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"Is it always this quiet around here?" Lupin waltzes in room 5 of the museum's B wing, barely disguised behind his thick-framed glasses. He quickly scans the room, noting where the cameras are for his coming heist. He throws a smirk to the security guard who pretends to ignore it. He walks up to him anyways; the uniform looks good enough Lupin wants to take a closer look.
"You could've changed clothes at least." Jigen sounds a tinge annoyed, but not surprised. Lupin rolls with it.
"What do you mean? That's a brand new tie!" The silk runs between his fingers and he spins on his heels before letting his back fall against the wall. He takes on a more serious look and lowers his voice before going on. "How's the security?"
Jigen grins. "He's good, how are you?"
He rolls his eyes and fishes for a cigarette, which gets his hand promptly grabbed. He doesn’t mind it.
"Sorry, no smoking."
Neither notices the yellow tube that has rolled out of Lupin's sleeve until it bumps into his partner's shoe.
"Mascara?"
Lupin offers a sheepish grin.
"Did you shoplift from frigging Sephora?" Lupin tries to back away but Jigen has his wrist firmly held. "We've talked about this," he finally frees him, "My salary's going nowhere I can just buy this stuff for you."
He takes a step back. "What? Come on, you know I don't do easy targets- Shoplifting's, pfft. Below me."
He raises an eyebrow. "So you've got a receipt for that?"
He scoffs. "Who are you, Pops? 'Course I do!"
Jigen raises another eyebrow.
"You don't have to believe me if you don't want to I get we're only business partners and nothing m-"
Lupin chokes on the word as Jigen puts his arm around his shoulders and yanks him closer. His stare burns directly through Lupin’s eyes and it takes the thief all his years of bullshitting to people to hold it. He thinks he’s starting to see a bit of worry in Jigen’s eyes but after a second of being pouted at, he backs off. He releases him and pretends to focus back on his work with a "Hmph!".
Lupin picks up the thing of makeup still wrapped in plastic. He doubts he'll ever open it, but he likes having the option. It feels like a first step in experimenting with presentation, the bare act of acquiring the ingredients to change things up. Part of the process is obviously owning up to a cashier that this is a thing that he wants to buy, and though he has expertly dodged it by simply slipping it in his pocket, he still considers it a success.
"You know, Lupin,” Jigen seems unsure it’s the right thing to say but he goes on. “You could tell Goemon about it if you need a test run." Lupin smiles while he thinks of an excuse not to, and Jigen continues. "He's the nicest guy I know, if you want a safety net he's it."
Lupin has considered it. He really has. He knows the samurai isn't the judgy type, but more importantly he knows he's non-binary himself. The thought of coming out to them is almost more intimidating than that of coming out to Fujiko- almost. Lupin has been a guy for, well, a while. Deciding now that it doesn't quite fit anymore without having done any of the work to show it just feels cheap, and he knows Goemon would see right through that. And still he can't bring himself to feeling worthy of putting in that very effort.
"Honestly they might even hug you. It's win/win."
Lupin playfully pokes him with his glasses. "Do you want me to tell him you think he's a real cutie while I'm at it?"
He holds the other end of the thick frames to lean against them. "No need to, I communicate better than you, surprisingly."
Lupin quickly puts them back on his nose, frowning. "I can communicate just fine I just..."
Jigen hums. "You just? Suck at talking?"
"Jigen!" Someone yells out behind them. Another security guard has peeked inside the room and they do not look happy. "Get back to work! And don't make me say it twice!" Lupin uses the opportunity to disappear without having to discuss coming out further.
It's a warm day when Lupin takes a walk around Monaco. He's had no sign of his dear pops in weeks and, for once, he's kind of grateful to have one less thing to worry about. The distinct "I've caught you now, Lupin!" had him almost blurting out his gender thoughts one too many times. He's considered bringing it up, once he was in custody with a couple hours to kill and a drink too many. He'd asked Zenigata what first name he was writing on the papers, but his suggestion of changing it to "Marie" had died on his tongue. He takes a deep breath in and lets it out looking at the sunny rooftops. He wouldn't want all of ICPO to know about it anyways, so any such request would be pointless. Alternating he and she pronouns is out the window as well; Zenigata only talks about Lupin the Third to cops, presumably. He hopes the old man doesn't tell his hypothetical wife and kids about him at least. The thought runs a cold shiver down his spine, and he has to apologize to a lady for the face he accidentally makes at her.
"I thought you'd be happier to see me, Lupin." She pouts and he's ashamed he didn't recognize her sooner; la Fujiko Minette is standing before him. She gives him a cheeky smile, her pretty face hidden behind stylishly oversized sunglasses, and his eyes linger on the way her hair frames her jaw. He wants to trace its shape with the tip of his nose, but her bright silk scarf holds his attention next. The sun shines through it over her exposed collarbones and he's not done admiring the way her blouse folds into her dress pants when she calls his name again.
"Ah! Sorry Fujicakes, I thought I must've dreamed you up!" He fidgets with the hair at the base of his neck and winks at her. She hums and he goes on. "Bad people might mistake you for the princess you know, I should make sure nothing bad happens to you."
She removes her sunglasses in an elegant arc and tucks them in the dip of his shirt with a playful tap. "You'll have to do more than that, but it's a start." She gives him her arm to lock with and Lupin’s more than happy to take it. He likes that it forces them to match their walking, but he doesn't get to savor it for too long. "So, when were you going to tell me about the crown?"
She’s looking expectantly at him and he stutters a bit. He has to remind himself she has no way of knowing the meaning he put into it while she continues.
"The one Jigen is guarding right now. Is it a gift for me?" It's her turn to bat her lashes and Lupin is so close to offering her the treasure and his heart with it. He thinks that its jewels would complement the warm tones of her hair, and it'd make her shine in that special way, and he allows himself one dreamy sigh before declining.
"It just wouldn't match your shoes, I'm afraid. I'll get you a better one next time!" He's grateful that her smile doesn't drop. She gives a celebratory "Yay!" as she leans against him and his knees almost give out. He wants to steal a random car to hold her in and drive together to nowhere and never think about complicated things ever again. It'd be so much nicer, just the two of them, only having to worry about Zenigata and her eventual betrayal. He'd brush her hair in front of one of those gorey movies she watches but hates, and maybe he'd get the confidence to tell her about himself.
