alola | (no subject)

[ Riley received a calling card from the Mysterious Phantom Thief yesterday--actually, this isn't his first time being a target. Countless of ores and precious jewels he donated to be on display has been purloined despite the security of police and exhibit guards. It's bewildering to see how little anyone can do about this gentleman thief--actually, it frustrated him for some time. For now, he has taken this into his own hands and relocated the black opal to his abode, within line of sight. His faithful doberman is also on parole in the ghost town of a mansion.

This precious gem holds both monetary and sentimental value yet curiosity instead of urgency envelopes him. Sitting on a regal sofa couch, he keeps his eyes glued to the case as if put in a trance. What kind of person is this infamous thief? He has taken extra precautions with security, especially for all passages to this room; even a back-up generator is in his plans.

If there's one thing he's determined to do today, it's to meet this thief in the flesh. ]

Edited 2017-04-21 18:29 (UTC)

[ there isn't any particular reason that steven has chosen riley to antagonize - the young man isn't an unjust person, nor is anything in his possession particularly worth making a point out of stealing. it just so happens that he has an eye for rare stones, and the thrill of the heist itself is what he seeks above all.

navigating the mansion proved to be a challenge, but not impossible - as someone who has a similar dwelling, he can expect and prepare for the kind of security that riley has chosen. but there doesn't seem to be any getting around the final room where the black opal is located - riley is there, watching the target without falter.

he could always wait for him to fall asleep or tamper with the backup generator, but that seemed a little too distant for a target he's become so intimate with. in his trance, riley just might not notice the lock to the window on the far side of the room being quietly picked, and a shadowy figure slipping into the corner of the room. ]

You've really pulled all of the stops this time... I must say, it took you long enough.

[ the voice is smooth; confident, and almost sultry. ]

[ stop trying to court his rocks you heathen

It's true. Riley is so immersed in his thoughts with the black case placed before him. The tiniest sound doesn't break him out of his stupor, but canine ears are keener. With the assault of barks in the distance, he's alert, but assumes it's in a different area with how distant it is. He plans to check it out—

Except there's a voice? Is the black opal talking to him? Is he losing his mind, waiting for this gentleman thief to finally show? Riley's eyes widen as he lifts his head off the anchor of his palm, finally sitting straight and leaning so comfortably back into his seat with woven hands settled on his lap. ]

You can say you've finally caught my attention, though I was expecting a... Flashier entrance. It's still an honor to meet the great gentleman thief himself; I can sense from your aura that you're no ordinary person.

[ He actually had no expectations prior, no deep-rooted impressions, but meeting someone with such a strong and exuberant essence puts a soft smile on his face. Even if he were to lost this treasured black opal, it's worth it. He gestures with an open palm to an empty chair across from him, right beside the case. ]

Have a seat.

[ they will fall victim to his suave charms

thankfully, no! he isn't going crazy, and his reply makes steven smile. he's not about to let his guard down, but has to wonder what riley's plan is if he hasn't called any authorities yet. he has an emergency escape plan if required, but does hope that he doesn't have to use it. ]

Theatrics tend to lose their luster if used carelessly. It's just the two of us here, so I decided to make things a little more personal.

[ he steps into the light, revealing himself - impeccably dressed, with a matte silver mask over his eyes, not unlike the shade of his hair. he steps closer, tracing his gloved fingertips over the case as he moves towards the offered seat. however, he doesn't take it right away. ]

Only under the understanding that we'll be conversing like two civilized human beings. I'd rather not cause a fuss tonight.

Edited 2017-04-26 17:54 (UTC)

Three, really.

[ Riley counts his dobberman friend as company as well. As if on cue, it appears with this menacing glower, mad dogging Steven as an obvious intruder. Already on the edge of pouncing on the thief, Riley hushes it with a soft whisper. It placates out of discipline and takes a seat right beside its master.

