Nic laughs as the puppy pounces on him, giving him some much-needed TLC and licking his face while he rolls around with it sitting on his chest. His hands fly across the puppy's fur, rubbing and scratching it before he finally lets go, looking up to Mia with a grin. ]
[Okay, maybe she can't try to steal the puppy back from Nic. He is well and truly distracted and giving no fucks because he has his arms full of puppy. Mission accomplished. Mia lets herself settle in on the floor, grinning back at Nic once he finally glances over once more.
Reaching forward, she pets the puppy's head to keep it resting there happily on his chest.]
I thought so. We can keep it around tonight, cuddle all night long.
[ he shrugs. Nic does understand being distrustful of someone you barely know, so that part isn't bothering him. and to be fair, he's not exactly defenseless either should things get really screwy.
but the point is he's trying to make a better impression on Rune than what he did before. nobody deserved that. except maybe the guy that Nic was actually trying to go after. ]
You said there's no blood magic involved and that I mostly need to stand around and "be useful". Yeah, you could by lying, but I'd rather see for myself.
Besides, if my punch before was any indication, I'm perfectly capable of defending myself if I have to.
[ the funny thing is that despite the smile on his face contrasting with the flare of power behind him as he says it, said power is almost .... comforting in a weird way. part of being half-divine, or something. who knows. he's still getting the hang of it. ]
[ cherry lips curled into a devilish smirk as she walked the crowds to her designated target. a dangerous one, perhaps, but jess always enjoyed a challenge and moving too close to what might burn her. the nogitsune within her veins screamed for the chaos, strife and pain, which she could hardly avoid giving to it. feeding made her stronger, after all, and she needed to feel it pulsing beneath her fingertips.
when she reached him at last, she pressed her body against his back, whispering into his ear - ]
You'll dance with me, won't you? [ not a direct demand because she liked to play first. ]
[ Contrary to what it might look like, Nic wasn't actually off the clock - just more or less trying to do some recon and intel work on a target. The usual - trying to seem unassuming while he scans the crowds, sipping on his drink while contemplating going on the dance floor. Looking relaxed while ready to fight if he has to.
He hums, glancing back to see who was behind him and smiling. There's no reason to give up the ghost, especially in a crowd like this. Not until he knows something is wrong and he can make sure nobody gets caught in the crossfire.
Still, just a couple small movements and one of his pistols will be in his hands. Quick summoning was one of the first things he had memorized during his training.
His voice is light, casual, and as he fully turns, he taps a couple fingers against the rim of his glass. ]