Chapter Text
“Tendo-han, would you be willing to do another? Come to the house next Friday. We’ll talk then.” That's what Kaoruko said to Maya last weekend. She was cryptic as usual, but Maya didn't mind. She had just arrived at the Hanayagi's mansion. Awestruck by the vastness of the property somehow subdued by the surrounding forest, Maya took her time making it to Kaoruko's room.
“Ah! Tendo-han, there you are!” Kaoruko walked out into the driveway, Futaba jogging behind her, "Kaoruko, don’t scare her, you have enough planned.”
“Ara... Futaba-han don’t spoil her. Please, come with me,” Kaoruko gestured for Maya to follow her; she’d been here once before, but she still had no clue how to get around. The residency was extremely large—she’d expected nothing less from the Hanayagis, and their partner family: The Isurugis. Although not as wealthy, Kaoruko and Futaba being engaged was pulled them closer. “We’ll have the meeting in our room. So long as you don’t mind the mess...” Kaoruko smirks, climbing the stairs to the third floor of the residency.
“Oi, Kaoruko, why does it have to be in our room? You always leave a mess in there,” Futaba sighed from behind Kaoruko.
“Ah, Futaba-han, I leave a mess in more than one way,” Kaoruko winked.
“Kaoruko ...” Futaba grumbled, “Pardon her, Tendo-san.”
"It's alright, Isurugi-san. It doesn't bother me." Maya was still on acquaintance level with the couple, and while their interactions were... suggestive, they were good company.
“It’s true!” Kaoruko arrived at a set of double-doors and swung it open, revealing a large, very sensual bedroom — fitting of its owner, Maya supposed. Silk was draped around the entire room with some terribly oddly placed bean bags around, as well.
Typical of Kaoruko to have a room such as this.
“Shall we sit?”
Maya took a seat wearily, looking to Kaoruko for answers, “What is this all about? You only contact me when you want something.”
“Ah, you’re so straight to the point Tendo-han... It’s about the most beautiful set of diamonds I’ve ever seen. The set in its entirety is called the Nine Jewels of the Sky,” Kaoruko shivered just picturing it. “The only intel we have right now is that Hoshimi-han and Daiba-han are going to be on duty for it. I would think Saijo-han would be on for it as well. If she is, who knows, maybe you’ll even get a date out of it. Of course, if you did it you’d get some money. Just the usual minor compensation for your work with us," Kaoruko’s scheming expression took on a different meaning as she teased Maya. ”A million yen or so, or a favor, perhaps, if you ever find yourself in a time of need.” Kaoruko hummed leaning her head on Futaba’s shoulder.
Maya hesitated. This was a huge risk of her safety, and the entirety of the Hanayagi household and business of course, but she could possibly get a date (and a million yen, of course.) “Deal.”
“Ara, deciding that quickly? Atta girl... Y’know, this meeting is entirely due to my parents. You weren’t even on the list of choices for this.”
“Kaoruko,” Futaba mumbled as she felt the girl tense. It was unusual for Kaoruko to be nervous.
“I understand. When is the heist?”
“Two weeks from today, Tendo-han. More details will be given at a later date. You should start making your plans now.”
"I will. I'll be taking my leave now; I have other business I need to attend to.” Maya stood up, taking a breath before walking out.
“I don’t trust that girl, Futaba-han...” Kaoruko laid her head down on Futaba’s lap, sighing as she felt her fingers running through her hair.
“I know you don’t Kaoruko. We need to get used to her. This will be her final test, remember.”
“Of course. We’ll be in the shadows watching her, right?” Kaoruko sighed as Futaba leaned down and kissed her temple.
————
“I disagree . I should be on this case, Junna. Think about it! There will be too many people for a mere two detectives. With me, we would be three; that’s a safe number, no? You and Nana can’t be the only ones there.” Claudine followed Junna around their department as she tried to convince her.