"I like your earrings, lover." She brings a complete halt to his train of thought. He forgot he was wearing them. The realization she's been walking around with him like that the whole time starts to make him panic and she must sense it, somehow, because she adds "They're cute."
He pushes down all the thoughts that that conjures so he can answer with a steady tone. "Thanks! I thought I'd match yours."
She snorts before she can catch herself. "That's so sweet of you." Then, "Do you want to match my lipstick too?" She winks at him and he forgets how to form coherent sentences. He doesn't have the clarity to wonder if Fujiko is making fun of him, all he can think of is the possibility of a kiss, of slipping a hand below her neck, of smelling her perfume from up close. She's pouting again when he comes back to his senses. "So? Should we go back to my room or not?" He thinks her heartbeat speeds up against his arm when she asks, but decides he’s just imagining it.
It's a short walk to where she's staying. Five minutes and an elevator ride later, they're sitting on the floor and her things of makeup are all over the coffee table. She holds his hand with a care he's always ached for; the miniature brush spreads the cold polish over his nails, and with one effortless stroke it has matched her red lipstick. He stares at her mouth a beat too long but he knows she's used to it. Ever since he's first met her, he hasn't been able to take his eyes off of her and he sincerely hopes it doesn't bother her because he's not sure he could kick the habit. She gives him a smile a bit more gentle than he's used to getting, and he wonders if she knows. If she's touching him so sweetly because he's too shit at being closeted; because the anxiety that's been burning him up for months can be felt through his skin; because even before then people saw his expensive wardrobe of genderweird disguises and drew the shape of an egg from it. There's no use worrying about it but it's all he's been doing. He wants to tell her and he barely understands why the thought of it terrifies him so much. If she rejected him it wouldn't be the first time, he just hopes it wouldn't make it the last.
“Oops.” She cringes as soon as the sound is out. Lupin focuses back on his nails and sees a good amount of polish on his skin.
“Is it your first time doing this?” He's laughing a little.
“It’s part of the process, shush.” She’s frowning but it doesn’t hide her red cheeks.
"Then why are you so embarrassed?”
“‘Cause your nails are too flat! I’m not used to it.” She’s scraping at his skin.
“So you’re saying we should do this more often?” Lupin freezes as soon as the words leave his mouth. It comes out too genuine, with too little room to claim he’s just joking. Her fingers stop and his heart drops.
She pauses, then sets the little bottle aside. "Just behave yourself while it dries, okay?"
Lupin doesn’t insist. "Yes ma'am!"
He smiles and leans towards her with grabby hands and relaxes a bit when she rolls her eyes. She does his second hand and her gaze focuses. It might be on his nails, but he sees her tongue stick out the way it does when she’s in deeper thought. He hopes she won’t point out the ruggedness of his hands, the blood he's soaked in his palms, his decades of violence. How ill-fitting this whole thing is, how she's teased him for less, and the awkwardness of the whole situation. If she's doing this out of the kindness of her heart she may very well be regretting it by now, but Lupin knows her better than that. They both know charity isn't part of the game they play, so if she does suspect anything he hopes she has an ulterior motive, something to keep her from saying "Called it!" when he does let it out.
Sitting on her couch he could open his mouth and say it right now, but what would he say exactly? "I'm queer"? She knows that already. "There are things about myself I've discovered recently," he could say, "if I let you know about them, would you still love me?" He brushes her hair with his open hand and hopes her reaction will give him the answer. His lips beg the question "Would you look at me the same way, still?" but the heat stays trapped in his throat. He smiles at her and she raises an eyebrow.
"Say Fujiko, why don't I stay the night here?"
"The night? It's barely 4pm."
"I feel like going to bed early today- Don't you?"
She pushes his face away with a smirk. "Why don't you call Jigen to pick you up, sleepy boy. I'm busy."
"You're breaking my heart, Fujicakes."
"I'll do much worse when you get that crown." She winks, but the threat lingers in his mind.
Lupin yawns, an elbow resting against the shopping cart while Jigen decides what pasta to buy. The handsome devil has been at it for a good 15 minutes by now, and Lupin has already told him to just grab coquillettes and be done with it but his partner insists that won't do. The wait is eased by their conversation, at least. "So Fujiko painted your nails, eh?"
Lupin looks at his hand without thinking. It hasn't started chipping yet, mostly because he hasn't showered since. He can still feel her touch on it and that makes him smile a little.
"You're sure it's not poisoned or something?"
He frowns. "She would never."
"If you say so."
"Just pick a damn thing already."
Lupin's getting tired of standing around. He wants to sprint ahead and get the rest of the shopping list over with but he knows Jigen will scold him for being distracting, so he stays put. He watches him take out a note he’s scribbled and compare it with the back of a package, and do it again with another brand of noodles. His focused eyes peek from under his hat, a sight Lupin's always fond to catch. He likes his gunman's dark eyes, the heaviness trapped in them and all the love he doesn't let out. He thinks he could look at them for hours, and sometimes, he does. He absent-mindedly traces the scars along Jigen’s hairy arms. His pupils dilate in their permanent shade and Lupin’s about to jokingly ask if he's got a crush but Jigen breaks the silence first. "If that broad treats you any different after this, I'm putting a bullet between her eyes."
Lupin slaps the bag out of his hand. After the initial shock, he calms down and mumbles. "That's just putting more pressure on it going well."
Jigen scratches his beard, still pondering the ideal pasta shape, and after a pause he concedes. "I'll just aim for her leg, then."
Lupin goes limp over the cart, convinced he will die of old age between pennes and farfalles. "You already hate her, why do you care how she reacts." Jigen doesn't need to think before he answers.
"June 1971."
