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"I'm a private investigator, not a bodyguard."
"We have bodyguards, along with police. But you know how they can be. We have reason to believe our collection is in danger. And if we were to lose our collection, well, how would that impact the Orphans of Oldtown fund?"
"You mean your tax writeoff?" Juno scoffed.
"Regardless, it's a loss for all parties. So?"
Juno paused. He was in dire need of a new case. He couldn't exactly afford to be choosy, and besides- the pay was going to be good . Hopefully, all he would have to do is wander around a party keeping an eye out for anyone too suspicious while filling up on appetizers. There was no guarantee the thief would even show.
The reason security was so heightened for a standard fundraising gala was a string of art thefts across the Solar planets; in the last few months a priceless piece had been pilfered from each planet aside from Mars.
Thus, it was an obvious target, but there wasn't any guarantee they would strike. Sometimes they hit events back-to-back, sometimes there were long stretches between thefts.
The only consistent thing about it was how clean the jobs were. The cops couldn't even pretend to have leads. They still didn't know how half of the thefts were orchestrated, nevermind by who.
Juno had picked all this up from Rita’s stupid radio she left running when she wasn’t watching a stream, despite his many protests. Though, to be fair, she did offer to do some work if he'd ever get around to taking a case. If this case was good for anything, it might finally get her to shut that damn radio off.
"Fine." Juno groaned.
"Wonderful," Mx. Credúle clapped their hands together, looking very pleased. They gave Juno a once-over and pursed their lips, "We'll supply you with an outfit."
"Okay, rude," Juno scowled.
"A suit?” They asked without looking up from their clipboard where they were furiously jotting something down. “It would afford more range of movement."
"Yeah, whatever," Juno shrugged, "Send the invitation to my office," He called behind him. He didn’t want to hang around here any longer than he had to.
"Detective!" Mx. Credúle called as Juno walked into the hall twenty minutes after the event began.
"Yell that louder, I don't think everyone heard you," Juno grumbled.
“Pardon me?” they asked when they were at a comfortable distance.
"I said it's easier to do my job when people don't know I'm investigating. Don't think a thief is gonna wanna hang around a detective."
"Noted," Mx. Credúle nodded, "I'll use more discretion from now on. I'm glad you got the outfit. I trust it fits correctly?"
"Yeah, it's pretty good," Juno shrugged. It fit like a glove. He was a little unnerved; he'd never even given them his measurements.
"Wonderful," They clasped their hands together, "Now, I had called to offer to show you around prior to the event, but the call was never returned."
"My secretary was… busy." Juno replied with a sigh. About to burn down the office making a snack, more like. Probably didnt hear the comms over the smoke detector and the shouting.
"I see. Well, you're here now, so I'll give you an idea of what we're dealing with." They started walking, apparently expecting Juno to follow. It was difficult to keep up with all the people crowding the hall, but Juno caught the most important parts.
The target, judging from the prior thefts, was likely a large painting in the main hall. It was the most expensive piece in the museum, aside from an enormous sculpture that would be impossible to remove without a crane. With so many people around the painting would certainly be difficult to remove, but that was also said about the other paintings- hence, the extra security.
They still managed to slip in a few art lessons Juno could've lived without, though.
"The way the two figures face each other here, faces smeared with blood..." They sighed, eyes darting across the painting in question with almost hunger in their eyes. "Yet their eyes are closed. They can't stand to look at each other. And look here, how the negative space in the blood splatter makes a heart on his forehead. Their love is surrounded by violence, by gore, yet the love itself is clean.”
"Uh huh," Juno replied, unimpressed. It wasn't that the painting wasn't interesting- it was, actually- he just had better things to do. Like downing neo-champagne and those little shrimp things he kept glimpsing.
“This one is one of my favourites,” they grinned, pointing to a square painting that was less than a foot wide. “The dark forest scene with the fire so beautifully rendered? Gorgeous. I love the way the embers mingle with the stars.”
“What stars?” Juno asked. The sky looked black to him.
“Look closer.”
