As she slipped through the window, Izzy couldn't believe her luck. This was the third place she'd found unlocked tonight, and she'd felt like a lottery winner. The combined goods from the first two places alone would cover her rent and food for the month. Now, this third place ought to help her get a meager savings set aside. She moved with muted steps, looking around the surprisingly bright apartment. Whoever lived here must really love the billboard across the way, because they'd left the windows uncovered. The sign flashed bright lights and colors, illuminating her path past the furniture. It was sparsely decorated, and any hope she had of finding valuables was beginning to dwindle. She checked a few drawers, frowning at the lack of goods.
Without warning, she felt herself thrown to the floor. She gave a yelp, scrambling to get back up as a hand grabbed her shoulder. With a speed she didn't know anyone could manage, her attacker threw her against a wall, pinning her there. Izzy was panting, her heart racing as she finally looked into the face of her attacker. Under any other circumstances, she'd think he was cute, and maybe flirt a bit with him. Instead, he looked angry; jaw clenched, body tense against hers.
"Who are you?" His voice was low and a bit gravelly. She swallowed, noting the arm pressed just below her throat, and spoke quietly.
"Nobody. I was just leaving." He snorted, but didn't release her, and she began to panic a bit. If she'd managed to stumble into some pervert's house, then she was in big trouble. He seemed to be studying her, and she let out a breath. "Seriously. I can just go." He was silent for a few more tense moments, and Izzy was just beginning to wonder if she could take him when his grip loosened.
"Do you drink tea?" The sudden topic change caught her off guard, and she didn't seem to acknowledge it until the man was in the kitchen. She nodded slowly, walking towards him. Most people who caught her threatened to call the police, or worse. Some tea, as long as she watched him make and drink the same stuff, was certainly a better option.
"Yeah, sometimes. What kind are you offering?" She sat on one of the stools, careful to keep the counter between the two of them. She looked him over as he turned his back, taking note of the muscles showing due to his lack of shirt. His pajama pants fit well around his hips, and she couldn't stop a rush of attraction. His quiet chuckle drew her attention back up to his head just as he turned.
"I figured green was a safe bet." He poured out two mugs and slid one in front of her. He immediately sipped his, and she took a hesitant sip of hers. It was rather good; feeling brave, she took a slightly larger sip. "So, if I don't get to know who you are, what am I supposed to call you?" She could see his smirk in the dim light. She took another sip of her coffee, debating.
"If you had a pet cat, what would you name her?" He arched a brow, clearly surprised by her question as he thought it over. She watched him deliberate for a bit before he finally answered.
"Whiskers." She snorted, coughing a bit as the tea went down the wrong tube. Between her coughs she managed a few laughs, and he gave her a concerned look. "You alright?"
"Whiskers, really?" He shrugged and she shook her head. "Real original. Alright, call me Whiskers then."
"So, a cat burglar named Whiskers. This is quite the city." He shook his head this time, seeming to stare through her. She shifted a bit uncomfortably, but his gaze didn't waver.
"Anyone ever tell you you'd make a good interrogator? I mean, you've got the staring thing down pat." That seemed to amuse him, as his smirk only grew.
"I'm a lawyer, actually." Her smile faded fast, and she stood to leave. His hand on her own stopped her retreat, though it was nothing like the force he'd used earlier. "Wait, wait. I'm a defense lawyer. For innocent people." She looked at him warily, and he slowly released her again. "As for the staring…I promise it's not on purpose." Her eyes narrowed. "I'm blind, after all." That caused her to blink, and she said the first thing that came to mind.
"Bullshit." It was his turn to laugh.
"I wish it was."
"But earlier, you caught me."
"I could hear you. When you can't see, you tend to hear everything." She nodded slowly, realizing it must be true. He settled back into his spot against the counter, nodding for her to take her seat on the stool again. She did so slowly, watching him. His eyes did seem rather sightless, but they weren't milky like most blind people she'd met. Clearing her throat, Izzy carefully removed her mask and set it on the counter. "Ah. Well, make yourself at home." She couldn't help a chuckle as she picked up her mug again. He made small talk, if a bit awkwardly, and she was almost hesitant to leave.
"Well, thanks for the tea, but I really gotta go." She slipped her mask back on and started for the window, rolling her eyes when she felt his grip on her arm. Turning, she hadn't expected him to be so close. She held her breath as he gave a small smile.
"Feel free to use the door. Wouldn't want you to get hurt." She pulled away gently and nodded, stepping around him easily and heading for the front door. He let her go this time, and she smiled at the thought of how well this night had actually gone.
