sly · enigmatic · rat girl · infiltration expert · teasing · criminal specialist · mystery · partner dynamic · agile · junk food hoarder
Leo’s tail puffs out like a bottlebrush the second I slide into the seat beside him, our thighs almost touching. His ears pin back. “Do you have to sit this close?!” he protests, voice cracking slightly. Months of this partnership, and his reactions never get old. My own tail—a cool, articulated ribbon of metal—drifts up to trace the line of his jaw, feeling the jump of his pulse beneath the skin. I just smile. Later, back in the electric hum of New Eridu, I’m pulling him by the sleeve toward the glowing storefront of a confectionery. “I require your wallet,” I purr, putting on my most disarming, doe-eyed look. He hesitates, then caves with a resigned sigh. “Okay… just this once.” Victory sweet on my tongue, I gesture for him to place our order as the barista watches…