Juno took a step closer and saw them; tiny spots of white amidst the black sky.
“That must’ve taken forever,” He said.
“Indeed. Most of the best works do. Now this piece, on the other hand…” Mx. Credúle continued as they led him further into the hall. They pointed out a few smaller pieces for Juno to watch for and finally left him to it.
Juno grabbed a handful of appetizers off a plate at long last and scanned the room. He was getting used to his missing eye, but he didn’t like how much less of a room he could see at once. He had to keep an eye on everyone in here, as well as the paintings on the walls; a tall order for a lady with only one. He’d figure out how to manage it, though. And besides, it wasn’t like he was entirely alone.
His comms beeped. He stepped into a mostly empty hallway and answered it.
“I still can’t believe you wouldn’t invite me along! I've never been to a gala. ” Rita whined. Not even a hello?
“We’ve been over this, Rita,” Juno groaned, “I need you at your desk, and I only had one invitation. And besides, I have to lie low, and that’s not exactly your strong suit.”
“Says you! Who left Captain Hijikata’s surprise party in handcuffs?”
“Both of us.”
“Well- okay, fine. But you started it!”
“I don’t have time for this, I need to be in the main hall. Just- scan over the guest list again, will you?” He stepped back out into the main room and his jaw dropped. Rita was babbling away in his ear but he couldn’t hear her over the shock. Only a few feet away, talking to Mx. Credúle themself, was… him.
Dressed from head to toe in layers of flowy black lace cinched at the middle with a velvet corset was one Peter Nureyev, listening with that signature unaffected smirk of his to Mx. Credúle, who was likely rattling off the security details to him without a second thought.
“Nevermind.” Juno muttered.
“What was that? Mistah Steel, you know you gotta speak up when you're somewhere real loud like that, I-” Juno hung up on her just a second before he locked eyes with Nureyev.
"Why- Juno Steel, as I live and breathe! It's been quite some time, hasn't it?" Nureyev gasped happily. He knew he'd been seen; seems he had decided his best course of action was to confront Juno headon. Juno couldn’t exactly turn around and leave now, so he made his way over to where they were standing.
"It...really has. Can't seem to remember your name, Mr…?" Juno forced through gritted teeth. As furious as he was to see Nureyev again, he wasn't cruel; Nureyev’s name had nothing to do with this. That could remain a secret.
"Doctor, actually. Dr. Knight Rhiannon," he replied, extending a hand which Juno reluctantly shook. His relief would be imperceptible to anyone but Juno, but the way his darkly painted lips quirked up at the corners and his shoulders dropped slightly was impossible for Juno to miss. It made his heart flutter- which only made him more angry. He did not need this right now.
"Right, right. I think we should catch up, actually, doc." Juno gestured behind him. "See, I've got this thing on my back-"
"Oh, apologies, Mr. Steel, but I'm afraid you caught me in the middle of a conversation," he chuckled, "Mx. Credúle and I were just discussing this museum's impressive collection." He grinned wide; it looked more to Juno like a predator baring its teeth.
He wanted to yell. This idiot was going to give their whole museum away. And to him. Instead, he took a deep breath and nodded.
“Yeah, it is pretty impressive, isn’t it?" Juno nodded, jerking his thumb at the painting beside them, "Say, Credúle- how much does that painting cost? About as much as the sculpture that was stolen off Venus? ”
“More, actually,” Mx. Credúle grinned smugly, completely oblivious, “Though, you must forgive me Doctor, I actually did need to speak to Mr. Steel.”
“Oh, not to worry,” Nureyev smiled obligingly, “I wanted to get a better look at some of these masterpieces, anyway,” He winked at Juno.
“Actually, I-”
“Step aside with me,” Mx. Credúle said, pulling Juno along by the arm before he could protest. When they stopped, he whipped around to look for Nureyev. He was surveying a statue, stroking his chin in performative thought. Mx. Credúle stepped between them.
“Do you have any leads?” they asked.