So this is what the thief wears... Bringing a hand up, he strokes his chin as he muses at the outfit. It's rather formal, though on the opulent scheme. All-in-all, mature and refined tastes. He can definitely admire that. Even with the stranger's fingertips trailing over the case, Riley lacks the wariness and tension any normal person would have in this situation. If anything, he seems merry. ]

While I'm all for a conversation, especially with someone like yourself, it doesn't mean I'll be handing over this case. I'm sorry if this comes as a disappointment.

[ Though... he doesn't feel like calling security or anything, but he will if needs be. With a thoughtful hum, he makes a decision. ]

However, I may overlook this under one simple condition.

[ he doesn't have too much of a concern for the dog (and would rather not hurt it :[ ), but does smile a bit when he sees it sit. he'll even wave to the doggo. ]

Not at all - I hardly expected otherwise.

[ he raises an eyebrow in curiosity. ]

And that would be...?

[ Doggo doesn't like you. You in the wrong neighborhood, boy. How mysterious. Everyone paints him as either a criminal, a hero, or a "trendsetter". Riley wonders what a man with such a strong aura dreams and hopes.

With the tilt of his head, he sighs while letting his shoulders drop. ]

Pay me another personal visit in the future. Simple enough, right?

[ aww. he almost pouts at not being welcomed, but that's okay! guard dogs tend to not like him, for obvious reasons.

he holds his hand in his chin, considering the offer. ]

Interesting. It isn't often that I'm invited by my targets to return.

[ It's all right. Maybe if Steven pets him, it'll be better. Just not now. Riley blinks a couple of times because he's... kind of confused? He keeps his smile going though. ]

Really? That's strange. I thought you would be flooded with invitations of all kinds, considering your popularity. I was worried you would outright reject my offer.

[ He has even seen marriage proposals for the dreamy Ore. That fanclub is crazy, he thinks. ]

Oh, I am. It's just that those that I steal from tend to be much less inclined to be friendly.

[ phantom thieves may be popular in the public eye, but those who fall victim to them (and those who worry that they might) tend to be more on the defensive side. considering riley falls into the former category, this is a little unorthodox.

still, he's intrigued. ]

Are you looking to be the first person to unmask me? It won't be an easy task.

The first person...

[ He actually didn't think about that? He was just hoping they could enjoy some tea, maybe a small meal... Play a game of chess, or go into a deep conversation about the impact of gems and ores in human history.

To unmask the great phantom thief? Eyes wide and gaping open a bit, he's lost in the thought. Even his posture is stiff, frozen in time. At least he does break his trance somehow, then pensively raises a hand to cover his mouth. ]

Though not my intention, it is enticing. I'll take your challenge to heart. [ Suddenly he's so hyped? Is this what his life has been missing? ] If you choose to remove it, it would be even better—almost poetic.

I see... I wonder if I'll end up regretting this.

[ it's a rhetorical question - giving riley an idea wasn't intended, but a game of cat and mouse just sounds like more fun than whatever the other man had in mind. ]

I'm afraid it won't be that easy. Doing that would be the end of my career, after all. I still have plenty to do.

[ his eyes fall to the safe, almost longingly. ]

[ A game is better than having a tea party, so he's in as long as he's the cat. Riley sputters before letting out a hearty laugh. ]

I'll make sure you do. [ It's not in a sadistic tone or anything, just one up for some fun. ] Then will you scurrying off with my case? You've been fondling it this whole time. I'm almost jealous.

[ KEEP YOUR EYES UP HERE. ]

[ even if it was in a sadistic tone, he'd be taking it in jest anyway. he doesn't mind playing the mouse - it's a challenge that he's been looking for for some time now.

he sighs wistfully, drumming his fingers on the armrest of his chair. ]

Not tonight, I'm afraid. It would be awfully anticlimactic, don't you think?

[ but his gaze does move back from the case to meet riley's head-on. ]

Should you find a way to capture my attention, I'll keep my eyes on you.

Wouldn't that make you a horrible thief?

