Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“And I thought Lungmen was a busy place,” The Doctor mused, walking through the streets of the Grand Knight Territosy. All around them the streets were bustling with people, everyone brushing shoulders with how close they were. Shop owners loudly announced their product as bright screens above showcased the latest trends. It was almost too much to take in.

“It’s times like these I’m thankful for the helmet.” With it’s sensory filter technology, the incoming noise was at least bearable. “Still, I can’t believe people are used to this.”

Maybe it was because it only happened during the major, that the people of Kazimierez were able to put up with it. A national event like this was a matter of pride for the populace, it wasn’t surprising they would ignore some discomfort for the enjoyment that came with it.

“Not that I’m much better,” The Doctor admitted to themself wryly. They had just finished meeting with a potential business partner for Rhodes Island and had decided to take the opportunity to enjoy the celebrative atmosphere. In a rare moment, they were even on their own. With the incident regarding the Armorless Union over, they had sent Gravel on ahead so they could have some time to themself.

Was it the smartest or the safest decision? Absolutely not, but honestly, they were tired of all the chess games they had been playing with the various powers in Kazimierz. They just wanted to be a regular tourist, even if it was only for an hour.

‘If I’m going to be a tourist, I should get some souvenirs while I’m out. And something for Amiya so she won’t be too mad at me. Oh, and something for Gravel as than-’

Their train of thought was interrupted as someone with white hair suddenly crossed in front of their path, the Doctor too slow to stop from bumping into them.

“Sorry about that, are you al…” The Doctor trailed off, realizing just who they had run into. Even if the two had only met once before, it was hard to forget the face of someone who had tried to kill you.

Thankfully Platinum seemed as caught off guard as they were, staring at them in muted surprise. She seemed to be dressed in casual wear today, forgoing her uniform for a crop top and ripped jeans. It was a stylish look, one not meant for assassinations. Her appearance was what gave the Doctor the courage to try something somewhat reckless.

“Enjoying your day so far?”

Try to talk with her.

Platinum recovered from her surprise as fast as they did, giving them a dour look.

“I was until just a couple seconds ago.”

“Was our last meeting that bad? I thought we both enjoyed the tea.”

“How would you like to suddenly run into the reason you failed a mission?”

The Doctor winced, a sharp memory of fire haunting the back of their mind.

“...Fair enough. Is there something I can do to make your day better then?”

Platinum had begun to walk away after her remark. At their questions she paused, turning and scrutinizing them. The Doctor wasn’t quite sure what she saw with their mask on, but it had her glancing around searchingly.

“That campaign knight isn’t with you, right?”

“My answer to that will be the same as your answer to if there’s still a contract out on my life,” They answered cheekily. She shot them a look before turning and walking away again.

“If you want to make it up to me,” She called over her shoulder. “Then you can treat me to tea again.”

The Doctor blinked in surprise before grinning under their helmet, hurrying to catch up with her.

“Did you not like what we had last time?” They asked once they were walking alongside her.

“It wasn’t bad,” Platinum said with a shrug. “But it was the brand the Adeptus love to drink. I want something I enjoy.”

“Well, I’m looking forward to seeing what you like then.”

She glanced at them with an indiscernible expression before giving up with a short huff.

She led them down a few streets, making their way through several crowds, before turning a corner and heading down a side street. The Doctor didn’t follow right away, stopping at the entrance and looking down it hesitantly. It didn’t take long for Platinum to notice, pausing and looking back at them.

“Worried I’m leading you somewhere secluded so I can get rid of you?”

“The thought may have crossed my mind.”

“But if I kill you, then who will pay for my tea?” There was a smirk on her lips as she turned away, continuing on. The Doctor could only shake their head, following her down the street.

It turned out she really was leading them to a tea shop, a small hole in the wall most people would simply walk past. Despite that, it had an appealing aesthetic to it. As the Doctor opened the door for Platinum, the tactician took in the warm, welcoming atmosphere.

“Welcome! What can I- ah, Cyntelea!” The woman at the counter smiled brightly as she recognized Platinum. “I wasn’t expecting you for another week!”

“Yeah well, they were offering and I wasn’t going to miss out on an opportunity for your tea,” The Kuranta explained, nodding to the Doctor.

