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Once upon a time, Fern had been much more adept at skills like thievery than he would technically consider himself to be now. Since his arrival in Hoenn, he’d grown a bit lax– leaning on his forgery business more than the thrill and adrenaline-spiking entertainment that came with breaking and entering. That wasn’t to say, though, that he was wholly inept. And now as an admin, he felt a need to hold himself to a higher standard.[break][break]

That meant improving in areas where his skills were weaker, and knocking off the dust on old abilities that were a bit out of practice. And thankfully, he fell into those old habits much easier than anticipated. If he hadn’t, it would’ve been absolutely devastating– he was far from interested in committing character assassination on himself so early into his promotion.[break][break]

Particularly around one Mei Liu, who had snagged his interest. If not because of her demeanor, but because of the singular, connecting tether between them bearing the name Marza Volchitsa. [break][break]

“Of course,” he replied, flipping his hair to one side with a hand, “it’s important to establish rapport, no?” No matter his rank, Fern was a social creature. He’d wither up like a sunflora without light if he only fulfilled isolated tasks.[break][break]

“It’s also important to remember your roots.” But that might have also just been a Fern-specific mentality. He stooped to examine the lock on the exterior door at the back of the building before turning a winning grin right back at her. “Well with such charming company, the pleasure is mine.”

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Fern had been perfectly content to rummage in his pockets for his lock picking set, but at her suggestion he steps back with no protest. If anything, it provides an opportunity for Mei to showcase her skills, and Fern is far from disappointed by the display.[break][break]

He watches her pick at the lock with practiced ease, easily impressed by the cohesion with which she works with her frosmoth. Her seemingly offhand remark, though, snares his attention. “Oh? Well, color me curious. What would you like help with?”[break][break]

The trip of the alarm is quick to distract the both of them. He winces slightly at how piercing the noise is, but just as she was with the lock, Mei is swift in dealing with the issue. “You know your craft,” he trills back, amused.[break][break]

He’s still wondering, of course, what it is that he could possibly help her with. Perhaps she needs some paperwork made for a job? Well, that would be easy enough. Though certainly doesn’t account for the air of intrigue that seemed to bubble up around the implication she’d made.[break][break]

For now, though, he focuses on slinking into the building after her, his sableye scuttling ahead–gem-like eyes glinting with FORESIGHT for any additional measures in place aiming to stop them in their tracks.

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Not anticipating the pause in her steps, Fern nearly bumped into her just outside of the door. Half expecting her to remark on what they were aiming to bag for their excursion, what she said instead certainly had him listening keenly.[break][break]

“I’m listening…” Both of his brows lifted as she began, feigning nonchalance that he saw through with more ease than he normally might’ve. There was a particular twist to her tone that told him that it wasn’t usually difficult for her to put on airs. Of course, when she elaborated, the lightbulb went off.[break][break]

“You’ve got your work cut out for you, I’m afraid,” Fern replied with a peel of quiet laughter as he followed her into the showroom. A gloved hand traced over the glass cases idly, as if tracing for dust that wasn’t there because this displays were obviously kept in meticulous order.[break][break]

Oh, this was fascinating. What a lucky die Marza Volchitsa had cast to wind up with a clever woman like Mei drawn to her. And of course, his grumpy companion was squandering her chances. Typical. He sighed forlornly, but the upward twist of his mouth was mischievous, “Yes, I put that together.”[break][break]

He paused in front of a particular case, feeling for the lock on it so that he might then evaluate the proper tool he’d need. “It took me ages to make her come around, and that was just to befriend her. Ha!” His sableye is released to scurry along in the shadows–keeping a look out.[break][break]

In the lowlight, his glance turned back toward Mei. “I suppose, first and foremost, how are you wanting to go about…well, whatever it is you’re wanting?” Casual? Not so much? With someone like Marza, it probably mattered. Unfortunately.

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In the background, Sidhe followed after Mei’s frosmoth—scampering after the drifting creature like the little gremlin she was. Providing a second set of eyes, but also occasionally jumping up out of the shadows with grabby hands. As if trying to latch onto Boreas for a little joyride.[break][break]

The squawk of pitched laughter that wanted to crawl up his throat is still loud in the silence of the viewing room, even after he clapped a hand over his mouth to muffle the noise. It wasn’t an embarrassed or scandalized reaction, but one of…surprise? Entertainment? Regardless, it was certainly useful information to keep tucked in his back pocket.[break][break]

“Apologies,” he managed after he regained a handle on himself as he wiped at the corner of one eye. That same hand fluttered dramatically against his chest. “My little Marzy is growing up, is all.”[break][break]

Nevermind the fact that she was older. And probably no stranger to fucking but, well, she wouldn’t be caught dead discussing it with him. Ever. In a million years. So this was the reaction gifted to poor Mei, who was now a conduit for Fern’s nosiness.[break][break]

“Hmm, what makes you convinced she wants to?” His glance shift her way and then back to the case as his tools finally caught on the inner mechanism of the lock. Just a little twist clockwise twist and it clicked successfully. He hummed airily, “Not that I don’t believe you. The appeal is obvious—just curious how much of an uphill climb you’re dealing with.”[break][break]

Fern sat back on his knees, gloved hands pressing against the glass case as he slid the door to the side on its track. His head tilted side to side. “Sounds pretty on par for Marza Volchitsa , though. Always denying some of the better pleasures for herself.”[break][break]

Despite his heckling, he did perhaps fret over his surly friend. “Me, though? I made myself the most persistent, hard to reach nettle I could manage. Helped that we worked together often in the earlier days of my recruitment. Though I’m not too certain that’s the method you want to employ. Half the time I’m still convinced she’ll deck me.” Fondly. Lovingly, of course.

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“Oh, I’ll bet it’s obvious. She likes to think she has such a good poker face, but really? It’s all right there for reading.” Probably hysterical to see her fumble over a smoke show like Mei, too. He made a mental note to be in the same room with the both of them some time.[break][break]
“Mm, I’m not too certain,” he answered simply. And that was an honest answer—Fern truly didn’t know the exact cause of it. “I can only make guessed about her upbringing being a piece of it, but Marza doesn’t exactly make that information readily available.” His smile turned wan as he glanced over at her. There wasn’t any derision in his voice. If anything, there was a degree of fondness. She was a stubborn beast, but he’d never minded that.[break][break]
Slyness crept into his expression though, as Mei continued on about his friend. Head tilting at her as a breath of laughter wheezed from his lungs. “Oh, Mei. You’re down bad.” It was interesting to see, but the sort of thing that delighted Fern to no end. Because ultimately, he was a bit of a hopeless romantic, even if he preferred to behave otherwise. More flippant about it all.[break][break]
That, and he was also nosy as hell.[break][break]
Taking the provided safe, he set it beside him before turning back to pluck piece after piece of jewelry from the case to deposit it for safekeeping. They very well might pull this off without a hitch.
Quietly he closed the safe and handed it back over to Mei to lock up as he listened to her continue. The sentimentality was obvious, and Fern genuinely did wish to help her. “Well, then I definitely would attempt being the sort of nettle I was.” He smiled as he slid the door of the glass case shut again.[break][break]
“From what you’ve said, waiting her out might be the most effective. Be present, be patient.” His nose wrinkled. “Though I’m a fine one to talk, patience has never been my forte.” Hands planting on his knees, Fern pushed himself back up and snapped his fingers to call Sidhe back to his side. The sableye crept through the shadows, latched onto his coattails and crawled up the back of his jacket.[break][break]
“I’m inclined to say I have confidence in you, though. That you’ll be good for her.” He paused, then, and lifted a brow, “And if not, you won’t hear the end of it from me.”