In New York and over a decade younger, Lupin is walking around thinking about his next heist. He'll need a second pair of hands for it and he knows exactly who he wants backing him up, the issue is in finding the guy. His stylish sharpshooter isn't fond of talking (Lupin has barely gotten a name out of him) but he knows he is the best at what he does. If he doesn't want to be friends, it only makes Lupin want to talk more, he can't resist a good challenge and likes his treasures odd- and Daisuke Jigen sure is odd. Lupin asks a lady if she's seen a bad boy-type around, not the best looking guy but in a charming way, and she points at his own nose so he changes the topic. He notices her taking care of the flowers in front of a shop and asks her which ones would look best on him.
"A bit of yellow might make you look more friendly."
"Ah, I see! I'll take a couple- And your name with them." He presents her his hand with a flourish.
She's helping Lupin pick the right flower when someone comes out of the shop and bumps into him. He turns to them, "I know the lady's gorgeous but look where you're going, will you?". The other guy keeps walking, his head deep between his shoulders, and once Lupin has processed his “Sorry.” he finally recognizes him. He runs to catch up with him, and then opens the conversation again.
"Fancy seeing you here! I was looking for you, Jigen."
He grumbles in response. "Well, keep looking."
"Please? It's strictly business!"
He eyes him up and down, stopping on the flower freshly tucked in Lupin’s breast pocket. "Somehow I doubt that."
Lupin convinces Jigen to let him tag along for a minute and he takes full advantage of it. The man is putting a lot of effort into looking as suspicious as he can; his hat tilted all the way down to his beard and very obviously hiding something in his overcoat. Lupin knows it isn't just sweat from the summer sun, his bet is a bouquet for a miss and he wants to see it. “Where are you going on this fine day?” Jigen’s quick to respond. “None of your business.”
Lupin has to stop himself from grinning. He’s probably about to crash a date and it sounds as fun as robbing an international bank completely dry. He starts having second thoughts when they enter a musty building. The air’s heavy with the humidity trapped between the thin hallways and Lupin realizes he just followed the poor fella home. Up the dingy stairs, Jigen is even more determined to shake him off. He tries “If I agree to talk another day, will you leave?” He’s nervously checking for other people around. Lupin wonders if he’s being too invasive when he follows him through the door to the ratty apartment.
He, of course, has business to discuss but he is more interested in bothering his guy right now. So he grabs a chair and plops himself in it. The place isn’t any bigger than Lupin’s walk-in closet back at his childhood home, and he’s known some tight hideouts but he’s surprised someone can live in the dank room at all. Jigen is bouncing his leg on the creaky couch, a clear signal he wants to be left alone that the thief chooses to ignore. With the biggest, cutest eyes he can manage, he starts pestering the man. "Who were you getting flowers for?" Silence. "Do you have a sweetheart?" A grunt. "What's her name?" Nothing. "Is she the jealous type?" A pause. "Should I be worried?" Jigen slides bullets in his Magnum and lets the chamber spin. He sighs and Lupin watches as his chest rises against his worn shirt. He’s still wearing his two layers of coats, his discomfort showing through his sweat. He looks a bit exhausted from being chased all the way back to his home and what little of his eyes is visible is lost as he’s trying to come to terms with the fact he let an intruder in. Lupin wants to see more of what’s under the hat, and he suspects the couch unfolds into a bed, so to test that theory and further invade his space, he sits down next to him.
"Tch."
Lupin pouts. "There's nothing embarrassing about buying flowers, you know."
"I don't care."
He leans closer with a smirk. "You talked."
Jigen doesn't find it that amusing. It doesn't stop Lupin.
"So, what did you get your gal?" Jigen reaches in his coat and for a second, Lupin thinks he's about to look down the barrel of a gun and he’ll have to scamper out with a bloodtrail, but a small bouquet of green carnations and lavender is layed on the table instead.
"Can we please talk business now?" Lupin blinks at the flowers, then at Jigen's strained mouth, then again. The hitman’s clearly regretting his gesture, “Just forget it-” but Lupin interrupts him.
"Are they for your boyfriend?” He doesn’t wait for an answer before going on with a huge grin. “What's his name? Is he a dashing thief by chance?"
Jigen turns his head and after a minute of looking at Lupin's idiot face he lights a cigarette. "I'm not into clowns, sorry."
Lupin lifts his shoulders dramatically. "That's too bad, guess I shouldn't give you this, then." He opens an eye to look at Jigen's reaction. He smiles when the hitman takes the green flower and unfolds its head to reveal a 100$ bill. He raises his eyebrows at it and Lupin elaborates. "I need your skills for my next job, what do you say?"
Jigen stuffs the fake flower in his pocket. "Don't get the wrong idea, I need to pay the rent."
Lupin leans back, content either way. "Well that's the business side of things dealt with” He claps his hands. “Can I know who you're giving the flowers to?" His arm creeps behind Jigen’s shoulders, who takes a drag of smoke and thinks for a bit.
"His name's Oscar. He's not in the business but he patched me up once, saw some british books at his place so I thought he'd appreciate the flowers."
Lupin smiles. "Gonna meet with him on the 20th?"
"If the pigs act up I might help him, nothing more. Don't want him getting involved with my line of work."
He hums. "Reminds me of the last guy I saw- He'd never heard of my family business so I ended up telling him I got the scars from my cat."
Jigen chuckles. "Once this mafia guy asked me what kinda weapon would slash through my tits like that and I didn't have the heart to tell him."
Jigen peeks outside at the evening sun. He bounces his leg once before standing up. “What do you drink?” His long legs cross into his crowded kitchen space. Lupin says he’s fine with anything, so he brings back cheap liquor and his cleanest glasses. They exchange stories of flings and discuss the bars they’ve been to and the people they miss. As the hour turns, the mattress unfolds, and their legs intertwine.
The morning after, Lupin’s woken up by Jigen chucking his clothes in his face. He sits up in the creaky bed and tries to gather what’s going on.
“To be clear- We’re business partners, nothing more.” Jigen strings the sentence with little pause between his words.
“Aye aye.” Lupin lets his spine crack. “You don’t usually do this, won’t happen again, speak of it and I’m dead.” He runs his hand in circles as he pulls his pants up with the other. It wouldn’t be the first time Lupin ended up in bed with a guy like that, too stressed out to indulge for longer than a night and closeted even to his dog. He didn’t expect it from a guy he talked gay loneliness with, but he’s fine rolling with it. The last thing he sees before closing the door to the cramped room is Jigen picking up a crushed up cig from the night before and relighting it with a softer look in his eyes.