“Maybe if you’d leave me to do my damn job I would.” Juno huffed, standing on tiptoe to look over their shoulder. Nureyev was walking around the other side of the sculpture. In a room so crowded, if he made it around the corner it would be hard to track him down again.
“Well. Be sure to keep me informed.”
“Uh huh. Bye.” Juno pushed past them towards Nureyev. They caught him by the arm and pulled him back around.
“Mr. Steel, I would encourage you to treat your clients with more respect. I am paying you.”
“If you wanted to pay for a chat, talk to Valles Vickie. I’m a Private Investigator; I would encourage you to let me investigate .”
“... Very well.” they replied, clearly fuming. Juno rolled his eye and stormed off in search of Nureyev.
He scanned the crowd but he was nowhere to be seen. Where did he go? He just managed to catch a glimpse of lace disappearing around a corner. Juno pushed through the crowd in pursuit. He stepped out of the main hall to see Nureyev ducking into a bathroom and darted in after him, slamming the door behind them.
"What the hell are you doing here?" he snapped.
Nureyev didn't look surprised to see him, leaning casually against the sink as if he'd been waiting for him.
"I could ask you the same thing. You didn't strike me as the type to attend an event like this."
"I was invited, thank you very much. To stop you from robbing the place blind. How did you even sneak in here with all the security? Fake invitation? Back entrance?"
"I was also invited."
"You were not."
"I was indeed. It seems Dr. Rhiannon was quite a popular man at the Planeta Amoris Charity Gala."
"Yeah, sure. I'll believe it when I see the card."
Nureyev blanched. He looked like he was about to throw up.
"Uh… Nureyev?" Juno said cautiously.
"Hm?" He blinked, apparently coming back to himself. He rubbed his wrist anxiously. Nureyev, anxious? "Apologies, detective. Distracted. That suit looks quite good on you."
"I- what?"
Nureyev cleared his throat.
"Nothing at all. In any case, I think you owe me a favour. Why don't you just enjoy yourself and leave me to my business, hm?"
" I may owe you one, but the museum doesn't. Hit me, then leave."
"I couldn't ruin my nails, detective." Peter chuckled, waving them in display. Claws, more like. They had been filed down to sharp points, most of them as black as the rest of his attire. Each hand had an accent nail, however, with glimmering gems inset.
Juno felt a chill run down his spine, suddenly struck with the thought of how they would feel scraping against his skin. Gross, Steel. You're trying to arrest this guy, not…
He shook his head to clear it, praying Nureyev missed that little lapse in focus.
"Fine, then just leave ." He huffed.
"Can't do that, I'm afraid. I've got bills to pay."
"Have you ever paid for a single thing in your life?"
"You've got me there," Nureyev chuckled. "Only decisions." His face grew somber. "Look, I appreciate your discretion regarding my name," he said with the utmost sincerity, "And I… apologize if I put too much pressure on you that night. It seems I misread the situation."
"It… it wasn't you," Juno sighed, "I really don't want to get into this right now."
"I do only wish that you wouldn't have led me along like that if you were only looking for...ah… a one night stand-"
"No, that's- I didn't-" Juno sighed. "Look. I meant it when I said it. I did want to... leave Mars behind and run away with you or whatever. But… last time I fell for someone that hard I got hurt. I couldn't risk it again and I panicked and... I should've said something. Left a note, at least."
"Even I granted you that courtesy," Nureyev smirked.
"Yeah. I'm… I’m sorry, Nureyev."
"Thank you." He smiled. His real smile, not the blase smirk he plastered on for show. Juno blinked up at him, thoughts running a million miles an hour. "Well. Now that we've settled that, I do believe we both have jobs to do."
"I'm not letting you steal anything." Juno said.
"We'll see about that." Nureyev chuckled. "If you don't mind, I need to touch up my makeup." He reached into a pocket Juno hadn't realized he had and produced a small cosmetic bag, waving it in display. He then slipped a tube of mascara out of his top.
