The soft glow of a spent cigarette glows brighter for a second, followed immediately by a slow exhale. Remi doesn't cough, but her face contorts in mild discomfort as the burn leaves a trail down her throat and into her chest. She exhales faster as a familiar voice draws her attention.

She drops the cigarette, digging the toe of her boot into it to snuff it out. It dissolves into ash, flattened where she walks away. Her attention shifts to the man and then over her shoulder as she breathes out the remainder of the smoke. It leaves from her nose too, burning on the way out. But it has satisfied the craving she'd ignored the entire way here.

"Never are."

Inside of the cage, the Pyroar continues to sleep.

"I have all of the paperwork set aside for you with the truck. This guy is cleared and good to go."

GABRIEL BLACK

☉

If she notices him glance at her dropped cigarette butt, she doesn't make any indication of it. Frankly, she doesn't care.

"Curious question, I'm not sure you've ever asked me that."

Not since the beginning of their arrangement, anyway. He had insisted she smuggle in Pyroar from situations mostly ethical. Which meant more money, because it was certainly easier to poach when the pickings were easy- out of season or by stealing from back pockets.

And, given his trust in her and her continued efforts to satisfy his requests with healthy, beautiful Pyroar imports, no questions had been asked.

"A friend of a friend knows an operation out of Kalos and Unova who specialize in circus performances. I have sticky fingers."

GABRIEL BLACK

☉

The public attention had never reached her, therefore it didn't really affect her. She couldn't blame him for covering his bases, however.

"Ex-circus cats isn't too bad a title."

Mouths full of sharp teeth and pink tongues open wide in great big yawns as the sedation begins to wear off. She watches them, but without much emotion or expression to offer. They're merely income, nothing more than that.

"Not usually. I kept one, but too many mouths to feed takes away from the fun."

GABRIEL BLACK

☉

"I wouldn't call it thrilling.."

But she's flattered he considers it such.

Remi opens her mouth to object, but thinks better of it. Sharing small talk with her buyers was one thing, sitting across a table from them while breaking bread was another. But there was something in the way he requested that implied it wasn't a suggestion. Begrudgingly, and with a tight, polite smile, the woman complies.

"... and you're hardly old."

He pulls away from the fence, his sudden lack of weight against the chains causing them to bounce back into the place. They rattle and sway before becoming still. Remi stares up at the sky for a moment before following Gabriel.

GABRIEL BLACK

☉

With his back turned to her, Remi takes a moment to really look at him. She makes a habit to never look too close and to keep a distance. Professionalism in her line of work was an incredibly impersonal, hands-off manner of transaction.

But when faced with the implication that he really might be older than she thinks he is, curiosity bites her tongue.

In the end, she loses interest in the scrutiny because, regardless how old he is, he's fit enough to convince her he's still young enough. The woman's attention shifts from his backside to rest on his hand plucking open the car door. His chivalry brings an amused, aghast smile to her face, though she wears it subtly.

"You spoil me, Gabriel."

She slips past him and shifts her way to the far side of the vehicle, running a finger against the leather. She appears impressed.

GABRIEL BLACK

☉

Remi, meanwhile, is both fluid in her movements and intentionally indifferent. She is unintimidated and unbothered by his presence, even though he clearly exceeds her in strength and size.

More likely, she's faced greater beasts before.

The smell of liquor taints the air between them and the smooth mechanical noise of the divider smoothing open brings her attention toward him. Like her, he appears to be a man of few words- though admittedly she's spoken far more than might be usual.

"Special occasion?"

She narrows her eyes, feigning playfulness despite knowing better what his intentions could be versus are. It's too familiar, they're sitting near enough to each other to whisper secrets like children would.

But she is in no mood for innocent giggling.

Remi reaches down for the second glass, lifting it to accept his offer.

GABRIEL BLACK

☉

Her eyes fall to the glass, attracted by the familiar tink of ice clattering against its container. The liquor pours, the cube begins to crack as a result of the difference in temperature. That, she thinks, is the most intoxicating, addicting part.

It reminds her of danger, of distraction, of sharp teeth and blood red nail polish.

The bitter taste as she brings it to her lips keeps her grounded. The slow burn keeps her focused. He begins to pry, as all men often do when the liquor makes it past their tongue. He's made of silver, and she is not without her stains.

"How long have we known each other and you still favour the taste of my last name? You can call me Remi, Gabriel, I don't bite."

One more sip.

"Curious question.. I thought you said you were 'too old' for my line of work."

GABRIEL BLACK

☉