It does provide quite a view.

. . . Compelling.

Challengers? All he was doing was checking in on her after he took the liberty of booking her a hotel, since she needed help finding one that was affordable.

Quite the view though, he'll admit.

#PKMNRP | #PTRP | #MVRP

"Now what messes are we gonna have to clean up today?"

- I'd rather just enjoy myself and your company."

He chuckled softly as a hand reached up to adjust his own tie.

- be bothered to entertain such things. He couldn't be sure whether he was doing exactly that here or not though...

"That should work just fine, really. Wouldn't kill me to change into something a little more casual for that though, for I'd hate to get any unwanted attention from anyone else when-

"One of the cafes, huh?"

He parroted to himself as he glanced aside in thought, to which the toe of his shoe audibly tapped against the ground.

For whatever reason, there was a warm feeling in his own face he couldn't shake off either. He knew what that feeling was tangential of, but he usually-

|| I can't see a damn thing when logged in on Arven for some reason. What's going on with this site?

|| Shoot, I just realized I haven't checked here in a bit.

I'll get to replies when I get a bit more energy to tomorrow.

-detective.

"If we are to go out someplace, is there anywhere in particular you'd like to be?"

He asked, a bit of red dusting across his cheeks at how he phrased his own words. However, he deliberately doubled down

"It doesn't need to be anyplace fancy, whether you'd consider this a date or not."

"Perfect. I was just finishing up some paperwork for the day before you dropped in, so my schedule should be just as clear."

Whatever Emma struggled with internally, perhaps Corbeau would be willing to help her through it. Like how he was able to help her through poverty before she became a -

"Clearly, you don't own a coffee pod machine."

Art by kumo33

It's not too often that he truly has to bring out the big guns, but don't think he'll hold himself back if push comes to shove.

-already pacing back and forth with thoughts and feelings, though the only other thing he could say for now...

"So, did you have any plans? I suppose there are better places to catch up than here."

Even if she was wearing a glove, just touching her hand again made his heart nearly skip a beat. A hint of red showed up on his cheeks once he pulled his hand back as well.

"I could say the same to you."

It was a bit for him to process as well, but not in a bad way whatosever. His mind was -

—
"I'm Corbeau."

"Mhm, that was me. It makes me happy to see that's not the life you have to live anymore."

Once putting his glasses back on, he stood up and took a few steps her way.

"I don't think I ever got to introduce myself though, did I?"

He stopped to chuckle, before putting a hand out for her to shake.—

-relatively more genuine smile appeared on his lips as he momentarily took his glasses off to clean them.

"So it really is you, Emma. You've grown quite a bit yourself."

Corbeau blinked a couple times when she stated they were somewhat the same, specifically after acknowledging his past on the streets.

"So, you're saying that you were also out there all alone before?"

The realization began to settle in, but while not much shock was present in his reaction, a -

- streets by myself as a kid, and while there's not as much this syndicate can afford to do as the man who took me in could do for me alone, the least we can do is give those people the comfort and security I couldn't have before."

"I'm glad that's something we can both agree on, detective."

His lips curved into a pleased smirk as he took a moment longer to look her up and down.

"I of all people should know how hard it already is for those less fortunate in this city. It wasn't any easier when I was out on those same -

-we work to keep them clean and safe?"

-bridge of his nose, which drew attention to his golden hues looking her in the eye.

"I know these streets better than you might think, miss. Even the alleyways. They're a cold and dark place to be as they are, but some out there unfortunately don't have anywhere else to call home.

Why shouldn't -

As soon as their eyes met, inspecting them and her caring smile was beginning to make things click together. Was this who he thought it was...?

"The local detective agency, huh? So you're a private eye. I can respect that."

While hearing out what else she had to say, he pushed his glasses up the -

"Not at all, come on in."

He tilted his head to the side inviting her to come closer. Something about her seemed familiar, he thought, but he couldn't rest his finger on why...

"The pleasure's all ours. We'll always help keep every corner of these streets clean.

I take it you represent the city?"