Back in the store, Lupin remembers it fondly. The awkward start of their life-long partnership, long before they’d worn down each other’s edges. Eight years later they'd been back in New York painting one of Jigen’s hats rainbow in-between kisses, and that shared history is the reason Jigen was the first person he’d turned to when he started questioning his gender. He’s not sure he’d even be in Monaco without it, because his unconditional support is now the only thing keeping him from chickening out of his plans. Stealing this crown will be his first heist as Marie, and if Fujiko's around he'll have to come out to her too, and that's a reality that still makes him panic but not as much as it used to. Lupin glances at the cart now filled with the store's best approximation of Japanese products and then back at Jigen who just shrugs.
Lupin watches Goemon walk along the wooden boards of the Jardin Japonais. The slight breeze gives momentum to his hair and gets caught in his loose clothes. Lupin thinks that's the way the samurai should always be: under blooming trees and a bit of theatrics. The warm air flows easily in his throat despite the angst building up there. He takes deep breaths in and deeper breaths out as birds sing in the distance. The lapping of the nearby water helps. Still, he feels the tall buildings that rise from the trees loom over him. As nice as this garden is, it's but an artificial bubble in a much larger city; and no amount of ignoring will change that. Part of him thinks there's no use in pretending they're somewhere they are not; another part thinks there's no harm in focusing on the nice things first. Both parts agree it's about time he has a serious talk with his personal assassin. Lupin wants to jog ahead and catch up with him on the red bridge, but he walks instead. He leans against the painted fence much more coolly than he currently feels, and strikes up an easy conversation, but Goemon interrupts him quickly.
"You have something to tell me."
Lupin gives a chuckle and a vague word of agreement.
"If it is about the leftovers I finished today, I did ask before eating them."
"Oh no, Jigen made that for you I'm pretty sure. It's, uh... It's about me."
Goemon frowns. They look angry but Lupin knows they're only focused. They're trying to guess what will be brought up so they can best reply to it, and that care Goemon has makes Lupin smile. He hops on the bridge's fence and looks at the scenery ahead. Carps swim along the current of the man-made river, a dragonfly buzzes between them.
"It's gender." Lupin feels a pause, but he doesn't look for Goemon's reaction yet. "I've identified as a guy for a while now but it's stopped being entirely fulfilling." To him, this beat of silence lasts a full minute. To Goemon, he goes on without having even caught his breath yet. "I mean- I'm still a guy I-" He fumbles back down on the bridge, his fingers twirling wildly as he tries to distract himself from the bubbling panic. "Just not always, you know?" A beat of silence before he finally chokes on the words. "I'm genderfluid."
The dragonfly lands between them. Lupin thinks he hears Goemon hum before they open their mouth. "I see. Thank you for trusting me with this information."
Lupin isn't sure what she's supposed to say next. Would thanking him be appropriate? Or would that just make things weird?
"Do you want to come shopping with me?"
Lupin can count on his fingers the number of times he's seen Goemon in casual clothes, and waiting outside the dressing room he does start counting. He's not sure it has even happened outside of heists, and he finds himself immensely curious at the prospect.
"Why are you shopping for clothes, aren't you going to keep wearing your hakama?"
From the other side of the curtain, Goemon answers. "I like to wear different clothes in the privacy of my home."
Lupin hears him take the Zantetsuken again, and with the tip of the sword he slides the curtain.
"Does it suit me?"
The pleated long skirt isn't a big departure from his usual look, but the way it holds his waist is different. Lupin finds himself staring up the elastic at his simple tank top. It brings out the muscles that his usual clothes hide and it makes his pecs seem more exposed than when he's shirtless. He tries not to linger on it. "Looks great!"
"Do you want to try it on?"
Lupin slips into the dressing room, a neat pile of skirts in his arms. He thinks this isn't anything unusual for him, he's always liked shopping for disguises, but shame still creeps up his neck. He takes his jacket off, his gaze caught by the mirror. His widow's peak is disappearing under his growing bangs. His hair is far from long, but it's longer. Longer than he's had it for a decade. It's been over a month since his last haircut, and a month preparing for this heist. The skirt makes him feel like a highschool delinquant, at best he's Lupin being funny. A month isn't nearly enough.
He asks Goemon to bring him some shirts, anything that catches their eye. He loosens his tie and undoes a couple buttons in hopes of making the outfit look more natural but it just makes it worse. For fun (and to show himself how stupid the whole Marie thing is) he puts on the shorter skirt. It caresses the top of his beat-up knees and does nothing but highlight his hairy legs. For a second, he loses himself wondering if shaving them would somehow make it work, but the tip of his finger bumps along the many scars carved there and brings him back to reality. There is so little he could do to present differently that wouldn't end up bringing his manly flaws in the spotlight. He used to look at his father's beard and wonder when his own hair would come in, waiting and hoping it'd be as full and harsh. Now his back is hairier than Jigen's ass, coarse enough to make a Yeti cry.
Zantetsuken's tip nudges the shirts. Lupin can see Goemon looking away, so he opens the curtain in one grand gesture and curtsies when he asks "How does it look?"
"You look cute." They're blushing slightly.
Lupin closes the curtain with a wink. At the top of the pile is a graphic tee with a stylized monkey looking back at him. He tries on the next skirts and he thinks with some other shoes he could maybe make them work. His nails end up matching one of the longer ones, so he puts it aside. The same pleats from before fit better now, with his black shirt open over the monkey tee. He doesn't ask himself what wearing this says about him, he only wonders if Goemon will mind if they end up buying the same skirt. He puts his tie back on as a belt and he can see herself walking out of the store like this. She doesn't mind her sideburns or her hairy hands. She likes the way her muscular legs peak out, and she thinks she can grow to like even more about herself. She thinks about the thing of mascara she stole and with her heart pounding she regrets not bringing it- though a more level-headed part of her is glad.
Goemon approves of the outfit, though she does not wear it outside. She has her trusty jacket back on and wonders if she'll ever actually wear any of it again. She starts hating that she has the option.
"How do you deal with it?"
Goemon turns to her.