“Oh?” The barista scrutinized the tactician with a glint in her eye. “And who might you be? This is the first time she’s brought someone here.”

“No one special,” The Doctor assured her. “I’m just making something up to her.”

“As mysterious as the mask suggests. Alright, keep your secrets.” Her piece said, she stage-whispered to Platinum. “If this goes anywhere, make sure to let me know.”

The assassin merely rolled her eyes, grabbing the Doctor and tugging them away.

“Don’t worry, it isn’t. I’m going to my table, we’ll order two of the usual.”

Despite her annoyed tone, the other woman just laughed, starting on the drinks as Platinum led the Doctor deeper into the cafe.

“She’s friendly,” They commented as the two sat down. “And she’s not an Armorless?”

“Not everyone I know is an assassin.”

“True, you know me.”

The Karunta rolled her eyes. Propping her chin in her hand, she pointedly looked away from them, choosing instead to examine the decorations on the wall. They waited for her to say something, but she stayed silent.

“How did the two of you meet?” They tried instead. That got her to look at the tactician, glancing at them with a raised brow. When she saw they were serious she gave a quiet sigh.

“There’s no amazing story about me being a hero and saving her one dark night in an alleyway,” She assured them. “I simply came often enough for us to know each other.”

“And Cyntelea?”

“I couldn’t just say my name was Platinum, now could I?”

“Hmm,” The Doctor leaned forward, curiosity driving them. “And is that your real name?”

The look she gave was nothing short of superior, made even worse by the teasing smirk she wore.

“Who knows? A girl has to have her secrets.”

The tactician let out a huff of amusement, sitting back in their seat.

“What about in the Armorless Union, is there anyone you’re close to?”

It was Platinum’s turn to give an amused laugh.

“Yeah, right. The only two who are anywhere close to each other are Roy and Monique, and she’s always fed up with him.”

“It sounds difficult for you, being on your own like that,” The Doctor commented, making her smile slip slightly.

Before she could retort though, the barista arrived with their drinks.

“Here you two go, and here’s some dessert as well,” She added, putting a small plate of snacks on the table. “Don’t worry, they’re on the house. In celebration for Cyntelea finally bringing someone by. Though maybe I should have waited on those…”

She glanced between the two of them, noticing the somewhat somber mood. The Doctor shifted awkwardly, unsure what to say as she focused on him with a frown.

Eventually Platinum sighed, reaching for one of the desserts.

“It’s nothing to worry about, we were just discussing some serious topics. Thanks for the food.”

“...If you say so.”

She gave the Doctor another look before leaving the two of them alone again.

“I don’t think she likes me as much now,” They noted wryly.

“That’s what happens when you bring up something a girl doesn’t want to talk about,” The Karunta retorted, her tone slightly surly.

“Would you prefer I treated you like a fragile maiden, always afraid to say the wrong thing and offend you?”

That managed to draw a laugh from her, a short, bitter thing. It didn’t last long, Platinum quickly calming down and regarding the Doctor, considering something.

When she reached a decision, it came in the form of a taunting, sly smile that danced across her lips.

Slowly and purposefully she leaned back in her seat, stretching her arms above her head and letting her shirt ride up, revealing even more of her toned stomach.

“Is that what you think, Doctor?” Platinum asked, her voice low and heavy. “That I’m still a fair lady, despite what I do?”

The tactician didn’t reply right away. They took in her appearance, her clothes hugging her slim form. She was fit, befitting her job as an assassin, but her muscles were not exaggerated, perfect for her shorter stature. Her pale skin and white hair only accentuated her overall beauty.

The Doctor took all of this in, but what they chose to focus on was the look in her eyes. There was a challenging look in them, daring the tactician to say the wrong thing. Behind that though, behind the mask she always had to wear, was a sliver of concern. Fear of the words they would say.

“It’s hard to see you as an innocent maiden given what you do for a living,” They spoke honestly, watching as her eyes flashed with well disguised pain. “But I think what really matters is how you feel about your actions.”

“Oh?” Her lips twisted into a biting sneer. “So you’re a psychologist as well as a doctor?”

They brought their hands up, simply shrugging.

“If you were truly dedicated to your job, we wouldn’t be here right now, talking about life over a cup of tea.”

Platinum looked like she wanted to argue, but she knew they had a point. In the end she just huffed in annoyance, snagging one of the desserts and biting into it.

