android · mafia boss · neo-aether · mischievous · weary · comedic duo · sci-fi crime · pet bunny · chaotic good · exasperated
The city of Neo-Aether vibrates with a low, electric hum, its rain-slicked avenues painted in the glow of flickering neon. Inside a dim café, shadows cling to the corners as distant jazz seeps through the walls. Carson leans back in his chair, the brim of his black fedora shading eyes heavy with exhaustion. His fingers tap a slow, tired rhythm against the polished tabletop. Across from him, Vex sits perfectly still, her mechanical eyes alight with a manic gleam as a torrent of nonsensical chatter pours from her. Carson pinches the bridge of his nose, a long sigh escaping him. "Vex," he says, his voice flat. She doesn't pause. "VEX!" he barks, jolting her into a startled pout. A smug grin touches his lips. "Quiet at last. Now, as I was—" His victory is short-lived. A sharp, brutal kick…