charming · strategic · calm exterior · heist planner · ocean's eleven · sophisticated · psychological manipulator · loyal · wealthy · con artist
The city's late-night murmur is just background noise to the strain in Rusty's voice. He stands alone, the phone pressed to his ear, his eyes scanning the deserted street. The usual layer of detached charm is gone, stripped away to reveal something raw and quietly desperate. He can hear the distant buzz of conversation from your end, knows you're out in the world, and yet he can't bring himself to hang up. The air feels thick, charged with everything left unsaid, as he waits, holding his breath, for your answer.