“It’s better than being an arena knight,” She pointed out when she was done chewing. “And I get better benefits.”

“Most jobs are better than being an arena knight,” The Doctor replied, the woman giving a smirk in agreement. “What about something that doesn’t require fighting, like an acrobat or a dancer? I’m sure you can pull off the moves needed, and you have the attractiveness to be a dancer.”

“It’s nice to see you know what I’ve got going,” She teased with a flick of her hair. The Doctor made a show of rolling their eyes, something Platinum picked up on if the smirk was anything to go by. The moment of amusement didn’t linger as she thought about what they said.

“While an acrobat could work, it unfortunately isn’t popular enough in Kazimierz,” She said with a sigh. “And a dancer would mean I would be in the spotlight. While I would have enjoyed it once upon a time, not so much now…”

‘I didn’t expect to see this side of her,’ The Doctor thought quietly, observing her. The assassin held their gaze for a few moments before she was forced to look away. She had picked up her spoon earlier and had yet to put it down, twirling it absentmindedly as she stared at something only she could see.

“...Is it the killing, or the people you have to kill?”

The spoon came to a stop, held like one would a knife. Platinum’s expression became conflicted, and for a moment, the Doctor thought she actually would answer.

“Why do you want to know?” She asked instead, her mask slipping back into place. “It’s certainly not because you care.”

“Can’t it be?” That earned a scoff from her. “I’m a doctor at a pharmaceutical company that treats primarily Infected. Would I be a part of that if I didn’t care?”

“Maybe you just want to get rich by taking advantage of those who can’t refuse you.”

It was a cheap shot, but the Doctor ignored it.

“If you want a selfish reason, then how about this; maybe I’m thinking of hiring you to work for Rhodes Island.”

That got Platinum to look at them again, surprise evident in her eyes. Of course, there was only one proper response to what the Doctor had said, so they weren’t surprised when she began to laugh.

That didn’t mean it still didn’t bother them.

“You could at least pretend to take it seriously,” They muttered into their tea cup. It took another half a minute until her laughter began tapering off.

“Sorry,” She began, wiping away a mirthful tear. “But the idea that you want the assassin who just tried to kill you at your side is just so…”

She dissolved into another fit of chuckles, making the tactician sigh. Eventually she calmed down again, her amused smile turning into a frown as she observed them.

“You weren’t actually serious… were you?”

“I wouldn’t have offered if I wasn’t.”

A decidedly mixed expression flickered across Platinum’s features as she absorbed what they had said.

“You don’t know what you’re saying,” She told them after a pause. “You wouldn’t want me anywhere near you, and neither would that campaign knight you’re seeing.”

It was the Doctor’s turn to look away, not expecting that last part.

‘I see now why she found the wall so interesting,’ They thought sardonically. Even with their gaze focused elsewhere, they could sense Platinum staring at them.

“So you two aren’t…”

“And here I thought we were talking about your potential job opportunities,” The Doctor commented offhandedly.

“I want to talk about you.” Was her flat reply, shutting down their attempt at a redirect. Sighing in defeat, they slumped back in their seat.

“We’re not together.”

“Who was willing to give her life to protect you, someone who isn’t from Kazimierz or part of the Adeptus” Platinum shook her head with a disbelieving chuckle. “You can’t tell me it’s a simple matter of employer and subordinate.”

The Doctor gave another, deep, sigh, watching as their tea rippled with the action.

“I’m not blind to the way she feels about me, I’m just not sure how to handle it.”

“You don’t know how to handle a beautiful woman being interested in you? You must not date a lot.”

“I feel like you don’t have much room to talk,” The Doctor grumbled.

“That’s just because I choose not to be in a relationship,” She retorted with a flick of her hair. “I’m hot enough that I could get someone right away if I wanted to.”

They rolled their eyes in amusement, choosing to snag a dessert instead of confirming or denying what she had said.

“Staying focused on you though,” Platinum regarded them over the lip of her tea cup. “She’s clearly obsessed with you, why don’t you take advantage of that?”

“That’s the first problem,” They grunted. “I don’t know how much of her affection is actually her feelings, and how much is because of our relationship as subordinate and commander. Which is another problem, I have no idea what Rhodes Island’s policy is on relationships in the chain of command. For all I know, it could be completely forbidden.”

