welcome,” he said, finally letting that smile win it’s place on his lips.

What she said next caught him flat footed. So, rather than deflect her words he listened. This was scary. He felt it in his core, and it was nice to know she was dealing with it too. He wasn’t sure how to respond so he bought himself a little time by taking a bite and chewing on her words.

His half lidded baby blues flicked to the smirk on her lips as she took a bite.

“Don’t be too apologetic, that night lives rent free in my head,” he smiled, letting her off the hook, while draining the rest of his glass. “Besides, I’m only charming to mean girls,” he said with a playful sneer.

“Seriously, forget about it. I prefer women who know their worth,” he said, turning her standards back on her while flashing her a charming smile.

Seven took another bite, then got up and grabbed a glass, "Need anything while I'm up?" he asked while filling the glass with water.

@Sreeya

 

[Cipher Six]

Six gave a genuine laugh when he turned her own words back around on her. She wanted to make a quip that she must have made quite the impression, but the truth was that it was mutual. She was surprised at her own actions that night, normally keeping to her superficial ways. The rest of the dinner passed by pleasantly, and she found herself rather cozy and comfortable here. She wasn’t sure who raised him to be such a gentleman, but they did a damn good job.

The Firrerreo insisted on helping clean up afterwards despite any protests or complaints. However, she did pause afterwards, finding him on the balcony when she stepped away to have a smoke. She could hear the music from the levels below and it sounded like quite the party. Up ahead she could see the Raxus skyline, a view she couldn’t exactly appreciate from her own dwelling.

She rested her elbows on the railing, blowing out a cloud of smoke, “I have to ask,” She began quietly, giving him a sideways glance, “What are you looking for with all this?” Six asked him outright, “To date? To just have something light?” She drew in a deeper smoke before exhaling in the other direction, “To get close to me because Karn may have put you up to it?”

Six knew all about the hot water Karn was in now. She also knew if there was anyone that could ensure he was removed from the map, it was her. She also knew that Karn was the type to test a new Cipher on their alleged weaknesses for his own personal reasons. Six wouldn’t budge until she understood exactly where Seven stood. The fact that she asked instead of just playing along and keeping it superficial was a testament to her genuine interest in him.

@Zay

 

[Cipher 7]

Seven wasn’t sure what he was more enamored with the sound of Six’s genuine laughter or the fact that she offered to help clean up. It was extraordinarily ordinary. It was sweet, and in the life of a Cipher it had to have been unheard of. In that moment, stealing glances while clearing the table he felt a small spark of hope flicker, and that scared the shit out of him.

Seven knew better than to let people get close. Every red flag in his mind was blaring, but against his better judgment he enjoyed spending that simple chore with her. He watched her as he dried his hands off on a towel, when she looked his way his baby blues dated away. Continuing their little game of cat and mouse.

The neon hues of Raxus’s cityscape was splayed out before them. The view from his balcony was his sacred place. A place he came to remove himself from everything. The constant flow of speeders overhead was hypnotizing in its monotony and the low droning hum of city life was adorned by the whisper of lively music coming from around the corner.

Then Six stepped up beside him. He didn’t look her way immediately, he watched the tendril of smoke leaking from his cigara. The wisp drifting into obscurity against the backdrop of thousands of speeders crisscrossing above.

Then Six started asking questions, but it wasn’t until she mentioned Karn that he turned to face her. His cigara hung from his lip and he took a drag while mulling over her question. There was no way she could possibly know what she’d just asked.

The very thorn in his subconscious that he just couldn’t pry out. If he was asked to kill her… could he? His eyes sought the answer to his problem in hers. Her sidelong glance hinting at her own unease and her interest.

“Honestly, Karn can go fuck himself,” he scoffed, “He creeps me out.”

Seven stepped in closer to Six, “All I’m looking for in this is you,” he shrugged, “I don’t know what this is going to look like, but I want to try.”

He ran a hand through his hair, suddenly vulnerable and awkward, “Is it weird that this is scarier than any mission I’ve been on?” He chuckled taking a drag on his vice.

@Sreeya

 

[Cipher Six]

Six thought over his answer for a moment, catching the look in his eyes. She was an expert at telling when someone was lying, and she knew he wasn’t. In fact, he was a little terrified. She had that effect on most people, but this was different. He was afraid not because he thought he was shooting an impossible shot, but because he didn’t want to be misjudged. Because he genuinely valued her opinion on coming across as genuine.

