Here's a chapter that's on time! I hope you enjoy!
In a cafe not too far from the port, three young men sat at the table closest to the kitchen where the background noise of the kitchen would hide any conversation taking place at the table. All three had dark hair, and their faces unremarkable in the least. To say that they were all faces that one would see and forget, would not be incorrect.
"Was this really necessary?" Saguru grumbled, fighting the urge scratch at where the mask was glued to his skin. Kaito swatted at his hands as his eyes narrowed into a glare.
"Very, when you deal with Vermouth, you have to be careful. She likes to play games, and not very nice ones." Shinichi muttered under his breath.
"Ara, I thought you enjoyed them Cool Guy." The blonde actress said, smiling a Cheshire grin. She slid her sunglasses off and gently placed her hat on the table. All three males heads whipped around to stare at the snake of a woman.
"Vermouth." Shinichi greeted, going for cordial. The corner of her lips quirked up in amusement. His mates either side of him tensed, hands sneaking around his waist in a protective and possessive hold. He fought down the the urge to blush in front of Vemouth, forcing himself to fake complete comfort with the situation.
"Aren't you three cute~" She coed, leaning forward as she rested her head in her hands. Shinichi felt his wings shuffle around at her predatory gaze. Yep, he wanted this done and over with as soon as possible.
"You mentioned something about some liquor we might be interested in." Saguru cut in, thankfully forcing the conversation to what they needed to talk about.
"Though I do have to question your decision Cool Guy, whatever happened to poor Angel?" She asked, ever the smiling mask, completely ignoring Saguru.
"You leave Ran out of this!" Shinichi couldn't help but snarl, it didn't matter that he was a submissive, he would not let his family, his flock be threatened or brought into dangers dark embrace. The grip on his hips tightened and he reined his fury enough to attempt to stay civil, right mood swings, keep them under control.
"It's best not to tempt fate at the moment Vermouth-san." Kaito said, grinning as he conjured a flower which he handed to her. She smiled, taking the rose before twirling it between her fingers.
"You should listen to him, considering he's Lady Luck's favourite child." Saguru murmured, leaning forward, eyes attempting to pin her. She hummed in thought, watching them with interest.
"Just like his father I suppose?" She said, grinning as she watched how Kaito's poker face shattered before slamming down harder.
"I guess you won't be needing a silver bullet then." Shinichi snapped, making to stand up. Her eyes hardened and she scowled at him.
"Fine, I was growing tired with this game." Vermouth sighed, sitting back as she huffed in annoyance. Shinichi relented, sitting down as he stared at her across the table.
"There will be meeting down at the port near here, the last ware house is where everyone's going to be. The meet will occur in two weeks time, that's all I can get you, so your friends better be ready to move. A drug and weapons deal, and possibly a few stolen gems from what Anokata has told me. Though, you might not want to wear that when you go Silver Bullet, there's a snake who has his eyes on it." Vermouth informed them, eyeing the edge of the necklace around Shinichi's neck. Kaito's hand immediately shifted from around Shinichi's waist, to idly press against the submissive's neck.
"Can you get us an exact time?" Shinichi asked, fighting the urge to shudder and lean into the hand.
"I'll let you know when I'm told." She responded flippantly. Shinichi frowned, so she hadn't been told an exact time. Something inside of him curled up defensively and snarled, right next to the curl of fear that rose up right along side it.
"You've lost some of that persons trust, haven't you." Shinichi stated, thinking aloud. Vermouth across from them tensed, glaring at him. At her reaction, that curl of fear intensified, evolving to dread and utter terror. His mates hands ever so gently started caressing him through his clothes, just gentle reassurance, for now at least.
"It's nothing I can't deal with. Besides, I'm still that person's favourite." She sniffed indignantly. Saguru's eyes narrowed, that could mean that this was either a test or trap to see if anyone showed up to break the deal, effectively pointing out that Vermouth was the leak in information. Shinichi glanced at Saguru, understanding each other with a single look.
"Be careful then." Shinichi said, standing up, preparing to leave. The widening of her eyes was just the slightest bit gratifying after all of her omnipotent moves she had pulled on him, he might not like the woman, but that didn't mean he wanted her dead.
"I look forward to seeing you then, Vineyard-san." Shinichi said, walking out of the cafe with his mates on his heels. The three of them, still in disguise made their way to an ally way. The hustle and bustle of the streets around them parting like the Red Sea before reconnecting behind them. Finding the next availed and empty ally way, the three of them departed from the main street and ducked into it. They quickly ducked behind one of the dumpsters, waiting a detective moments just in case of any tails. When no one followed them, of the human or the avian kind, they shifted and departed for home.
I was a little annoyed with this chapter, simply because I find it difficult to write Vermouth's character. This is because I haven't obsessed over her as much as I have with Shinichi, Kaito and Saguru. Anyway, thank you for all of those lovely reviews! I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter, and I look forward to hearing what you think!