[ He hums thoughtfully as he leans back, staring down at the case in question. Suddenly, it doesn't have as much value as it did... But he definitely doesn't want it stolen. He won't hear the end of it from his family when they know about all of the extensive security he added to the mansion. ]

If that's the case, I wouldn't want to disappoint. I also said I would overlook the heist, but seeing this is no longer that...

[ He leans forward towards the table that the case sits, gently tracing the bottom before pressing a button. Yes. That's going to alert the police. ]

I might as well call you in for forced entry.

I multitask.

[ oh, that's a dirty trick... or maybe it's completely fair, all things considered. his eyes dart towards the button, and he bites his lower lip as it curls into a smirk. ]

That is one way to get my attention... but you'll have to do a little better than that.

[ he quickly reaches into his inner jacket pocket, where a dentonator has been hidden. with a press of his own button, the window that he had so painstakingly lockpicked shatters - thanks to the small explosives he planted on his way in. a good thief always has an escape route, and he'll be taking his now.

he uses the empty window panes to climb, but turns to riley one more time before disappearing. ]

I'm glad you're taking my proposal so seriously. We'll resume our little chat on another day.

[ and with a parting wink, he sweeps himself outside and into the dark of the night. it's a tough escape with the authorities already called, but he really would be a horrible thief if he couldn't make it out. so, he does. ]

[ He should have seen that coming. No, he did see that coming. Eyes wide and a smile still crossed on his face, he watches as shattered glass fly and curtains flare out. Certainly... Someone with that kind of aura is like this. Despite that, he's still somewhat surprised. With a sigh, he can hear the cop cars whirring their sirens as they try to track the thief down.

Riley doesn't pursue and his doberman still sits beside him, turning to his master like he's an idiot. Maybe he is? He's not sure. Shoulders slumping, he lets his head lean back so he can stare idly at the ceiling, wondering when will be the next time he'll meet this phantom thief again. Is he charmed or is he insane?

His days go by slowly without any word about the thief and his antics. He wonders if maybe the other man is laying low? In a bit of a daze, he's holding a glass of wine while he peers down into its deep color. This is a fundraiser he has been anticipating for months, but he can't get himself at all motivated for the cause. It's making him a little disappointed in himself as a person--has he lost purpose entirely? He has kept a conversation going with other associates and sponsors, but... it all seems superficial at best. They give him words of gratitude for his contributions and pity for being a victim of the famous Phantom Thief Ore.

He can't even get excited about the rare Tanzanite meant to be monetized to whatever altruistic cause the bidder sees fit. There are a lot of upstanding figures, but Riley himself is suspicious of some... Unfortunately, it's the last thing on his mind. Listless, he has been hanging around the cheese platter like that outcast bachelor that can't get a date. ]

[ it's a little embarrassing that he was taken somewhat off-guard by riley's readiness to call the police, but he's willing to shake it off and put it behind him. a proper game of cat and mouse mean that he would need to be prepared for anything - flirting could be managed, but it had to be done strategically.

he takes his time planning his next move, and it's actually one that won't involve any stealing at all. this is more of an "undercover" reconnaissance mission, in that he'll be speaking with riley as a civilian. while there might be a chance that he's recognized, he's willing to take it - there's a thrill in that much, and it'll provide a good payoff if he's successful. besides, he'll be killing two birds with one stone - that tanzanite will look wonderful in his collection, stolen off of whoever wins the bid (with a generous donation made to the charity in question afterwards under the phantom thief ore's name, of course).

it doesn't look out of place for highly affluent individuals to be in attendance at this fundraiser, which means that steven stone, corporate heir and known stone enthusiast, fits right into the crowd. not one for superficial conversation himself, he finds riley wallflowering next to the cheese platter. with his own wine in hand, he takes a bit and glances at his "target". ]

You might be the only downcast face in this entire room. Would it be out of place to ask why?

[ For a split moment, Riley mistakes that voice, that aura, for the person he has been itching to meet. When he turns, eyes twinkling more than once, he's only disappointed to see a rather familiar face. Steven Stone, corporate heir and extreme hobbyist... They're similar in some ways, so he should be glad to find someone around his age with the same interests in this event.

