Cassian's expression remains stoic but with a hint of amusement in his eyes as he watches Raziel's antics. He nods at the comment about going soft, maintaining his composure. "Soft? Never, Raziel. I just wouldn't want to be the one to explain to the higher-ups why you ended up in a tough spot." His monotone reply isn’t an indicator as to whether he’s serious or not.
He acknowledges Raziel's salute with a brief nod and then turns his attention to Nimari. With a careful, measured tone, he addresses the feline. "Biscuits, huh? Well, Nimari, I'll keep that in mind."
The angry response from the cat dragon is amusing to say the least but he doesn’t let that amusement show. While Raziel is growing on him, he knows that he needs to avoid getting attached. There’s always a change of something bad happening or that the man will betray him. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
(Raziel would never betray him)
Raziel smiles, “Good. I’ll catch you later. I’m sure I’ll see you before you see me. And if we ever encounter in combat again, don’t hold back would you?” With those words, he steps into the shadows, lifting his hand in a wave and vanishes.
Nimari stays behind for a moment, peering at Cassian and then purring for a moment, “I like you. You’re nice. I will await those biscuits.” She vanishes with a soft popping sound, assumedly returning to Raziel in the form of a tattoo on his neck.
(He doesn’t know that though. The guy is a touch paranoid)
Cassian watches as Raziel disappears into the shadows, his lips curling into a faint smile at the departing words. "You can count on that," he mutters to the empty space where Raziel once stood, fully aware of the unpredictable nature of their encounters.
Nimari's lingering presence catches his attention, and he chuckles at her words. "Likewise, Nimari. I'll have those biscuits ready when you both decide to drop by," he replies before turning to leave.
These last few days have certainly been strange. He needs to give a few updates and then he’ll likely head home.
(I’ve noticed)
(What now?)
(Let’s skip a couple of weeks and have Raziel infiltrate the inner circle. They could have had a few very short phone call updates throughout these weeks but now they’re risking an in person meetup. Does that sound ok?)
(Yeah, though Raz would only have sent Nimari and spoke to through her. He wouldn’t risk a phone call.)
(That would work too. As long as the communication is very limited, the method can be whatever you want (Nimari in this case) )
(Yep, I’ll get a reply out rq)
Raziel had spent the last few weeks working his ass off to get into the council, and now he’d done it. But that also meant he was watched a lot more than he used to be. He sighed and shoved his jacket and mask into their place. He gets off the floor, shaking his head and walking to the corner. He uses the shadows there to transports himself to an alleyway.
He steps out of the shadows and walks along the sidewalk, hands in pockets. He closes his eyes, taking a deep breath. He runs his hand through his hair and walks into a small store.
He had sent Nimari the night before to tell Cassian of the location he’d picked for their meeting, now he just had to be here on time.
Cassian has received Nimari's message from Raziel the previous night, and he is well-prepared for their meeting. He arrives at the designated location, a small store, a few minutes early. Dressed in a nondescript manner, he blends into the crowd, keeping an eye on the entrance.
As he waits, he discreetly surveys the store, making sure it is a safe place for their discussion. He knows the importance of caution, especially now that Raziel has earned a place on the council and is under increased scrutiny.
His demeanor remains calm, but his instincts are sharp, ready for whatever Raziel might need to discuss. He leans against a nearby shelf, seemingly absorbed in the store's merchandise, but his focus remains on the entrance, waiting for Raziel to arrive.
Raziel glances around for a moment until his gaze lands on Cassian. He smiles and walks closer, “My friend!” He grins, tilting his head slightly. They probably weren’t friends, but everyone thought he was just seeing a good friend. Someone he knew, and who, if he never saw again, would be troubling.
He moves closer, placing his hand on Cass’s shoulder and murmuring softly, “Come, I know somewhere secure.” He smiles, titling his head towards the racks of clothes.
“Find something. We need an excuse to go back to the changing rooms. Don’t ask questions. You can ask them after we both have a changing room to ourselves.”
Cassian maintains a calm demeanor as Raziel approaches with a friendly grin, fully aware of the charade they are playing. He reciprocates the smile and gives a nod of acknowledgment, greeting the man as if they’re great friends.
"Of course," He replies in a low voice, understanding the need for discretion. He begins casually browsing the racks of clothes, glancing at different items as if considering them. He makes sure to keep up appearances as though he’s actually trying to find a new outfit.
After a moment, he picks up a shirt and says, "How about this one? I’m going to go try it on.” He then follows Raziel's lead, heading towards the changing rooms without further questions, keeping their conversation for a more private setting.
Raziel takes a moment, and then grabs a shirt and pair of jeans, following after Cassian. He lifts his hand, motioning for two rooms to the staff member, “Next to each other please.” He smiles and watches as they nods and get the rooms ready.
Raz ducks into one, motioning for Cassian to go into the other. He pushes the door closed and flips the lock. He looks at the clothes he’d grab and grins slightly, he was gentil y interested in these clothes. He pulls his jacket off, and then leans against the wall, listening for Cassian.
He nods his thanks as the staff member prepares the rooms side by side. He steps inside of one once they’re ready.