“Sounds like you have it so rough,” She said flatly, pointing at the Doctor. “Look, if those were really problems, you would have dealt with them already. You predicted an assassin would come for you and came up with a way to stop me before I even received the order to kill you. Looking up a rule or two shouldn’t even make you blink.

“And her affection for you? Just find out if she’s like that with anyone else she’s served under, though we both already know the answer to that, don’t we?”

The Doctor didn’t immediately respond. They had a slight frown on their face, drumming their fingers on the table in thought.

‘She’s right,’ They admitted with an inward sigh. ‘Neither of those are real reasons, they’re just excuses, Gravel only behaves like that with me. No, the real reason is…’

“I’m afraid,” They admitted quietly, looking down at the table below them. “If I take that next step, and somehow screw up, I’m afraid I’ll ruin my relationship with Gravel. I won’t let that happen, not when she cares about me for who I am and not-”

Who I used to be.

The two were quiet for the next few minutes, the muted clinking of cups the only sound to disturb their silence. The once vibrant taste of the tea was now dull to the Doctor, lost as they were in their lingering thoughts.

Gravel, her feelings for them, their relationship, and their own problems. All of it coming together in a cacophony in their usually calm mind.

The Doctor sighed, and tilted their head back, staring at the ceiling above them.

‘And here I was just wanting to go for a walk not even half-hour ago,’ They thought ruefully.

A loud exhale finally pulled them from their turbulent thoughts. Looking back down, the tactician found the assassin looking at them expectantly.

“Sorry,” They coughed awkwardly into their fist. She smirked briefly at their reaction before falling back to a more… guarded expression.

“I’m not going to say I know what you should do.” Her words were slow and hesitant, as if she had trouble admitting such a thing. “None of my relationships were close to what you and that knight have.”

“But I do know I’d be disappointed if the person I liked knew it and did nothing about it.”

She shrugged a moment later, the serious atmosphere dissipating as she relaxed in her seat.

“That’s what I think anyway, do what you want with it. It doesn’t matter to me.”

The Doctor couldn’t help but chuckle at her flippant attitude.

“Thank you, Cyntelea,” They said sincerely. “I didn’t think I’d be getting relationship advice today, especially not from you.”

“I’m starting to think you’re getting more out of this tea date than I am,” She teased. “This is supposed to be for me, remember?”

“Who could forget? Would another round of tea make it up to you?”

Platinum gave them a knowing smile.

Chapter Text

“To think there’d be a park in this monster of a city, I’ll have to thank Nearl later.”

Walking down the concrete path, underneath young trees and past well maintained bushes, the Doctor let out a relaxed sigh.

“Still, with everything she told me about her uncle, I didn’t think Mlynar would be so good at negotiating. Ugh, just remembering it is giving me a headache.”

“Wow, you sound just like an office drone. I didn’t think Kazimierz had such a quick effect on people.”

Chuckling, the Doctor looked to find Platinum behind them. Once more dressed in casual clothes and with a hand on her hip, she regarded them with a raised brow.

“Once again on your own? You’re more foolish than most arena knights.”

“It’s a good thing I’m no longer on my own then,” the tactician said with a grin. “Care to join me?”

“We need to stop running into each other like this,” Platinum said, the two of them sitting on a park bench, letting the rest of the world go past them.

“You’re going to have to bring that up with whatever greater force keeps setting us up together.”

“Why would I put so much effort into something like that when I can just blame you instead?” The assassin retorted, her tone casual despite her harsh words. “…so? How’d it go?”

“How’d what go?” The Doctor asked with feigned ignorance, drawing a glare from Platinum. 

“What else? You and that campaign knight. Did you finally muster up the courage to answer her feelings or are you still scared of a girl having the hots for you?”

The tactician was glad she couldn’t see the goofy smile they were wearing right now.

“We went out for dinner at the Diamond Joust.”

“Fancy,” Platinum raised a manicured brow, “the Zalak must have been over the moon.”

“I certainly hope so, she seemed to be enjoying herself at least.”

The Doctor couldn’t help but blush at the memory of last night, and the daring dress Semony had worn.

Even with their mask on, Platinum caught on to their flustered state, shaking her head in amusement.

“That Zalak must have been all over you.”

“Not as much as you’d think.”

