Disclaimer: I don't own Baccano.
Luck and Firo watched, amused, as the legendary freelance assassin, Vino, moved from shop to shop like a clucking hen. It was interesting to see how one of the most feared men in the underworld interacted with the general public, who were none the wiser.
Women's eyes lingered on his lean form, while men turned to look at his blood-red hair and eyes—an unusual combination anywhere. Despite the secrecy demanded of him by his occupation, Claire stood out like a sore thumb. He had to actually try to make himself scarce, and neither were sure if that was a good or a bad thing. Claire really did belong on a stage surrounded by cheers and adoring fans. His skills certainly deserved applause.
"Are you really shopping for more gifts, Claire?" Firo asked.
"Felix," Claire corrected with a dismissive wave of his hand. "And of course I am. I need to pick up some more flowers, too. Before the ones on the dining room wilt."
"More flowers?" Firo laughed. "She'll be happy."
"You think so? She prefers dresses over them though. Maybe I should get another—"
"You already got four dresses," Luck cut in. He lit up a cigarette. "And aren't you supposed to be bringing me to meet her? Why are you bringing so many gifts? You're making me look bad."
Claire spread his arms out wide and exclaimed, "So, she knows I've been thinking about her!"
His voice made a gaggle of older, sour-faced women turn to look at them. Firo covered his face with his hat in embarrassment at his childhood friend's antics. He would bleed for Claire, but did he have to be so exuberant all the time? Gesticulating wildly was perfectly acceptable in shady corners. Out in the open, on the other hand, was another matter entirely.
"I'm sure she knows that even without the gifts," Firo said once the women finally stopped staring. "Whenever I see you two, you're always hugging."
"Oh?" Luck asked. The corner of his lips were twisted up into a half-smile. "Maybe I should hold off on meeting her then."
"Nonsense!" Vino said. "Firo is just jealous. Don't worry. You'll have your shot soon enough—with Ennis, I mean. Not Chane."
"Claire!"
"My name is Felix."
"Felix," Firo amended. "Don't just say whatever you wa—"
"You've lost him," Luck said.
"What?"
"Look."
Firo turned to find Claire standing in front of a weapons shop with faded brick walls and a cheery yellow tiled roof. The man at the counter counted among the broadest Firo had ever seen. He had a scar that sealed his left eye shut and a toothy grin that suggested a wild youth. The man watched Claire with the ease of someone used to dealing with him. His friend clearly came there often. Claire pointed enthusiastically at a knife with a curved edge, before going off on a tangent that Firo's ears didn't care to register.
"Is he getting a knife for himself?" Luck asked.
"It's a gift."
Luck blinked. Very slowly. "Someone should tell him that women don't like knives."
"She's different."
"I was expecting that, considering she's Claire's fiancée, but just how different are we talking ab—"
"Chane!" they suddenly heard Claire shout. "What are you doing here?"
They watched as Claire bounded up to a pale woman with short hair and golden eyes. She donned a form-fitting black dress that would tantalize anyone, but those that had been interested immediately turned away at the sight of Claire. Perhaps they instinctively sensed danger if they were to let their eyes linger for longer than a second.
Chane held an umbrella in her hands, then pointed up at the grey sky. Claire followed her finger up. Realization dawned upon him, before he grabbed her hand to place a kiss against the back of it. He said something too low for their ears to catch, but it made her cheeks light up beautifully.
"So, she's the one that managed to ensnare him," Luck said.
"What do you think?"
"She's got guts."
"Guts? I'm not denying it, but what makes you say that?"
"Felix can kill someone with a finger," Luck explained. He wagged his pointer finger back and forth for emphasis. "And he currently has all ten of them on her. She chained herself to a lion."
Firo laughed.
Claire turned at the sound. He was grinning like a boy on his birthday, as he waved them over. The way his hand settled easily around Chane's waist made them both crack a smile. Luck and Firo shared one more glance, filled with hope for themselves and joy for their friend, before heading towards the engaged couple. If even someone like Claire Stanfield could find love, then so could they.
Behind them, a ray of light bled through the clouds.
It shined gold.
- End -
A/N: If any of you are interested in my writing beyond fanfiction, then I have a fantasy series up for sale. URL on profile. Please Review.