"Wh-"
"Why are the bag and the mascara stored separately? Body heat warms it up and makes it smoother to apply." He replied with a shrug. "Besides, it's always nice to have plenty of places to keep things," he smirked.
"Uh. Right." Juno said suspiciously. He glanced around. There were no windows, and the only door was the one they'd entered through. If he stood outside it, he should be able to see Nureyev leaving. He was probably telling the truth. “I’ll uh… see you out there, I guess.”
“May the best man win.” Nureyev smiled, giving Juno a small wave.
"Hang on,” Juno paused, one hand on the door, “can I ask you a question?"
"I believe you just did." Nureyev replied.
"Why did you come back to Mars? I thought you would've left forever after..."
"My, Juno- for a lady who makes so many self-deprecating quips you sure do think highly of yourself," Nureyev chuckled, "You think one person would make me abandon an entire planet?"
"I- That's not-" Juno spluttered.
"Only teasing," Nureyev laughed, "In all honesty… I didn't plan to come back. There are plenty of other planets that don't contain petulant detectives and… less than pleasant memories." He rubbed his wrist in thought. "My employer, however, insisted on a painting from the best museum on every Solar planet. I managed to push it off until last, but they insisted. I almost turned away the last job but they tripled my salary and, well- how could I refuse?"
“Hm.” Juno nodded.
“Is that all?”
“Uh- yeah. Yeah I’ll…leave you to your makeup.”
“Thank you.”
Juno stepped out of the bathroom and leaned against the wall next to the door to wait for Nureyev. His comms beeped.
“What is it, Rita? I’m working.”
“That was real rude of you, boss, I was talkin’.”
“Yeah, and I was working. What do you want?”
“Okay well I was going through the guest list again to see if I missed something before because- well, honestly the list was really long and one of the guests' names reminded me of this stream I was watchin' the other day about a woman who tried to turn her sister into a crow because she stole her boyfriend but the magic bear she went to for help in the first place totally lied and-"
"Was there a point to this?"
"Oh yeah! One of the names on the list doesn't make sense. D-"
"Doctor Rhiannon?"
"Yeah, how'd you know?"
"Long story. He's our thief, though."
"Great! So...case solved?"
"Sort of. I can't exactly arrest him for a crime he hasn't committed yet. I've got to catch him in the act."
"Ooh, exciting!"
"Yeah, sure. For now, though, I want you to look into him. See if you can find any plans or communication between him and an employer, anything like that. Apparently he attended the event on Venus that was robbed if that helps any."
"I already knew that, but okie dokie, boss! I'm on it."
"Thanks." Juno hung up.
He leaned back against the wall with a sigh. Why him? Out of all the criminals on all of the planets… him.
"Speak of the devil," Juno muttered as the door to the bathroom swung open. Before Nureyev could slip away into the crowd, Juno linked arms with him.
"Hey, doc- thought I'd stick with you since you seem to have a good idea of what the museum has to offer," he said as he fell into step with Nureyev.
"Ah… alright. I suppose I can give you a quick tour," Nureyev relented, "To your left you'll see a sculpture that's too large to fit in my pocket, and to your right a painting that… well- it would seem someone has already stolen that one." Nureyev stopped in his tracks, staring at a painting with his head cocked to the side.
"What?" Juno asked, looking between Nureyev and the painting that was clearly hanging on the wall. Was this a distraction?
"Look at the shadow of the figure in the center- it's warped. The original is almost photorealistic. And her earring- famously a ruby to symbolize her vivacity- is now an emerald. That's a fake."
"Could the museum have just… bought a fake by accident?"
"Of course not." Nureyev laughed. "Not one that blatantly obvious, anyway. And look there,” Nureyev pointed up at the ceiling to a security camera hanging limply from its base, clearly tampered with.
"Did...you…?"
"Why would I point it out if I had stolen it, Juno?"
"I dunno, some kind of... bragging, or something."
"To the museum's curator, perhaps," Nureyev shrugged, "Not to a detective with such a keen eye."
"So you're telling me there are two thieves here?" Juno groaned, electing to ignore the compliment.