Once inside, Cassian takes a moment to inspect the clothes he's holding, though his thoughts are focused on their conversation to come. He then proceeds to remove his jacket, hanging it on a hook, before turning his attention to the task at hand.
With a sense of anticipation, he leans against the wall, his senses alert, and waits for Raziel to make the first move, hoping this is a good update.
Raziel takes a moment, “You’re not actually stripping are you?” He asks, tilting his head. He planned to just shadow-travel into the other’s stall, but if he was actually changing, Raziel would not be doing that. He’d figure something out. Thought it would be more difficult.
He looks at the wall they both share for the changing room, tapping his fingers along the wall for a moment as he waits for a response.
Cassian chuckles softly at Raziel's question, realizing the misunderstanding. "No, not actually stripping," he replies with a hint of amusement in his voice. "Just making it seem like it while we talk. But I appreciate you keeping it discreet."
With that clarification, he remains leaning against the wall, ready to continue their conversation in this covert setting, tapping his fingers lightly in response to Raziel's rhythm.
Raziel laughs softly, tilting his head, “Good, because that would have thrown off my whole plan.” He appears in the room, a few small steps away from the other man.
“So. . . How are you?” He asks, nonchalant as he looks at the the other man. He tilts his head curiously, This was a genuine question from Raziel, and he wouldn’t move on to more important topics until he got an answer.
Cassian's gaze narrows slightly, assessing Raziel with a mixture of curiosity and caution. He remains still, not showing any sign of surprise at Raziel's sudden appearance. "Well, you certainly have a flair for the dramatic entrance," He remarks, his tone dry.
"As for your question," he continues, his expression guarded, "I've been better, all things considered. How about you?" He doesn't reveal much. He wants to keep this portion of the conversation brief so they can more onto the important stuff.
(Sorry, been tryna come up with something decent to say)
Raz laughs, “You look mildly concerned. I thought you knew I could do that. Don’t worry, I’m not a peeping Tom.” His eyes glittered with mirth as he speaks and he winks.
“Thought I could be if you wanted me too.” He teases. His Ivey eyes still hold the mirth, but a hint of another emotion, but unidentifiable. He tilts his head to the side, listening to the others words. He had a feeling Cass was rushing the niceties. And if Cass wanted to rush him, well, he could be petty. He wanted to know how the man was doing and Cass was rushing him.
“I’m great. I learned a bunch of things you want to know, and I made biscuits for Nimari, so she’s happy. Nice and well fed.”
He taps his chin lightly, his gaze settling on on Cass and his smirks, “But tell me more. What’s wrong? What’s good?” He tips his head to the side.
(I would not be surprised if Raz is slightly insane honestly- He acts like he’s a little crazy-)
Cassian narrows his eyes playfully at Raz's teasing, shaking his head in slight amusement. "You are something else," he remarks with a smirk. "But I'll pass on the peeping Tom offer, thank you very much." He leans back, a faint smile still on his face but the impatience returning to his tone. "Glad to hear you and Nimari are doing well. But let's cut to the chase, shall we? The situation in the city is getting dicey. We've got those leads to follow up on, and time might not be on our side."
"So, what have you learned? Any insights that could help us with this mess? I've got the good bourbon waiting for when we're done here, but I need your brain on the mission, not on playful banter."
(With what he's been dealing with, I wouldn't be surprised if he were a bit nuts)
(Because he totally is-)
Raz pouts, not happy that Cass wasn’t answering his questions. “Why? We can talk about business after yo tell me what’s going on with you. How is your leg? Did it heal nicely? I’m sure you were frustrated at the lack of work. I had still contacted your commander to make surer you didn’t have any.” He smiles and sits on the small bench.
He pulls his feet up, sitting cross legged on the bench and let out a long sigh, “My brain is on the mission. I just want to know how you’re doing.”
(Poor Raz doesn’t have any friends outside of Nimari-)
(Poor guy…)
Cassian's weariness is apparent as he listens to Raz pressing for answers, his pouting expression doing little to ease his frustration.
"Raziel," he begins, trying to keep the annoyance out of his tone. "The leg's healing, alright? Slowly but surely. Yes, it's been frustrating, and I appreciate your concern, but we don't have the luxury of dwelling on it right now."
He lets out a tired sigh, his patience wearing thin. "I know you want to know how I'm doing, but we're in the middle of something big. I'll talk when this mission is over, okay? Let's focus on what's at hand for now."
(Neither does Cass. You know what they say about all work and no play…….)
Raz sighs, dropping his gaze and staring at the floor for a long moment. He swallows, chewing on his lower lip, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. “Right. . . Sorry. . I just-“ He cuts himself off, blowing out a breath. A sad expression flashes across his face, but he quickly covers it up with a blank expression.
He sighs, crossing his arms behind his head and letting the smirk take over his face again, “Yeah, right. I know.” He looks at the other, his blue eyes piercing.
“The council is planning a raid. On the temple in the center of the city. You know, the really big one that’s the heart of the city. Hundreds of people there all te time. They think that threatening the Temple will make your people listen to them. Give them what they want.”
