never one to go out on assignments alone, danny finds himself standing inside shoal cave, just a little bit past the entrance. can't go too far in now otherwise he'd risk his partner not being able to find him.

speaking of which.

"think they'll be here soon, buggy?"

the heracross chirps up, nodding.

"gods, i hope so. it's c-c-cold in here..."

virgil roach
mission!

☉

"things are...great, i think."

the pause is only taken because it feels wrong to say. should he really be thriving in this environment? between training and going out on assignments, he hasn't had time for much else, but somehow, for whatever reason, he finds that okay.

even if it means they've spent less time together.

"nothing exciting, really! oh, wait. i did meet gavin the other day."

a week or two ago, actually, which has been more than enough time for his bruises to heal.

"he, uh, roughed me up quite a bit. i deserved it, though."

Serena Malcolm

☉

it has been a perfect evening so far.

their lives have become less intertwined than he originally thought. she got her own place, a new place, and he often stays in the sub where he passes out after training. so close, yet so far.

so he's happy to get to spend whatever time he can with her.

"you kidding? i'm gonna love it."

he smiles up at her, then looks at the plate of food as she takes a seat next to him. without wasting much time, he digs right in.

"fuuuuck. serena, this could be the best pasta i've ever had in my life. no joke."

Serena Malcolm

☉

luka looks like a fish. a cute one, at least.

warmth spreads when she returns the embrace. how he'd long to hold her like this in the past, to feel her in his arms. despite the things that have happened, this moment still feels sweet, not bitter in the slightest.

"no way! i moved back a few months ago as well. what are the odds?"

he gives her a quick once-over as well.

"i'm good! just chilling. still unemployed..." he chuckles, lying, "...how about you? did you get a job here?"

the danny she'd remember through her computer screen looks similar, sure, but a lot has changed since then, too. he's more muscled, chiseled, but also there's a look to his face that conveys a sense of sadness.

luka chêne
mission

☉

even if danny had noticed the warning, the curling of the underboss' fingers, what could he have done? he is but a mere grunt, weak and powerless.

his nose breaks from the impact, and as blood starts to leak, he's pushed against the wall, neck being choked out. naturally, he struggles, bloodied hands reaching up to gavin's but whatever strength he has is little at best.

and when he finally is let go, he falls to the ground, gasping for air before raspy coughs take him. he doesn't even try to look up.

"y-yes...sir."

Cillian Quinn
mission

☉