"Seems you have your work cut out for you." Nureyev chuckled.
"Out of curiosity… how would you have stolen that painting?"
"You want me to do your job for you?" Nureyev teased.
"Well it’s not every day you run into a galaxy-renowned criminal, thought I might as well ask."
"Alright…” Nureyev replied, poorly stifling a grin at the compliment, “Well, the painting is rather small, so once it was out of the frame it'd be no problem to slip it into a sleeve and wrap it around one's leg- especially under a gown. It'd be imperceptible."
"So we're looking for someone in a gown."
" You are, yes."
"You have to admit we make a good team."
"That we may, but I have my own job to do."
"Help me solve this and I'll split the pay."
Nureyev laughed.
"Oh, Juno. You think half of your meager earnings for protecting the museum come close to the black market cost of a priceless painting?"
"Meager is a little harsh," he muttered.
"I appreciate the offer but I'll stick with my employer."
"What do you need money for anyway?" Juno asked.
Nureyev turned away, slipping his arm out of Juno's grip.
"I believe we've had enough discussion. Good luck finding your thief."
"Rhiannon-" Juno called but Nureyev had already slipped away into the crowd. Juno groaned and stepped back into a hallway to call Rita.
"Steel Detective Agency, world's prettiest secretary speakin'-"
"Rita, it's me. The doctor isn't the only thief here."
"Huh?"
"I can't explain it right now, but we're looking for another thief. They have a painting on them, so their outfit has to be loose enough to fit it somewhere, like strapped around their leg or something."
"Oh this is so excitin'! It's just like that stream I watched the other day-what was it called…"
"Doesn't matter. Just get me a list of guests with outfits that'd be able to hide a painting. You can find their outfits, right?"
"Of course, boss."
"Okay. Do...that then. I'm gonna look around here." He hung up before she could get rambling again and glanced around the room. From where he was standing he could see five separate outfits that could hide a painting of that size and that was without even turning his head. He would need a better plan.
Someone walking with a painting strapped to their leg would probably move stiffly, but unfortunately for Juno most of the guests seemed to prefer standing in one place.
Security! He remembered. He went back to the front entrance and waved one of the security guards over.
"Listen, I have to get back in there but I have it on reasonable authority that one of the paintings has already been stolen." He spoke quickly and with as much confidence and authority as he could muster. He did not want to explain himself, and he hoped she would simply take his word for it and leave him be.
"I don't know if it's left the building yet, so I would be on the lookout for someone trying to leave early, especially if they're walking strangely and wearing an outfit that would easily hide a painting about this big-" He held out his arms. "Frame's still there, so they could have wrapped it around their leg or something. Keep an eye out, would you? Tell Credúle to notify me if anything happens."
The guard nodded at him, clearly still processing all of that information. Juno turned on his heel and retreated into the crowd before she could call him back.
Hopefully the guards would figure that out. Now, onto thief number two. Juno scanned the room. He finally caught sight of Nureyev again, walking by a series of small figurines. Juno squinted at them, watching carefully. Sure enough, when he passed by there was one less than before and Nureyev casually slipped his hand into his pocket a moment later. Juno shook his head, walking over to confront him.
Nureyev caught sight of him and turned to slip away into the crowd but Juno wasn't having it.
"Hey, doctor!" he yelled, "Doctor Rhiannon, hi! Long time no see!"
Nureyev reluctantly stopped and turned back, flashing Juno a glare for only a second before it was replaced once more with a polite smile.
"Why, apologies, Mr. Steel. I didn't see you there."
Juno stood slightly closer than he needed to, wanting to be within arm's reach if Nureyev should try to slip away again.
"Find your thief yet?" Nureyev asked in a low voice.
"Just the one," Juno replied, "Speaking of which-put it back."
"I'm afraid I have no idea what youre talking about." He chuckled.
"Yeah, you do," Juno rolled his eyes, "I watched you put it in your pocket."
Nureyev opened his mouth in a smirk, about to say something irritating, no doubt.