The Firrerreo looked away briefly, smiling at his admission as smoke plumed from her nostrils. After a moment, she put out her cigarra. She turned to regard him for a moment, gazing into his eyes and watching the gleaming lights all around them reflecting across the blue surfaces.

“Then let me scare you some more,” She said simply before closing the distance between them as he finished his cigarra. She tilted her head to press her lips against his, kissing him slowly and properly this time. There was no rush, no sense of urgency. They had nowhere else to be, and there was no ticking clock. She took her time, bringing her hand up to curl around his neck to tug him close.

@Zay

 

[Cipher 7]

Seven watched Six as she mulled over his words. He’d flown in combat scenarios in the vacuum of space. He’d been pinned down in a gunfight with a hostage. He’d conned his way into and out of places. He’d done all of these things without a second thought. Now as he looked at her and she turned away, he knew he now understood what it meant to be scared to the bone.

A frown flitted across his expression. It felt like a flashbang had gone off in his mind. He scratched the side of his face turning back to the expanse of Raxus’s skyline taking a final drag off his cigarra before flicking it over the railing. The soft hiss of Six putting out her cigarra caught his attention. He glanced in her direction. Her eyes met his and confusion stampeded across his face as she stepped in.

Six’s words elicited an uncharacteristic stammering response that was cut off by the soft press of her lips. Seven’s body tensed as she pulled him in, but as her hand curled around his neck he relaxed into her. His arms draped around her waist pulling her into him as she pulled him into her.

The lively music drifting up to them from the juke joint around the corner slowed, and Seven found himself gently rocking to the change in cadence as they kissed. There was something different about their embrace. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but he loved it.

Reluctantly, he pulled away still holding her close, “Congrats, Six, you officially scared me more,” he chuckled.

“You wanna take this back inside? I’m pretty sure you owe me a dance,” he teased.

@Sreeya

 

[Cipher Six]

Six drew back and smiled at his question, “And you owe me a tour to the rest of your place,” She said with a sultry grin. She took one more glance at the cityscape before allowing him to lead her inside. By then, the music changed, and she liked the vibes. She shrugged off the black jacket, revealing a simple, white sleeveless top. Six pulled him close and decided to start dancing with him right there in the living room. It was simple, nonchalant, and warm.

She raised his hand and twirled under it, chuckling softly to herself as she rolled into him with her back against his chest. Six looked over her shoulder at him, a glint in her vibrant eyes. That normally detached and aloof look on her face was replaced with a genuine smile and even a faint tinge of red to her cheeks.

Six twirled around to face him, her arms around his neck as she looked at him. There was nothing to interrupt them this time, and it was just how she liked it as she swayed from side to side.

@Zay

 

[Cipher 7]

Seven scoffed, but did not take his eyes off her grin. It reminded him of the one he’d relished on Bespine and found himself smiling back.

“I don’t know, the only thing left is my room. Why would you wanna see that?” he said over his shoulder with a coy smile playing on his lips.

He opened the door and let her enter before pulling the door closed behind him. Six pulled him into a dance immediately and he met her with that smile only she could pull out of him. There was a playfulness in her movements, a comfort, he hadn’t expected and it was adorable.

As Six twirled under his hand his shoulders began to rock to the soulful music. The horns, the simple drums, the mellifluous and smooth tones of the artist as they began to sing, all of it was enchanting. As her back landed on his chest he knew he was under her spell. His hand still held hers and he let his fingers gingerly drag across her arm before slipping under and wrapping around her waist.

Seven fell into rhythm with her sway. She looked back at him and he saw the look in her eye. He leaned in and gently kissed her blushing cheek, then just behind her ear, and finally her neck. Never losing rhythm within their dance. The song hit it’s chorus and he stepped back, creating just enough space to spin her to face him. His free hand landed on her lower back. The fingers on his other hand intertwined with hers.

Now facing one another, Seven decided to keep the playfulness going. As the next verse started he rocked his shoulders forward and back leaning in and out in time with the music while laughing at how ridiculous he definitely looked, and loving that he just didn’t care.

@Sreeya

 

[Cipher Six]

She swayed with Seven to the music, forgetting briefly how they met under the pretense of work, how they had roles to play. None of that mattered here, and it made her nervous for the first time in years. She gasped softly when he kissed along her skin, the brush of his breath taking her by surprise. She pressed closer against him, recovering rapidly from when he disarmed her. The Firrerreo spun around then, flashing a smirk.

“As a matter of fact, banthaboy,” She said as her nails grazed along the back of his head and down along his neck, “I think I do want the rest of the tour,” She said with a faint smirk, revealing that glint of her fangs. There was no denying that she wanted to pick up where they left off on the roof.