However, he's sure that there's something oddly familiar about him. While his suspicions are rising, he only flashes a soft and friendly smile. There's no reason to interrogate someone that would prove beneficial for his business. Also, he's attractive. Strategically, it's best for them to get along. ]

If it isn't Mister Stone. I'm glad to see that you made it to this gathering. [ He tilts his glass full circle, letting the wine move to the rhythm of the movements. ] Have I ever told you that you possess an extraordinary aura? I almost mistook you for someone else.

[ A wistful sigh follows after as he thinks of a way to answer his question. ]

I was just lost in thought, nothing more. Where's your date?

[ he stops his approach for a moment to meet riley's eyes head-on, looking to read them. as fun as this could be, it's best to tread carefully. ]

Is it really that extraordinary if you thought I was someone else? [ he smiles - joking, of course. ] I admit that I don't know much about the "auras" you always speak of, but I'd like to hope that mine would be unique.

[ he looks out to the crowd, eyes only momentarily training on the tanzanite sample in the middle of the room. it's heavily guarded - trying to take it now would be suicide. ]

I could ask the same of you.

Each person has their own aura, which is why I'm a little confused myself, but it's not like we had many chances to meet. Maybe if you showed yourself more, I wouldn't make that mistake.

[ JOKES. In all seriousness, wishful thinking may have clouded his perception of Steven's aura. That must be it. Even now, he finds it difficult to really focus on the man with all that is going on. Though there are many people without distinct auras, sheer number is overpowering.

Let him take a solemn sip from his glass. There are a lot of couples here, married or casual. ]

Maybe I should have invited someone. [ Regrets, but not really. The tanzanite's beauty will warm his heart. ] Are you planning to bid?

I personally prefer to attend these kinds of events alone. It keeps me focused.

[ on the task at hand, of course - examining his future treasure and investigating whoever places the highest bid. a part of him hopes that it's someone he hasn't targeted yet, so that a new challenge is raised. ]

Not this time. Though it is a gorgeous specimen, I already have a sample in my possession. I'm very interested in seeing who does win it, though.

Coming alone brings its own distractions and troubles, Mister Stone.

[ Like husband shoppers. The amount of people that approached him to throw out the proposition of a marriage must be triple digits right now, maybe even more for Steven. ]

As expected. I wonder if there's a stone you don't have. [ Riley may be an enthusiast himself, but he's certainly not on the same level as the weirdo next to him. ] If I had to guess the winning bid, it would be the gentleman over there.

[ It's some prominent politician, one of the few that decided to attend. Riley has only heard rumors, but it's not like anyone in politics would have a clean background or history. However, winning the bid and donating it to a charity of choice would help his reputation which has been tanking lately. ]

Ones that I've become seasoned in avoiding, thankfully.

[ when you're rich and handsome, you learn how to dodge superficial conversation. while he is polite, it's easy to weed out who wants you for your money. ]

If I come across one, I'll be sure to let you know.

[ he takes a sip from his glass, eyes glancing to who riley is pointing out. it's someone who has been on his gentleman thief radar for some time now, but there have always been more pressing targets at hand. ]

I've heard about him from idle gossip... donating will no doubt raise his popularity. [ but he's a little disappointed, because... ] Are you not looking to bid?

Edited 2017-05-17 19:13 (UTC)

[ Wow... Maybe Riley can learn something in being evasive. ]

Thank you. I appreciate that.

[ A piece of tanzanite would be nice, so it's something to be happy about. His lips stay curled up, not giving the man he referred to even a second glance. When you want to gossip like housewives, you need to be subtle.

He pops in a cube of cheese as he looks up to the ceiling, pondering. ]

They say he's behind some money laundering business, but... [ He shrugs. Not like he has any proof. ] I told myself not to bid; it would be refreshing to let someone else share their wealth with the community.

Of course if I don't like how the auction turns out, I might have to participate.

(no subject)

hello nata i forgot to mention this is for steven

YAAAAAAAAS

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