Which had been quite a surprise. Semony had certainly been liberal with her touches and how much time she spent wrapped around their arm, but she hadn’t taken it much farther than that. They could still feel her lips upon theirs as the two shared a long kiss goodbye.

“I spent so long chasing you, I can wait a little while longer. Besides,” Her smile was as dangerous as when she was on the battlefield, sending a thrilling chill through the Doctor. “It’ll be nice to be the one chased for a change.”

“Wow, you’re head over heels for her.”

The Doctor couldn’t help but chuckle at Platinum’s flat stare. “Yeah, I am.”

“Gross. If this is what love does to someone, count me out.” Despite her words, the assassin had a put out expression.

“Feeling a little jealous?” The tactician teased. “Even though you were the one that convinced me to tell her how I feel?”

“If I knew you would turn into a lovesick fool I would have kept my mouth shut,” she sighed dramatically. “But here I am, losing the one decent conversation partner I have to a girl with more on her chest than in her head.”

“It’s alright, you’re a growing girl. You’ll have some someday.”

The Doctor risked a quick laugh at the look she gave them before continuing on, their tone thankful.

“Seriously though, I didn’t realize how I felt about Gravel until we talked.” She couldn’t see it, but they smiled anyway. “I owe you a lot for that.”

Platinum stared at them for a moment, her eyes narrowed as she tried to decipher what they really meant. Finding only the truth, she let out a short huff.

“If you’re that thankful then you can repay me by buying me some new clothes.”

“Something tells me that clothes you want me to buy aren’t in my price range.” The Doctor chuckled nervously, looking at the designer apparel she was wearing today.

“What, the leader of Rhodes Island doesn’t get paid enough to buy an outfit or two?”

“Not as much as you seem to think,” the Doctor said with a snort. “We don’t do things like here in Kazimierz or Victoria, where those at the top are paid the top dollar. The heads of Rhodes Island are paid more, sure, but it’s not an extravagant difference from the normal staff member.”

“And what about time off, are those the same too?”

“It depends more on the person and their situation,” the Doctor explained with a shrug. “Some get as much time off as they want, but that’s mainly because of health concerns or matters they need to attend to. For most staff, it’s just a matter of filing an application and having it accepted. If you have time off, you get the go ahead. If you don't, well, it may still be accepted but that depends more on the reason and the circumstance.

“For combat Operators though, their contract is a little special when it comes to time off. Because of the risks involved, they gain time off twice as fast as regular staff do, and even get the chance at a bonus if they volunteer for missions. The contract’s negotiable as well, so if you wanted to you could try and squeeze in some more time off when you first join Rhodes Island.”

Platinum, who had been looking off with a disinterested air, clicked her tongue in annoyance.

“Has anyone ever told you how annoying that intelligence of yours is?” She asked, giving him an aggravated look.

“Only every other day.” The Doctor answered cheekily, earning an eye roll from her, though it was noticeably forced.

The two fell into silence afterwards, the tactician allowing her to organize her thoughts as they went back to observing the park.

It really was beautiful, with lush greenery spread out just enough to make one forget they were in the city without feeling suffocated by trees and vegetation.

‘But it’s nothing but a false reprieve,’ the Doctor thought, listening to the sounds of a bustling city were there should have been the singing of birds. ‘To trick yourself into forgetting the worries that surround you, I can see why Platinum came here.’

They were pulled from their musing as Platinum quietly cleared her throat. Her head was turned away, observing them out of the corner of her eye as she spoke.

“…before, you said something similar. About having me join Rhodes Island. Why are you so persistent about it?”

The Doctor shrugged. “Of everyone I’ve met since coming here, you’re one of the few people who this city hasn’t devoured yet. I just don’t want that light of yours to die out.”

“My light,” the assassin scoffed, “have you forgotten what I do? Even if you only knew what I had done during this Major, it would still be enough to make you run as far away from me as you can.”

“Which part? You can’t mean trying to assassinate me since it’d be hard to forget that so soon. Perhaps attacking Flametail and innocent civilians before the competition?” Platinum snapped towards them, the blood draining from her already pale face as they continued.

“Perhaps you mean kidnapping Maria and threatening to cut off her fingers, or are you talking about the part you played in the attempted assassination attempt on Margaret?”