“Kuro, I don’t think you’re hearing me. I know how you and Tendo can be; We’re not risking that. We’re already being watched practically non-stop because Tendo got away last time. We can’t let anything happen at this event, and you being there, and having connections with her just wouldn’t work out.” Junna sighed holding the bridge of her nose.
The last incident was fresh in her mind as it had only occurred just one month ago. Claudine had fallen short, and it was beginning to reflect on Junna as a superior.
————
“Aladdin, seven and ten o’clock, two heat signatures are on the radar. Watch out.” Claudine’s earpiece crackled.
“Christine, don't worry about it. I've got it under control."
"Wait! two o’clock, two o’clock! Aladdin, don’t—!”
Claudine almost let out a groan as she was slammed into a closet. She felt a body behind her, the hand of the person over her mouth.
“Don’t make a sound, darling.”
Claudine’s eyes widened as Maya whispered in her ear. She had to get back to Junna, or Christine in this circumstance. She motioned to her earpiece. Maya took note of the device in Claudine's ear, whispering into the microphone near her cheek, “Ah Hoshimi-san, Claudine’s okay. She’ll be out once she finishes the mission.”
“Aladdin? Is that Tendo Maya? Are you okay? What is happening?!” Junna let out an exasperated sigh, “Keep watching their position, Phantom.”
Maya flicked off the mic, muting the both of them, “Why are you here, angel?”
“It’s my job.”
“It’s dangerous.” Maya wrapped a lock of Claudine's hair around her finger, smiling softly under the dim light, “I’ve always loved your hair.”
“I’m sure you’ve told me that before. Stop going off topic.”
“If it wasn’t for your hair, I wouldn't have realized it was you.” Maya leaned down, slightly kissing the nape of Claudine’s neck.
“You were going to shoot me?” Claudine turned around to face Maya. Shock and a little bit of concern crossed her expression.
“No, actually. I was actually going to tase you,” Maya's smile grew as she brushed a piece of hair behind Claudine’s ear. There was a sense of longing in her voice as she continued, “I missed you.”
“Is this really the place to be doing this?” Claudine whispered as Maya wrapped her hands around Claudine’s waist, "But... I missed you as well," Claudine felt her heart speed up, hoping Maya couldn’t feel it. She shouldn’t have admitted she missed Maya. Their relationship… it was casual — or at least that’s what Maya would say.
“I have a plan to get you back to Junna. Can you wait a little, darling?”
“Yeah, why—?” Claudine was cut off by Maya kissing her roughly.
———
Claudine remembered her past interactions with both a pained and longing expression. Claudine’s thoughts swirled, as she felt conflicted with the idea of ever having to turn Maya in. She knew her heart had some say in her decisions, but it was her job on the line. Just how much did she value whatever this was between Maya and her? Claudine knew the answer in her heart—she loved Maya. But of course, she should prioritize her job, right?
“I completely get it. You’re worried about my relationship—” Claudine’s throat rejected the word ‘relationship’, but she swallowed it along with her dignity, “and how I might compromise our situation. But that’ll work in reverse, right?” She cursed how desperate her tone had become; she was chasing Junna at this point. “I can get information out of her too! So what if Maya is there, so what if we’ve had things between us! Junna, I know I can be of use on this mission. She’s been rumored to work with the Hanayagis before.”
Nana chose this moment to enter the room, “What’s going on?” She stopped next to Claudine, “Is everything okay, Junna-chan?”
Junna gave an exasperated sigh, “Everything’s peachy.”
“Don’t you think that having three people at the art hall would be better than two?” Claudine edged on, aware that it was cruel to use Nana against Junna, “It would only make sense.”
Nana thought it over, “I suppose it would make sense…”
“Nana, you’re supposed to agree with me, not her...” Junna placed a hand on the side of her glasses. “You know what happened last time Claudine, and considering that happened, we won’t even be taking the chance bringing you along with Maya involved again.”
“Junna-chan, calm down,” Nana wrapped an arm around Junna. Her mind spun to their previous quarrel about Maya. Nana had known about their whole relationship and understood where Junna was coming from. “If I was looking at this with no biases... I’d say Kuro-chan should come. It’d be easier with three people no matter what the skills of the two detectives, right? She may have a history with Tendo, but I believe that her skills are invaluable to the assignment.”
