Chapter Text
Niko and Charles stand across from Crystal in her room above Jenny's shop. "So explain the plan again, because this makes no sense," Crystal comments.
"Edwin is pissed off with the Cat King and doesn't want to date Monty," Charles comments.
"Everyone gets that part," Crystal says, "but you turned him down."
"I didn't realize I was bi yet!" Charles argues. "And I don't think he'd go for me now."
Niko smirks like she's planning something, but that will have to wait. They have a different plan to follow through with now. "We will figure that out after," Niko practically giggles. "For now, we've convinced the Cat King and Monty that fake dating will make Edwin jealous and he'll date one of them."
"Why would you do that?" Crystal asks. "You know that won't work. Edwin isn't into either of them, so it won't make him jealous."
"We know," Charles admits as he sits down on the bed beside Crystal. "But he also wouldn't be happy if I beat either of them with my cricket bat."
"So fake dating?" Crystal questions. This is the stupidest idea she's ever heard.
"It works in my manga," Niko shrugs. "And they'll be cute together."
"We just need you to keep Edwin distracted while we…help," Charles comments.
"Monty doesn't want to go alone," Niko says. "So I suggested we follow…from a distance."
"And you thought Charles was the best choice?" Crystal laughs. "They'll see right through you!"
"If they see us. We just said nearby. It isn't a double date." Niko smiles. She thinks she's thought through everything short of death.
"I'd be easier if it was us, Niko," Crystal suggests. "And it'd also make more sense for Charles to distract Edwin."
"None of my friends are going near that wanker without protection if I can help it!" Charles tries not to snap.
Niko and Crystal just look at each other. They both know Charles is the one only who hasn't spent time talking to the Cat King, but they also know they can't argue with him when he's being protective like this.
"Okay…so what do you want me to do?" Crystal asks.
"We have that Night Nurse finding a case for us. If Edwin asks, I agreed to it, and we need both your abilities and his magic. Niko and I are doing research since we're not of much help in this one." Charles's explanation of the plan is very see through.
"Why is the Night Nurse helping?" Crystal judges.
"Because the Cat King and Monty showing up isn't good for cases," Charles huffs. "She wants work done. She'll help."
"Whatever," Crystal says. "Enjoy setting them up."
Before Charles or Niko can respond, the Night Nurse shows up with a file folder. She hands it to Niko. She's been told who Niko is, but no one else is aware. "Here's what I found. Good luck." She huffs as she watches the teenagers hunch around the folder. "Anything else."
"I think we're good," Charles mumbles as he reads something. "This should work perfectly."
The Night Nurse nods and vanishes. She doesn't want to do this, but she has no choice…and at least the girl the file is about will hopefully be found.
Niko and Charles leave soon after the Night Nurse. They know Edwin knows their ticks too well and will likely read what's going on if they hang around.