teaserving | ⏪ INBOX

Sure.

( Yuri offers an unremarkable paper folder to Leone when he's finished off his coffee. Inside is a photograph of the man (helpfully provided b Red) and a document detailing his name, address, workplace — and other such information that might come in handy for a little basic surveillance. )

There's the rest of your information — you can get acquainted with it in your own time, if you like.

( He tucks a lock of hair behind his ear as they set off on their stroll. )

Did you come up with a number?

[Idly, Leone flips through the document, then nods once. It won't be hard.

Nobody escapes him, after all.]

I'll make sure to report back.

[As they pass by a trash receptacle, he tosses his cup.]

Figured it'd make sense of we just Synchronized for a bit. Nothing serious. It tallies up better that way and gives me what I need. But if you don't like that, I'll give you a specific number.

( Yuri raises an eyebrow at Leone's suggestion, evidently somewhat surprised by his decision. )

Seriously?

( He had not been expecting that. This is essentially freelance employment, after all, not swapping pastries for a few hours of hand-holding, and Yuri is a firm believer in making sure people are paid fairly for their service. )

I mean I'm not opposed, I just thought you might want proper payment for real work.

[That makes him bark out a laugh, and he gives Yuri a crooked grin.]

Trust me, Synchrony will do me a better favor than money. Besides, the government will pay it back while I'm being a good boy and holding hands with someone.

People need Synchrony here for a variety of reasons. Their bank account, or to keep up their powers. I'm not that much different than that.

( Well then. For Leone's bank account, or his powers, or whatever else he wants to keep on top of, Yuri shrugs his agreement. )

Alright, then that's what we'll do.

( An easy smile touches his lips. )

There I was, all ready for you to drive a hard bargain. It's kind of refreshing for everything to fall into place so nicely.

You're not asking much of me, seriously. What you do about this guy is your business. I've done more for less.

[All Yuri is asking him is to keep an eye on someone. For the kind of work he'd done before, that won't be so bad.]

Anything particular you want me to look for?

He should be getting some deliveries over the course of the week.

( That lilac gaze flits to Leone. Yuri's expression is relatively neutral — effortlessly benign to the untrained eye — but a man familiar with minute expressions will likely pick up on the sharp mischief behind his eyes. )

I'd like to know when they arrive.

( A beat. The target will be getting something particular that Red has been after for a while, and Yuri has been tasked with procuring it for them. Should be fun. )

For business reasons.

[Oh, this is the kind of look he knows. Leone tips his chin up, peering down at Yuri, keeping his expression flat.]

Of course. For business.

[His lips twitch, amused.]

Well, I guess I'd better make sure I do a good job, huh?

( That gets a soft chuckle from Yuri, who reaches over to lightly rest his palm against Leone's forearm. )

I'd certainly be grateful.

( He teases, his expression warming just a touch. )

My nights are a little busy this week, but I can meet you any day for Synchrony.

[The contact is nice, at least from Yuri. Leone has a short list of people he'd tolerate that from right now, so he just grins fondly.]

That's fine. My schedule's otherwise pretty clear.

I'm not asking for deep secrets or anything, you know. And... whatever I end up feeling, I'll keep it to myself.

( Yuri looks up at him closely, that lilac gaze assessing Leone for anything that might give away a curl of deception, before realising he's already come to the conclusion that this man probably isn't lying to him.

How about that. )

... I know.

( His own smile grows just a little, and he gives his arm a gentle squeeze before letting his palm fall away again. )

I don't trust easy, Sweet Thing, but it's possible I could come to trust you. I'm going to need people around me I can rely on if I want to see my goals come to anything ...

( But he cuts himself off with a brief shake of he head. Now isn't the time to get all wistful, after all. )

Never mind that. Synchrony tomorrow?

[That bit of trust right there is... well. It's something. There's a part of him that ferociously feels as though he doesn't deserve it in the slightest, but Leone has always been a person who can keep a secret like no other.]

No pressure on that front.

[You can't force trust out of a person. He's lucky enough to have what he has.]

Sure. Tomorrow.

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