@Zay

 

[Cipher 7]

Seven’s half lidded baby blues found Six’s ocean eyes as she turned into him. The fanged smirk on her lips eliciting a wave of excitement and anxiety to wash over him.

Was this a play?

The thought held a gravity he couldn’t deny. She’d played this same game on Bespin and he’d fallen for it. His mind drifted to the gala. Six dragging him out onto the dance floor just to leave him standing there. He wanted this to work.

Seven chewed on the inside of his lip as she spoke. Everything she said was what he wanted to hear. Her hands came up draping around his neck, her nails gingerly brushing against his skin. He felt goosebumps break out across his arms as they wrapped around her waist.

“Is that right?” he asked. His heart raced faster now than it had when she’d pushed him off Cloud City. His eyes lingered on hers. The look she gave him was one he’d longed for.

That’s when he knew.

“Okay,” he said, before taking her hand and walking toward the stairs.

Seven’s room matched the rest of his dwelling. The walls were exposed duracrete, he had a desk and console in one corner that cast the room in a pale iridescent light. He let go of her hand stepping into the space and gesturing to the room, “You’re the first person I've ever let in here.” he admitted as he turned back to face her while sitting on the edge of his bed.

Seven slipped out of his navy overshirt.

“Not getting cold feet again are you?” he teased.

Truthfully he had no idea what to expect, but he’d committed to what he’d set out to do. Way he saw it, she’d either pull out a gun and end him or finish what she’d started on Apex.

He was hoping for the latter.

@Sreeya

 

[Cipher Six]

She followed him to his room, a surprising amount of exhilaration bubbling in her chest. She could hear the tunes fading in the kitchen to add a sultry, jazzy background. To him she would briefly appear almost like a cat appraising something that caught its fascination - eyes gleaming and a huntress on the prowl. Especially as he sat down and removed his shirt. Six smiled at him as he asked his question.

“No, I am certain we can leave work out this time,” She said as she casually removed her own shirt. Her pants easily dropped to her ankles and she stepped out of them, revealing her slender and athletic form accented only by the tastefully lacy garments she wore underneath. She knew exactly where this night would be going. He would notice there was a tattoo that snaked up along her left thigh and around her hip, a place that wasn’t revealed too often. Perhaps the only hint to Alita that existed on her person anymore.

Six stepped forward, effortlessly climbing into his lap and perching there as if she always belonged there. She moved with the confidence of a lioness, that glint never leaving her eye. She had no intentions of running away or stopping this time, and he would know that before the night was over.

@Zay

 

[Cipher 7]

Seven’s eyes never left hers as she responded.

He slipped out of his undershirt as she stepped out of her clothes. He reveled in her beauty. Each step she took toward him quickened his pace. The predatorial glean in her gaze was enthralling, painting a wolfish grin across his lips. His eyes shamelessly enjoyed the sway of her hips as she approached, noticing the serpentine tattoo on her thigh.

Without hesitation she climbed into his lamp, his smile spreading as he slipped an arm around her. He glanced down at the tattoo on her thigh running his thumb over it and up to her hip before pulling her into him as he leaned forward and kissed her collar bone, then her neck, and then her lips.

The hand around her back slipped up to the clasp of her bra and undid it. The garment hung loose pressed between them as he kissed her.

@Sreeya

 

[Cipher Six]

—​

It was everything she had hoped for and more. He would learn soon enough that she was as ferocious in the bedroom as on the field, though she certainly liked letting him take charge every now and then. They took their time, and she cherished every moment without realizing how much she wanted it. Unlike her usual habits, she actually spent some time snuggled up against his chest, relishing the warmth and comfort that was wholly different yet similar to their lovemaking.

Eventually, however, she slowly pulled away while he may have fallen asleep at some point. If he awoke, he would believe her to be gone if not for her jacket still left in his bedroom. She had left it there on purpose to curb any notion that she simply ditched.

Instead, she was on his balcony, smoking a cigarra. It was still not yet dawn and the parties were still going on in the city. She couldn’t actually fall asleep around another Cipher. She wondered how long before that became the case for him as well - Ciphers always had trouble sleeping around others.

Six was dressed in nothing but panties and one of Seven’s shirts that fit very loosely on her. Truth be told, she wasn’t even sure where her own top was and she desperately craved a cig, so she ended up with her curious wardrobe choice. The wind brushed against her hair, which fell in messy waves that were more her than the perfectly kempt hair she always kept.

@Zay