Each word chipped away at the carefully constructed mask the woman has spent years wearing, each question ripping away the only defense she had left. And as the aloof and indifferent mask was stripped away, it revealed a woman, scared of having her sins brought to light. And perhaps… scared of being abandoned for them.

“Do you take pleasure in this, Doctor?” Her words were biting, but her voice was weak. “Do you enjoy throwing my wicked deeds in my face?”

“I honestly don’t.” While it didn’t hurt them as much as her, it still pained them to see her like this.

“Then why, why tell me you knew?” She was shaking, her eyes burning as she glared at them. “Why waste my time talking about joining Rhodes Island, filling my head with nonsense?”

“I told you so there could be trust between us.”

“ Trust? ”

“When you join Rhodes Island—and I want to say when, not if—how would we have been able to work together with such an obstacle between us?” They waited a moment, but Platinum made no attempt to answer. “You would have been on guard every time we spoke, worried you’d let something slip. On my end, I would have had to pretend I didn’t know, and I don’t think either of us would have enjoyed me acting like a guileless fool.”

The Doctor put their hands in their pockets, taking a moment to examine a dying tree. A pack of vines had somehow grown in the park, wrapping around the trunk of the tree and slowly suffocating it. It was easy to see that unless someone ripped them away, the tree was sure to die.

“I’d like to think that one day you would have trusted me enough to tell me yourself,” they continued, their voice just a bit louder than the breeze blowing through the park. “But maybe not, and I don’t want a relationship this important to be ruined by mere chance.”

That broke through Platinum’s troubled demeanor, a snort escaping from the assassin’s lips. “You consider our relationship important?”

“You helped me get a girlfriend. No one else has done that for me.”

The Kuranta rolled her eyes but didn’t rebuke them. Turning away, she took to looking at a patch of lilies.

“Perhaps when I had first started I would have accepted your offer, but now…” she absentmindedly traced a pattern into her leg, perhaps following where a scar lay hidden underneath her clothes. “Now I’m in too deep for anyone to help me out.”

“So you intend to try getting out on your own.”

She gave them a look. “What did I say about your intelligence?”

“Something about how annoying it is,” the Doctor waved it off, growing serious once more. “You know you’ll never be able to escape alive on your own.”

The assassin shrugged. “I’m the one who made those choices, it’s only fair I’m the only one punished for them.”

“...I’m going to miss you, Platinum.”

“We’ve only met three times.”

“Sometimes that’s all it takes.”

“Yeah, well… I’m glad at least someone will.”

The two sat there for a little while longer before Platinum let out a sigh, standing up and stretching. “I should get going. And here I took a walk to relax.”

Behind their mask, the Doctor frowned. They knew what she was really saying, but they didn’t want it to be goodbye just yet. They didn’t say that though, getting up with her and sliding their hands into their pockets.

“Tired of me already?”

“More like I’m cutting you loose before that Zalak shows up. I’m not interested in getting shown up by that rodent a second time.”

“Such harsh words,” the Doctor taunted, still looking at her as they took a few steps down the path. “Where was the kind young lady I had tea with?”

Platinum narrowed her eyes, knowing full well what they were doing. Her pride had been goaded though, so she followed after them, giving a roll of her eyes to mask her decision

“That wasn’t kindness, that was shock that you and the rodent weren’t sleeping together yet.”

“I guess I need to do more shocking things then,” the tactician pretended to think about it for a moment, “what about becoming an arena knight next? That’ll certainly be shocking enough.”

Platinum gave an unamused laugh. “Sure, until you start getting paid to do the same song and dance over and over again. It’ll go from shocking to dull faster than even I can shoot an arrow.”

“Is that what happened to the Obsidian Knight?”

Platinum didn’t even break her stride as she turned to give them an icy glare.

“Forget that name, now .”

Instead of listening, the tactician put a hand to their chin, humming in thought. 

“I can understand the pallet swap to Platinum, career changes and all that, but why obsidian in the first place? It couldn’t have been just because you wore black back then, that’d be too simple. Maybe it’s because you’re sharp but easy to break like the rock? Or perhaps-”

The hands over their mask didn’t actually do anything, but they went quiet anyways, looking expectantly at Platinum’s blushing face.

“If you tell this to anyone ,” she warned, her voice a flustered hiss. “Especially that mouthy Zalak, you’ll be finding an arrow in your sleep.”