"I can't stop thinking about what my dad would think of this."
He stops for a second before pointing to a park across the street. "Do you wish to talk there?"
They sit together in the grass. Lupin appreciates the shade of the trees.
"When I was questioning my gender-" Goemon stops themselves. "What I am going to share was the subject of a lot of turmoil, please do not laugh."
Lupin nods.
"The thought of my ancestors was always on my mind. I do not want to bring any shame upon them, and for a bit back then..." They take a moment to think of the right words. "I feared me being transgender would do just that."
Lupin picks the grass around her.
"Eventually, I realized pushing those feelings down was more distracting than embracing them. My technique did improve shortly after."
"I'm trying to embrace it." She mumbles.
Goemon thinks for a minute. "You are ignoring your bad feelings."
Lupin wants to protest but he doesn't find the words.
"You have to reflect on them before you can overcome them." They offer her an end of Zantetsuken. "Tell me about your turmoil."
He hesitantly seizes the sword. He holds it in his two hands and feels how its weight is distributed. He clenches his fists around it and takes a deep breath. "I want to be both a thief and a woman." He keeps his senses focused on the sword as he tries not to add too many footnotes to this. Technically, he's not sure he wants to be a thief. He wants to make his grandfather proud. "But the idea of being a lady-thief is repulsive to me." The idea of being anything less than the best. "I know not all male thieves act the same way and it makes no sense for all female thieves to have to follow the same template but it still feels like there's no other way to reconcile the two and it just feels wrong and restricting." Because women are inherently lesser, and there's no way for him to succeed where his father failed and surpass Arsène's legacy if he's one. "I can do the lady-spy thing when I'm in disguise but..." He frowns. "They're disguises. I don't have to be them." His stomach twists. "It doesn't bring the same shame."
Goemon waits for a cue that she's finished. "Shame is a potent emotion and treading where few have tread before puts you in a vulnerable position." They wait in case Lupin wants to go on. "Part of what terrified me was the lack of a 'non-binary samurai' template I should follow. I worry I am doing it wrong. I have to hope that, as long as I obey the same code I always have, my ancestors won't mind." Goemon picks at the grass as their thoughts trail off.
Lupin's grip tightens around the sword. He knows that whatever his take on the lady-thief thing ends up being, it'll make his father roll around in his grave. He has a glimmer of hope that his papy wouldn't mind but he has no guarantee of it. As far as his ancestors are concerned he finds it difficult to picture them pleased with Lupin III being anything but a cis man. And it's already hard enough trying to get back at a dead man. He doesn't want to admit he's nothing like the two that came before him. He has to question if it's even worth it.
"Worth what?"
"Worth being Marie." She knows it's a bad thing to say outloud but her eyes are filling up and she's never meant anything as much as she means this. She wants to go back to the way things were before, when she could wear pretty dresses and sexy lingerie without it having to mean anything. She could live with being a feminine man. She knows her father would curse her from the other side for it as well, but she could live with it. Being both a gender non-conforming fag and a womanizing dyke, she couldn't.
Goemon has scooted over next to her. They hesitantly open their arms, and she melts into the hug.
"Jigen said you'd do this." She’s surprised at how spot-on he was. Goemon rarely initiates contact.
"Jigen is a smart man."
"Can I ask you something?" Her voice is slightly muffled by the fabric of their kimono. She thinks she should spend more time there.
They nod.
"Are you two dating?"
She feels their chest rise as they laugh, but they do not give an answer. "He's been a very kind friend."
She leaves their arms slightly pouting.
They retrieve their Zantetsuken, and with it by their side they conclude. "I will slay anyone who bothers you."
Lupin smiles. He appreciates the thought as well as the talk. He still has a lot to reflect on, but he thinks that's a conversation he can now have on his own.
"Marie, before we part," His heart jumps in his throat at the name. "You haven't told me your pronouns."
Lupin's at the wheel of his Benz, Goemon sitting next to him and Jigen lounging in the backseat as usual. The restaurant is only a short drive away but he's been taking detours around Monaco just to feel the engine burn for a little longer. It's a nice evening out, clouds have been threatening to cover the sky for a couple days but tonight they are nowhere to be seen. Warm air mixes in with the wind blowing in his bangs and he finds himself smiling at the road ahead. He's feeling truly great like he hasn't in a while.
"So, tomorrow's the big day?" Jigen's knee taps against the hand brake as he leans forward, something that Lupin tries to correct by pushing him away. His grip on the wheel tightens slightly, and then relaxes again. He's going to steal the crown in a bit over 24h. He still has all of tomorrow to prepare, so he's opted to spend his last evening in the closet with his two partners, eating a nice fancy dinner in Monaco's finest restaurant (that he could get a reservation for two days in advance, anyway). He stops at a red light, and stays there when it turns green.
"The light's turned green."
"Thank you, Goemon." Lupin disengages the engine and tries the key again but the car doesn't start. Jigen's standing up and hovering over him now.
"Told you to stop driving this one, it's too old."
"Thank you, Jigen." He's too frustrated to give a funny answer about Jigen's own age.
He sits back down and puts out his cig on the heel of his shoe. "What should we do?"
Lupin sighs against the wheel. "Can you help me push her onto the sidewalk?"
She's grateful all three of them stay in shape so the task isn't too difficult. She takes her sweet Benz's keys and promises her she will be back once they've had dinner a couple blocks away. The restaurant's reception was pretty clear about not being able to guarantee a table for three if they arrive too late, so that's a loss she has to take for now. Out of the car, the wind is making Lupin shiver. She's not that cold but the excitement of driving has worn off and she feels her jaw shaking.
"You always dress too light." Jigen complains again, and Lupin's about to let him know they're basically wearing the same outfit when he stacks his jacket over hers. It reeks of tobacco and gunpowder but the gesture is sweet enough it makes her forget her troubles for a bit. Until a hint of Goemon's shampoo hits her nose. "Well, I'm sorry my boyfriend is too busy cheating on me to keep me warm." Her tone's a bit more theatrical than it needs to be, but it gets its point across. "I don't know what you're talking about." Jigen's grinning and Goemon is trying to hide his laugh. Lupin smiles.