Junna hesitated, “Fine. You’re on, Saijo.”
————
“I’m sorry Miss Tendo, you’re not on the list.”
“Are you sure? I was sent this invitation. I’m not sure why I wouldn’t be on the list...” Maya holds up her invitation flashing an innocent smile. There was no reason they couldn’t let her in.
The other doorman inspected the invitation with healthy suspicion, but upon deciding its legitimacy, he eyed his partner who eventually motioned to let Maya in. “Ah, I’m sorry about that, Miss Tendo. Please enjoy the event.”
Maya walked in, confidence radiating from her. There was always something about knowing you pulled off a suit better than half the men in the room. The tall ceilings and large chandelier gave an elegant vibe, crystals glittering throughout the room as guests mingled and danced. Maya fit in seamlessly with the enchanting surroundings. Maya’s favorite part was the vast staircase that led her into the main ballroom; being able to walk down with people in awe of you was invigorating. The large room was of a hexagonal shape, extending into other endless halls and limitless rooms. The hosts had wanted to hold it in their mansion in all of its marbled glory. All in all the room was perfect for the plan and Maya knew it—she did her research. As she walked down the stairs, she eyed the room, looking for anything that could throw a wrench in her plans, and a certain blonde.
Junna took a deep breath, eyeing the girl, “Nana, look.”
“It’ll be a fun night, Junna-chan.”
Junna walked off, humming and keeping Maya in her sight as she found Claudine. “Swan is here, Aladdin. You’re in charge of watching her: don’t do anything Nana and I wouldn’t do. If you get wooed by Maya again, we will be having some issues.”
Claudine nodded warily as she walked towards the crowd of people that was the dance floor.
“Hi, darling.” Maya took Claudine’s hand, spinning her onto the dance floor.
“Tendo Maya! What’s with that greeting?” Maya’s lips turned up in a satisfactory smile, and Claudine definitely wished she could slap the smile of her face.
“You’re so annoying,” Claudine followed the other girl’s lead as they wove around the dance floor, “I have colleagues watching, you know.”
“Apparently I have colleagues watching as well.” Maya felt the smile on her face widen. She had long since noticed the extra set of eyes on her since her entrance into the event.
"So it seems we are both being judged tonight. I could be fired just for you being here, and yet here you are."
“Fired? Because of me? Darling, I’m a little flattered.”
Claudine scowled, aware of the plan she was already in the middle of. “I’m the top of my department, you shouldn’t be so proud about me almost getting fired.” Ignoring her banter with Maya, Claudine picked up the pace as the song's tempo began to pick up, trying to forcefully take the lead. Maya would be the one to follow her in their dance today, “And who might your colleges be? There are already a few suspects, the usual.”
“Top secret, Ma Claudine.”
Claudine muttered a couple French swears before looking back to Maya, “Why are you-you're so vexing.”
The two continued weaving around the dance floor until Maya felt Claudine tire. Coming to a sudden halt, Maya smiled softly, bringing the two off the dance floor. “I have to go. Meeting you here was quite the treat. I’ll see you around, darling...”
As Maya walked away Claudine was left alone on the side of the floor, watching the other girl walk off. “She’s so annoying,” Claudine grumbled, pausing for a second before creeping after the girl.
Claudine eyed Maya as she walked away towards three girls standing near the stairs laughing. A short auburn haired girl with a red and gold crown hair clip smiled brightly at the other two. The other girl holding onto the auburn girl’s arm had two small pigtails that bounced as she laughed. The third girl had black hair, bangs covering down to her eyelids and a hair clip of two golden stars holding some of her hair back.
That must be who Maya is going to meet.
“Kagura Hikari-san, I didn’t expect to see you here.” Maya walked up to the black-haired girl, her lips tugging into a smirk at the sight of an old friend.
