Heat 9
A/N: Sorry if this chapter seems a bit boring, school is coming to a close which might mean more writing time and more self-promotion. My book is available for preorder on Amazon and I might have a certain mermaid AU to finish. Again, thanks to androgynouskittensandwich, jediannsolo, and gummibear999 for their continued support and encouragement. Also, I'm kinda curious about your thoughts on how I'm writing these characters, anything I'm doing right or wrong, share it in a comment or send an ask.
Von Barke cleared his throat, briefly glancing at the stack of cards beside the lamp. He picked them up, shuffling them as he said, "Feels like old times, right?"
Shadow nodded. It was new sitting in front of his desk instead of the other way around, the small, gold plaque that used to have Von Barke's name stamped on it replaced with his. It felt like old times, but he knew better.
"You know how much it's going to cost me to fix that glass and the floor?" Shadow asked, straightening as he met his former boss's gaze.
Von Barke hummed, clearing the table before arranging the cards on the desk. Black Jack. A barter.
"If you win, you can keep up this dancing charade," Von Barke said, the dangerous lilt to his voice not lost on Shadow. "that girl of yours is your problem to take care of however you see fit."
"And if you win?" he asked, an 8 of hearts and 7 of diamonds staring back at him.
Von Barke grinned, never taking his eyes off the cards. "You'll see soon enough."
Randy sat on the couch, hands clasped together as he waited for the front door to open. For his sister to come back.
"Where were you?" he asked as the door clicked shut. The apartment suddenly felt too small as she walked past him, coat tucked into her arm, her ruined shirt wrapped in it.
"Practice ran a lil late, that's all." Sandy answered. She clenched her hand, briefly wondering if she hit Shadow a bit too hard. "I won't be back 'til later though, so don't wait—"
"I know this whole dancin' thing is important to you or whatever, but you could at least be honest with me." He said, following her to her room.
"I ain't never lied to you or ma 'n pa in my life. What could I possibly be hidin', huh?" she replied, ignoring the faint itch of her stitches, hoping her brother wouldn't notice that this wasn't her shirt and she probably looked worse for wear.
She sighed, shaking her head as he didn't respond. "Like I said, I won't be back til late. Couple of friends invited me out a few days ago." It wasn't entirely a lie. Static did want her to keep watch with him. Pull customers, the usual.
Or at least, she was trying to get back to the usual.