They're 15 minutes late at the restaurant and their table is already taken. They're told it's a crowded night and apologedly shown to a corner with enough space for two and a third chair that spills onto the pathway. Goemon offers to take it since he's the least fidgety of the three and Jigen jokes that Lupin could just sit in his lap instead- which is promptly refused. They wait half an hour spent with clacking cutlery, bouncing legs and devolving conversation before a waiter hands them the menu.
"I apologize for the delay, would you gentlemen like any drinks while you wait?"
Jigen answers him. "Yeah, what's your wine selection?"
"We just got a 2005 Vieux Château Certan we can offer you."
"Do you have anything fruity?"
Lupin snorts before he can catch himself.
The waiter goes on. "I recommend the 2017 Masseto."
"We'll have that one!" Jigen smiles, clearly proud of himself. Lupin kicks him under the table as soon as the waiter has left.
"I worked so hard to get us this table" He grits his teeth. "If they throw us out you're not getting a cut of the crown."
The waiter eventually brings them their red wine and takes their orders, tripping over the extra chair on his way out. Jigen pours Lupin a hearty glass and a drop for Goemon. They clink their drinks with a cheer and savor its sweet taste. Lupin doesn't know anything about wines, all he knows is that it was served with his meal every Sunday until his father died. He'd sit at the dining table with him on one end and, when she was alive, his mother on the other and sip at the bitter drink. With his two comrades sharing this awkward table with him, he's reminded of those family meals. He thinks he likes this better.
Goemon excuses themselves to the bathroom and Jigen takes the opportunity to light a cigarette. "How did the talk go?"
"It was alright." Lupin doesn't bother reminding him of the no-smoking policy.
"Heard you got some new clothes."
"Did your boyfriend tell you that?"
Jigen chuckles. "I'm single."
"Are you breaking up with me?" Lupin reaches out his fingers. Jigen puts his cig between them.
"If you keep playing matchmaker, yeah."
Lupin takes a short drag before giving it back. "Alright, I'll stop asking."
He genuinely does not mind if his associates are seeing each other, if anything he encourages it. But he's a curious person; the mystery of their relationship is a fun thing to focus on instead of his coming heist and his coming out.
"You were right about the hug."
Jigen hands him the cig again. "Told ya." He lights another one. "He's a thoughtful guy. Thinks too much if you ask me."
"Must be why I'm your favorite."
"Sorry handsome, but that'd be my weed guy in the Bronx."
Lupin laughs. He blows Os in Jigen's face until he surrenders more about the samurai.
"He's sweet in this intense way. Most reliable guy I know if you can get a hold of him." A sigh of smoke. "I don't mind it too much."
Lupin hums. "'Cause you're not the clingy type."
Jigen starts agreeing until he realizes he's being made fun of.
"What about Fujiko?"
"What about her?"
Lupin leans back in his chair, the butt of the cig in his mouth but he does not inhale. "How do you think she'd feel about it?"
Jigen takes a minute to think about it, which is a win in Lupin's book. He's usually much more quick to align all sorts of nouns, most of the time unprompted. "I have my share of criticisms about that broad." He opens. "But you can't deny she cares about you in her own weird way." Lupin watches him fade under the shadow of his hat. "She's into gals so you don't have to worry on that front, at least." Jigen lets another minute go by in hope that Lupin will give up.
He does not.
"Doubt she'd care about the non-binary thing either."
Goemon comes back, and as they sit down they offer their own thoughts on the matter. "Fujiko has a kinder heart than she shows."
Lupin starts to feel better about the whole thing. She can see herself maybe bringing up the topic with her. She does not picture anything beyond the possibility of it, though.
"She may very well still hurt you."
"Hey-" Jigen tries to salvage Goemon's phrasing, but they go on unbothered.
"But for other things. Not for this."
He has a sigh of relief from below his hat.
Their food arrives along with more people bumping into Goemon's chair. Lupin thinks he sees them holding hands under the table but he chooses to let it slide. They're both being very nice to him tonight, so he sighs, and red wine helping, he accepts Jigen's earlier offer.
"I swear they're going to call the cops on us." Lupin is sitting in Jigen's lap as a sacrifice for his beloved Goemon's comfort.
"You two may be thrown out, I haven't done anything." The samurai tries to keep a neutral expression but a smile creeps up his face anyway.
They try to align the plates on the table to accommodate two people sitting in the same chair. It does not work out very well. Lupin cannot believe the things he does, all his genuine acts of kindness and altruism, for his partners in crime who keep secrets from him. They make him have to put up with Jigen's beard tickling his neck everytime he chews. They've lost track of how much food they've stolen from the other's plate so they just pick from one at random and steadily finish both that way. Goemon helps out by snatching a couple fries when he thinks they're not looking. Jigen rests his head on Lupin's shoulder and wraps his arms around her waist. She sighs into his chest and kisses his cheek. After a bit, Jigen passes her a bottle under the table. He explains he stole it from the entrance, and Goemon is happy to open it with his sword. They down it waiting for the desserts' menu. Jigen's skin is getting warmer and Lupin feels him relax as she plays with his hair. She does the math on how much they've had and realizes Goemon has barely had a glass in total, meaning they split the bottles between the two of them. She thinks that, at this rate, if the cops don't show up before they get the check then Monaco has become the most open-minded city overnight.
Zenigata barges in the packed hall yelling her name. All three jump up, sending an empty bottle crashing against the floor, and grab their belongings before scampering out. He chases them back outside, now yelling that they didn't pay for their meal, and they try their best to lose him before they get to their car. Lupin does a silly dance next to his Benz and very quickly realizes he dropped the keys somewhere along the way. He looks behind him at their dear pops rapidly approaching. He doubts they could shake Zenigata on foot, with another car they could make it work but the street's empty. He scans the rooftops and the walls hugging the alley branching out next to them. It's another straight path but maybe they could hide in there? Her thoughts get interrupted by Jigen suddenly grabbing her jacket and shoving her in the alley, along with his hat, jacket and Goemon. He runs down the main street wearing Lupin's trademark bright colors, and she cannot believe her eyes when Pops actually gets tricked by it and follows the wrong hooligan.