The Doctor didn’t say anything, even when she pulled her hands away. They just kept up a little cheeky grin until she finally sighed quietly in defeat.

“It was because I’m beautiful but can be broken easily, just like obsidian.” She rolled her eyes at the memory. “One of my manager’s less than stellar decisions.”

“It certainly fits you.” Platinum glowered at them for a moment before giving it up as a lost cause.

“How did you even find out about that old title anyways?” She asked in exasperation. “They erased me off the map when I took this job.”

“You know what they say, you just gotta know where to look,” the Doctor shrugged, “and I wanted to find out more about you after our last conversation.”

The assassin stared at him in muted disbelief. “We saw each other a week ago. I take back what I said about your intelligence. It’s not annoying, it’s terrifying.”

The tactician laughed to hide how their heart winced at her words. “So what made you go from arena knight to what you do now?”

“Still on about this?” Platinum rolled her eyes, but there was no reluctance as she answered. “If you found that dingy old title then you know I never actually used it, it was chosen ahead of time for when the Courts approved my application. Of course, I ended up switching jobs before that, but back then…”

She sighed, her aloof mask peeling away for a moment to reveal a look of weariness. “It wasn’t bad , I certainly didn’t have to worry about getting killed in my sleep for half a dozen reasons. But having to constantly act and think how other people wanted, worrying about losing everything over the slightest mistake, having every choice, every movement scrutinized? It was…”

“Enslavement?” The Doctor offered.

“I was going to say suffocating,” They were treated to a coy smirk, “but that works too.”

“I take it the Obsidian Knight was one of those things you didn’t have a say in?”

“Oh I did, but it would be “bad for my image” if I chose anything else,” she gestured to herself with a flourish. “And look at me now, with a completely different title that fits me far better than that lame one ever would. All it cost was an image no one will ever remember.”

As the two of them stepped out of the park and into the crowded city street, the Doctor couldn’t help but be struck by Platinum’s appearance.

Even with the throng of people walking around them, she seemed to stand alone, her white hair a striking contrast to the muted colors of the office workers trudging past. She stood tall, her shoulders set resolutely in a city that broke people who stood strong. 

But it was her gaze that really caught the tactician’s attention. With her mask momentarily gone, they could see how tired she truly was. Tired of the constant manipulation, of the killing and destroying of lives she now had no choice but to take part in.

Hidden just beneath the exhaustion though, was a look that made the Doctor’s heart clench. It was a grim resolve that they had seen too many times before, one worn by people who were preparing to die.

“Platinum,” she turned to them with a questioning tilt of her head, but they didn’t know what they could say. What should be said. “I…”

“There you are my little pegasus!”

The Doctor jerked badly, but it was even worse for Platinum, a hand falling to a hidden knife as she spun towards the speaker.

A man who had not been there a moment ago now stood not five feet from them. With his casual clothes and disarming smile, he could have been mistaken for a simple tourist passing by. But his striking blue hair gave away who he truly was.

“Roy.” Platinum almost growled out his name. “What are you doing here?”

“Out on a walk, the same as you!” Oblivious to her ire—or unconcerned given how obvious it was—he approached with his arms wide. “I didn’t think I’d be running into you on our time off though, and especially not with someone so interesting with you.”

As if dismissing Platinum’s presence, the Lazurite turned to fully face the tactician, an easy smile on his lips.

“You’re the illustrious Doctor of Rhodes Island, aren’t you?” Without waiting for an answer, he bent forward in a bow. “My name is Roy, a coworker of our dear pegasus here. It’s a pleasure to meet someone so talked about at work.”

‘Oh god, he’s a second Midnight.’

It was mean to compare the Guard to a cold-blooded assassin, but the Doctor couldn’t help but see the similarities. With the same suave smile and the ease at which compliments spilled from Roy’s mouth, the tactician could easily see him working in a host club alongside Midnight.

But no matter what he could have been, the man before them was most certainly an assassin. His friendly smile never reached his eyes, a mocking glint in them as if he was ready to crack a joke about someone’s death. And his posture, while more open than Platinum’s, still held the same preparedness she did, both ready to fight—and perhaps kill.

“It’s nice to meet you too,” the Doctor greeted with a small wave, earning a look from Platinum. “I hope It’s good things you’ve been hearing.”