Hikari stiffened as she turned her head, distancing herself from Karen and Mahiru’s conversation. “Tendo... What are you doing here?”
Maya subtly tilted her head to the right, as if motioning for Hikari to follow her. “I would like to speak with you, if that's alright. Excuse me for just a moment though, I need to use the restroom.”
“Ah.” Hikari turned to Mahiru, the girl with the twintails, whispering something in her ear before walking off.
Once they both found a quiet area in a hallway, Maya broke the silence. “Can you shut the power off, at… well...” Maya hesitated for a moment, looking down at her watch, “11:37?”
“Specific, but it’ll happen.” Hikari headed towards the door, turning back to make one last comment, “Make it quick, Tendo.”
Claudine stayed hidden behind the door, silent as she walked back into the hall. She wasn’t going to make the same mistake she did last time, she was sure of it; her mind was sharp, and her libido fully in check.
Junna and Nana kept their eyes on Claudine as she walked back in, “We shouldn’t have brought her, Nana.” She held Nana’s gaze for a moment before breaking contact with a minor scowl and walking away.
At exactly 11:37 the lights shut off and the hushed conversations of guests turned into a cacophony of rambunctious attendees who all wanted their right to see back. The guests shuffled around as they tried to find an exit, fear clearly heard in their mutters and whispers. How dumb. Maya let out a short breath, she was ready.
Junna took a deep breath, projecting her voice. “Everyone please remain calm, everything will go back to normal in a couple of minutes. Stay where you are.” Her calm voice belied the tension within; she knew exactly what was happening.
Maya walked behind the curtain with her gloves on, shoes off. She lifted the glass carefully but quickly; the alarm wouldn’t go off so long as the power was shut off. She took the diamonds, carefully putting them in a bag, then sliding them into her chest pocket. A simple task, even given the extra audience and time constraints, Maya rushed back off the stage, pulling her shoes on as the lights turned back on. She then took her place among the crowd.
“Tendo.” She was immediately met by Claudine’s gaze. The woman had a way of finding Maya no matter where she was, or what she was doing. Maya was caught red-handed, but to find a way out of such an unfortunate situation would not pose even the slightest challenge to Tendo Maya.
“Saijo-san, How's your night been?” Maya felt the corners of her lips tug up into a smirk.
“Can we talk privately?”
“Lead the way.”
Maya followed Claudine into a dim hallway, “Junna and Nana don’t know. You should be glad. This is the second time, Maya. I can’t keep doing this.”
“Junna and Nana don’t know what exactly?” Maya tilted her head innocently as Claudine’s eyebrows scrunched together.
“You have them, don’t you?” Claudine closed some of the space between them, standing right in front of Maya as she leaned up to whisper in her ear. “The Nine Jewels of the Sky. You have them.”
“I think you’re going insane, darling. Are you going to get fired over this? I hope not, you're the only person I’d want to catch me.”
Claudine let out a growl, “You’re an absolute nuisance. I’ll keep quiet if you get me a noisette .” Ah. Her heart had won out once again. God damn it.
“Is that a date, mon lapin ?”
“Can you not .” Claudine had thought she was prepared. She really did, but here she was, letting Tendo Maya off the hook again. No matter how ready she was—or thought she was—she could never put her beloved in jail. “Ugh, just leave already.”
“No, Ma Claudine .” Maya leaned down nipping at the nape of Claudine’s neck.
“You’re so annoying .” Claudine grabbed Maya by the tie pushing her against the wall, kissing her passionately.
————
“Tendo-han. Good job.” Kaoruko hummed as Maya climbed into her car.
“How did you get in my car, Hanayagi-san.” Maya sighed, reaching into her chest pocket. “Here.”
Maya placed the bag into Kaoruko’s hand, smirking.
“Ah... You did good, I’m surprised. Aren’t you, Futaba-han?”
“Not really.” Futaba looked to Maya. “I heard you got a date.”
“Ah, Maya-han has some skill…” Kaoruko felt her smirk grow, leaning forward to Maya’s ear and whispering, “Welcome to Gang Stars .”