Lupin and Goemon wait by the car for Jigen's return. She slips her hand in the black jacket's inner pocket and realizes Jigen took his cigs out before giving it to her. And he's now taken off with her own stash. Goemon sees her trouble and hands her a cigarette.
"I thought you didn't smoke?" She leans in to let him light it.
"My entourage does."
She exhales smoke with a fond smile. "If you guys aren't dating I'm going to eat Jigen's hat."
"He has it coming."
She raises her eyebrows. "I thought you got along."
"We do." He realizes he's failing to elaborate. "He can be a difficult man."
"Tell me about it."
He takes it at face-value and blushes. "Meeting him so often has made my life more complicated." A pause. "That is all."
Jigen strolls back to them down the same street he left. He's got his hands in his pockets, smoking one of Lupin's cigs. She gives him a look and he waves it away with "They taste better." The car won't turn on without keys and the restaurant would be happy to rat them out if they went to retrieve them right now, so they decide to walk around and try to find somewhere to have dessert.
"I can't believe Pops got tricked by that." Lupin's mumbling under Jigen's heavy jacket. "I mean, you've got all that." She tugs on his hair.
"He said he'd noticed your bangs getting longer so he didn't question it too much."
Goemon holds back a smile. "Who knew he was such a good ally."
They stop on a bench after 15 minutes of wandering around and Lupin's happy to crash into it. They light cigarettes under the starry sky and he takes in the view for a minute. He finds the big dipper hiding from the city's lights, feels the night air bump into his warm cheeks and fill his lungs. Tomorrow, he hopes he'll have time to do the same. If he doesn't postpone the heist again, he intends to savor it this very way; with his partners at his side, breathing in nicotine clouds together. He thinks they'd both call him crazy for finding something romantic in second-hand smoking, but Lupin cannot help it. He spends his days indulging in his worst flaws with them. If he didn’t find sweetness in needlessly risking his life most of what they have would be gone. He wants more of these nights, a bit closer to normal, with intimacy that does not involve fishing bullets out of each other’s flesh.
Jigen tugs on his sideburns. "Getting shaggy."
"So is your beard but you don't see me complaining."
"You sure weren't complaining last night."
Goemon interrupts. "Is that any way to speak to a lady, Jigen?"
"Ah- Sorry." He corrects himself. "Your dad sure wasn't complaining last night."
Lupin nods with a smile. "Thank you."
They share the night a bit longer. Lupin wonders what everyone is thinking about, if by some chance they're all pondering the same questions. If this moment is also making them think of their family, of the shortcomings of their parents, of how it's shaped them as people. With the wine greasing his thoughts, he questions the worth of his father's rotting approval. If he couldn't know not to take a prepubescent teen along on his jobs, is there any worth in trying to please his ghost? If Lupin's happier kissing men and wearing skirts, if he wants to leave the name Arsène to his papy, if he wants to be his own thief. It wouldn't be the first time he'd be going against expectations.
They decide it's about time they went back to the hideout but when they rise to their feet Lupin has a confession to make.
"My feet hurt."
Goemon appears to be in profound thought for a moment. He turns to Jigen who scratches his beard with a nod.
"Well, get better soon." He turns to leave.
Lupin catches something in her hand. "Guess I'll go smoke these with Fujiko, then."
Jigen feels his pockets with a panicked look. "How did you- They're expensive, don't joke with that!"
Goemon is thinking again. They hum. "I only see one way to resolve this."
She hopes it doesn't involve Zantetsuken.
"I'll have to carry you."
She climbs on Goemon's back as Jigen kicks rocks around. She rests her head against his shoulder and bops with each step he takes. She finds it comfortable. She welcomes the feeling of safety he provides and kisses the back of his neck. She wants to run her hand through his hair but she’s too sleepy to move. Instead, she tries to explain to Jigen that running in heels would do that to anyone but he's decided to be grumpy about it. She hears him mumbling "What do I look like going out with you two." He gestures dramatically. "What will people say." She sees him grinning. "My reputation..." He pauses for effect. "Ruined!"
"Cranky that I'm stealing your boyfriend?"
"More like he's stealing you." He lets himself lean against Goemon as they walk.
"Every heist is a team effort." Lupin finds the remark oddly thoughtful. "You can carry your share."
She's been downgraded from a loving piggy back ride to being carried like a log. The two seem awfully proud of their little stunt and she doesn't have the strength to complain when she has to keep herself from rolling head first onto the pavement. They somehow make it back to their apartment with her in one piece. She already dreads how sore she'll wake up after that impromptu core work-out. And so close to her big night too. Something turns in her stomach and she thinks it might be best to take the next day off, after all. Jigen lets himself fall in the couch with his shoes still on. She goes to lay on him and he makes space for her between him and the couch. Goemon sits legs crossed on the armrest before he's invited to join their pile. They lay there, smushed against each other a couple meters away from the big beds. After a couple minutes of silence, Jigen whispers.
"Marie." Jigen's beard brushes against his neck but he's too tired to pretend he minds.
"We have something to tell you." Goemon finishes that idiot's sentence like that's a normal thing for people to do in real life.
"I'm going to kill you both." He's immobilized by Goemon laying face down on top of him but he means it.
"We're dating."
It takes the full weight of the other two to keep him from jumping up. Instead, he just shakes his fist lightly in a show of anger as they laugh. "I knew it!" Jigen caresses his side, and with Goemon tracing circles on his chest it's just enough for him to forgive them and let the alcohol lull him to sleep.
That is, until Jigen adds "Now we've come clean so you can't chicken out tomorrow." He kisses his cheek and Goemon giggles and Lupin swears he's going to kick their asses when he wakes up.
Marie parks her Fiat behind the museum. Goemon's sitting behind her and Jigen's already inside on his night shift. "Are you ready?" His steady voice settles her nerves a little. She knows he needs some sort of plan to follow, and this one she's spent a month cooking up. "I get in, I grab the crown, I get out." She looks back to him with a huge, silly grin on her face. She hopes he finds it cute. "Sounds about right." His soft smile doesn't escape her and for a bit, she thinks about turning the engine back on and driving him someplace nice- or just to slip in the backseat with him. She'd tease him about one thing or another, and he'd pretend to take it seriously, and after an exchange of quippy lines they'd kiss. They could sleep in that backseat with police sirens blaring around them for all she cares. She knows Goemon holds her in his heart and she holds him in hers. She opens the car door and lets her dress shoes click against the pavement. She'll do the cuddling another time.