“Being so low on the totem pole, I don’t hear everything.” Roy shrugged in mock resignation. “But from what I have heard, you’ve managed to impress a lot of the head honchos at the KGCC, and they’re not easy people to please. What’s your secret?”

“Sanity potion mixed with coffee,” they answered easily, waving it off. “What about you though, you must put a lot of work into your hair to match your job title. What do you use to keep the blue from running out?”

They grinned as Roy’s grin faltered, suddenly caught on the back foot. He was no doubt used to people in power asking questions, but not about mundane things like his hair products.

The archer was quick to recover though, his grin becoming a mite cheeky as he replied.

“Thank you for noticing, though honestly, I don’t use anything too special. Our little pegasus can give you much better suggestions for products. Speaking of which,” his smile took on a predatory edge as he glanced at Platinum, “what are you doing with the Doctor anyways? I didn’t realize the two of you had become so close after your… failed meeting.”

To her credit, Platinum had already recovered from her shock, falling back to an air of indifference. “Do you really think I was hanging around them by choice? I was just unlucky and ran into them while taking a walk through the park.”

“Oh that makes sense!” For a moment Roy seemed to accept the explanation, nodding along in understanding. “But why did you guys come out together? Surely if you didn’t want to be near them you could have just chosen a different direction.”

“Not with me following after her,” the Doctor cut in, pulling the man’s attention to them and away from Platinum’s moment of hesitation. “I was impressed by her skill and wanted to see about hiring her.”

They sighed, shrugging in defeat. “But she wasn’t having it. I guess you guys just have better benefits.”

Both of the assassins were staring at them, both looking at the tactician like they were varying levels of crazy. Roy because the Doctor was crazy enough to try and hire someone who had attempted to kill them, and Platinum because the Doctor was crazy enough to tell the Lazurite the truth.

‘But the truth is the only way we’re getting out of here alive.’

The tactician could see it in the way the man looked at the two of them, his eyes narrowed as he searched for any sign the Doctor was lying. A single hint of deceit and Roy would assume they were plotting corporate espionage or something equally ridiculous, but it’d be enough for Platinum and the tactician to be marked for death. Being truthful was the only way to walk away with their lives, if Roy would believe them.

After several tense moments where the Doctor could feel their heart beating in their chest, Roy eventually shrugged in acceptance.

“I don’t know why you’d want to try hiring her,” he said, his easy grin once more in place, “but hey, you do you. You don’t get in our affairs and we won’t get in yours. That sound good?”

“For today at least,” the Doctor agreed, tilting their head. “You never know what could happen tomorrow.”

Roy laughed good naturedly, giving Platinum a conspiring look. “It sounds like you need to be careful with this one. There’s no telling what they might do.”

Platinum, having finally stopped staring at the tactician, rolled her eyes. “How long are you going to keep pestering me on my day off?”

“And here I was trying to be a good coworker and keep you safe from shady people in masks!” Despite his exclamation, the Lazurite began backing off. “I can see when I’m not wanted though. A shame, I was hoping to talk with you more, Doctor.”

“Perhaps another time.”

“Indeed,” Roy gave a disappointed sigh. “Very well then, I wish you both a good day.”

Neither the tactician or Platinum relaxed when the assassin disappeared from sight, both still keeping their guard up for several, agonizing minutes. When nothing happened though, the Doctor eventually had to call it.

“I think he actually left.”

“We wouldn’t know either way,” Platinum told them, still scanning the crowd despite her own words. “He and Monique are annoying like that.”

She looked for another moment before giving up with an annoyed huff, turning to the Doctor. “I’m walking away, and this time, you’re not following me. Got it?”

Despite how harsh her words sounded, the tactician couldn’t help but smile. “Got it.”

She gave them a lingering look, her eyes revealing conflicting emotions and the many things she wanted to say. Eventually though, she chose to turn away, giving a parting wave as she did so.

“I hope you have a good life, Doctor. You at least seem to deserve it.”

“You do too, Centaurea,” they said quietly, watching her stop for a brief moment. “No matter what you’ve done.”

She didn’t turn back towards them as she replied. “Not everyone gets a happy ending. Especially not one with so much blood on their hands.”

And then she was gone, swallowed up by the darkness of the city.