alola | (no subject)

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PHANTOM THIEF AU

"A phantom thief usually has inherited wealth and is characterised by impeccable manners, charm, courteousness, and the avoidance of physical force or intimidation to steal. As such, they do not steal to gain material wealth but for the thrill of the act itself, often combined in fiction with correcting a moral wrong, selecting wealthy targets, or stealing only particular rare or challenging objects. In fictional works, the phantom thief is typically superb at stealing while maintaining a gentleman's manners and code of honour"

1. Put the character of mine that you'd like in the subject line.
2. Throw up your own starter, or leave the comment blank and I'll get back to you!

NOTE: This does NOT have to be in line with the Persona 5 heart-stealing phantom thief, but the general character archetype! Both thieves AND detectives are welcome!

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[ 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.

[ hiding in the shadows can help... not that steven would know anything about that. he nods along with what riley says. ]

An excellent strategy. [ he used to do something similar, but throwing around money was the boring way to do it. ] Though you should tread carefully. Idle gossip also tells me that lately you've been having a bit of a "pest" issue.

[ it isn't even a lie - in inevitable discussion he's had about the phantom thief ore, names of victims have been tossed around. naturally, riley's came up. ]

Word spreads fast, doesn't it?

[ There's a sigh that comes next. He had hoped that people would keep quiet. It's not that he cares about being targeted by the phantom thief, but more that he doesn't need the underlying messages it sends. "Riley must be in a pitiful state", "Riley must have his hands tied", and all the other stuff that ties to his wealth dwindling with each heist.

Actually, his fortune wasn't even chipped, just some pride. Vultures have been giving him their condolences, hoping for an opportunity to scavenge. ]

Fortunately, this pest is rather charming. [ Not going to lie. ] Though I wonder if you will become a target anytime soon.

Charmed by a thief? [ oh. he raises an eyebrow. ] That sounds rather unorthodox. You should take care to see that you aren't manipulated by such a character.

[ he can't let his ego get too inflated, though! he puts on his best concerned expression. ]

I certainly hope not. The very idea shakes me to my core... but it wouldn't be realistic to rule myself out as a potential suspect. I've been heightening the security around my property, so I can only hope that keeps him at bay.

[ There's a sputter at the thought. Riley may seem easy-going, maybe even too friendly, but he isn't that daft. Trying to stifle his laughter isn't working, so he just lets it go. ]

Don't worry. I'm not that easily captivated. [ Charming, like a diamond on someone's finger, not charming in the sense he'll do things for him. That was humorous, so he takes in what's left of his wine. ] I hope your treasures stay safe, then. Keep them close.

[ And the announcer comes forth, calling for everyone to come to the main hall. The auction is about to start. ]

[ he's taking that as a challenge. ]

I plan to. I extend the same sentiment to you, of course. [ and another sip. ] Let's hope that someone finds it in them to catch this thief.

[ and he'll leave it at that. time to go see who his next victim is going to be. ]

You're so kind. I'm sure someone will bring him to justice eventually.

[ Hope you're ready to lose.

Riley will lead them into the main hall. Of course they have to start for some small talk from others that catch them on the way, but all are short. They're getting seated and he chooses a seat in the far back for reasons.

The bidding starts on a pretty strong roll, dwindling as the money rises. Something is weird about this though. ]

Looks like someone is bidding through a third party.

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