The wind's blowing her short hair around as they walk to the main entrance. She doesn’t look any different tonight, really. She needs all her usual gadgets and finds these sorts of things easier to do in pants. Her nails have started chipping, too, and she finds herself digging the look. She's looking forward to completing it with that big old crown on her head.
Inside, they hug the empty walls in case something has gone wrong on Jigen's end of things. The card she sent a week ago was signed “Marie” so she isn't too surprised by the apparent lack of security, though she'd figured Zenigata would recognize her style at least. She's not sure if she's more glad or disappointed that he didn't when Goemon unsheathes Zantetsuken and slashes a net thrown at them. Marie smirks. Policemen are approaching them from all sides. "I'll handle this, you go ahead." He squeezes her hand and her heart flutters but she doesn't need him to say it twice. She hops over the inner layer of guards and slides under the rest. She's already back on her feet sprinting towards the B wing when they realize she's gone.
She hears hurried footsteps catching up to her so she rests her hand on her P-38's holster. She glances back and sees Jigen. "I did what I could but pops recognized me, I had to split. Sorry." She cannot contain her smile and almost yells out "Pops came?!" He quickly adds. "Don't get too excited, he's really fired up this time." It has the opposite effect. "Don't worry about me, I'm getting that crown. Can you watch my back?" She's jogging in place and gets back to running as soon as she's done talking. She waltzes in room 5 to the drumming of her heart. She hears it pumping in her ears along with gunshots behind her, but right now she's fully focused on what lies ahead of her. She's so close to her goal, she just has to run down her mental checklist of Zenigata's favorite gimmicks. She makes her way through the lasers and trapped floor tiles and decoys to her real target. She starts picking the locked glass case when someone yells behind her. She turns around, her fingers still busy behind her back.
"Hey, Pops! Glad you got my letter!" She bows once.
"We've got the building surrounded, hand yourself over before your friends get hurt."
"Aah but you see, I've been planning this one for a while. I can't admit defeat so easily."
She throws a smoke bomb between them and swiftly grabs the crown. She runs deeper in the wing with a “See ya later!” but when the smoke clears she finds herself in front of Zenigata again.
"Uh?"
"We got those mirrors installed, pretty nifty, uh?"
A handcuff slides around her wrist.
"I've got you now, Lupin!"
"Ah, actually," She gives him a sheepish smile and scratches her cheek. "I've been trying out 'Marie' lately."
She slips away to reveal the handcuffs on Zenigata's wrists instead, and that time she runs off in the right direction. She hears the old man yell "Marie!!" as he struggles with the chain. She has no doubts her booming laugh is echoing through the empty corridors and giving her location away, but in this moment she does not care. Marie has her crown, she stole it, and she got Zenigata too. This is a win all around and she can't wait to show off back at the hideout, to try all sorts of outfits and jewelry with it, to drink with everyone and truly celebrate this grand coming out. She thinks they could target something greater as soon as tomorrow, and by next Friday they'll have a small mountain of riches all with Marie's name on it. She realizes she's ran too far and missed the emergency exit she'd planned to take and has to backtrack a little. It's a short jog to it, and the moment she opens the door she feels the night air on her smile and someone catching her by the collar.
"Not so fast, lover." Fujiko purrs the words, leaning against the outer wall of the museum. Marie's car is barely a hundred meters away but she forgets all about leaving- and just about everything else along with it. "I heard you wanted to talk to me?" She's fidgeting with her lip. Marie can't tell if it's on purpose.
"Yeah..." She tries to find the words. "This is a big night for me."
"You don't look that different."
"I thought the wig would've been too much."
Fujiko laughs. It makes her bangs bounce up and down in the cutest way. Marie feels like she's meeting the woman for the first time, and she's falling in love all over again. "You do look a lot happier now."
"Yeah?" Her voice cracks slightly.
Fujiko smiles. It carries to her eyes and makes them shine behind her long lashes. Marie can't see anything less than genuine in them. "Should I start worrying you might steal my targets now?"
"No need, I'm still only interested in treasure." She doesn't hear herself say it over the adrenaline buzzing under her skin.
"And women?" Her hand has slipped around the thief's shoulders.
Marie's heart skips a beat. "And my sweet Fujiko."
"Oh, Marie." She sighs and Marie melts. She feels Fujiko's heartbeat against her chest and tries to match it, somehow. She's oh so close, some odd layers of clothes between them, and Marie thinks it's a miracle her legs are still standing. Fujiko scratches her chin and she thinks there's no way she isn't floating by now. She's most likely knocked out somewhere and dreaming this scenario up, with Fujiko telling her how they need to celebrate her first heist properly and she's so lost in Fujiko's hand under her shirt she doesn't feel the weight of the crown lift from her hands. Marie blinks, and now Fujiko's on the ladder of a chopper.
"Hey- Wait! Fujicakes! Give that back!" Marie jumps on the ladder just in time.
"You can keep the next one instead!"
She climbs up to Fujiko's level and tries to snatch it back, but it's kept out of her reach. She claws at the air only slightly distracted by Fujiko's perfume.
"Come on, you can do better than that." Every word she speaks is warm against Marie's neck but she stays determined; Fujiko's letting her try for another second. When she still can't grab it, Fujiko takes her hand and kisses it. "I- You kept the nail polish.” She interrupts herself to comment, genuinely surprised. After a second she gets back to what she was going to say. “I'm sorry, Marie."
"Sorry my ass!" She feels her grasp on the ladder loosen.
"I'll make it up to you with dinner."
"For real?- Wait no, I want the crown."
Fujiko laughs. "You can steal it back from me, how does that sound?" Her lashes brush against Marie's.
Before she has a chance to answer, Fujiko knees her off the helicopter.
"See you next Friday!"
Marie has no idea how she's going to break her fall from that height but she makes a note of it. "It's a date."