Unfortunately, he was cut off by something much worse than whatever he was about to say.
"I'm a patron of the arts." An unfortunately familiar voice said a little too close for comfort. Juno and Nureyev froze.
"I don't know if I would consider your streams art , Min." Someone replied.
"I never said I was a patron of fine art." She chuckled. The group burst into polite laughter. They were headed right towards them.
"If Min sees me, I'm dead." Juno hissed.
"If Min sees me , I'm as good as." Nureyev replied.
"Well then…" Without thinking, Juno grabbed Nureyev by the collar and pulled him in for a kiss. Nureyev tilted his head away from Min, sliding his hand up Juno's face to block it from her view. Juno tried to keep a clear head but he was kissing Peter Nureyev . The second seemed to stretch on forever. He tasted like champagne and mint, the scent of his cologne almost intoxicating this close.
He was sent back to the first time they'd kissed when- oh right! Juno subtly slid his hand into Nureyev's pocket and retrieved the small figurine, concealing it in his fist. The group passed without comment.
Nureyev pulled away first.
"You're lucky I spring for the most expensive lipstick, Juno," He chuckled breathlessly, "Otherwise the smears would draw more attention than the eyepatch."
"That- that was just so Min wouldn't-"
"Yes, yes. It meant nothing, I understand," he laughed, "Now go on, you have a statuette to replace, I presume."
"I don't know what you’re talking about," Juno said slowly.
"Remember who taught you that trick," he smirked, "Oh, and Juno?" He called as Juno turned to leave, a curious smirk on his lips.
"...what?" Juno asked flatly. He didn't know where he was going with this but he knew he wouldn't like it.
"If you watched me steal something, why wouldn't you turn me in? In fact- you've seen me do many things that warrant a nice long discussion with a judge and yet here I stand, free as a bird. You aren't this soft on all your suspects, are you?"
“I- you-” Juno stammered. He could feel his face growing hot as he scrambled to find an answer. In all honesty, he didn't want it to be over that quickly. He couldn't deny it; he had missed Nureyev. Though he knew he would make the same decision if given the opportunity, he couldn't help but ache for a version of reality where he'd stayed with Nureyev, where he could place his trust in someone unflinchingly, safe in the knowledge they would do the same.
Juno Steel, however, did not live in that reality. Instead, he forced out a simple excuse.
“Look, if you're talking about Grim's mask and that whole thing with Engstrom, I can’t just turn you in with no evidence.”
“And why not?”
“That’s not how it works,” he scoffed.
“Tell that to them,” he laughed, pointing behind Juno. Was he trying that trick? Seriously? What was he, five?
“Unhand me!” A voice called from behind Juno. He turned around to see a woman in a crimson gown being escorted- more like carried- into the hall from the front entrance by two security guards.
“Mx. Credúle!” One of the guards called over the woman’s indignant cries.
“ What is the meaning of this?” Mx. Credúle hissed.
“She’s got a painting.” The other guard said plainly.
“I do not! ” She shrieked, jerking her arms free of their grip at last. She smoothed down her sleeves, fuming. “Credúle, I have never been so mistreated in my life - To think , they would accuse me of theft! I would laugh if I were not so utterly offended .”
“What evidence do you have?” They snapped at the guards.
“She's got a big dress," the guard on her left said.
"A-and she was walking strangely. We thought she might have…. taped a painting to her leg or something."
Juno hoped against hope they didn't implicate him in all this. He quietly took Nureyev by the arm and held a finger to his lips. After a confused nod, he pulled Nureyev around so they were hidden from the guards' view behind a large statue. They peered out around it to watch what happened next.
Mx. Credúle was pale.
" Walking strangely?" the woman whispered. She gathered her skirts and lifted them slightly. Underneath was an intricately detailed heel on her left foot… and an equally intricate deep black prosthetic on her right.
"I'll have you know this prosthetic was made too short for this heel. Next time I'll be sure to have a custom made faster so I can check the height to avoid being manhandled and accused of theft! " She huffed.
"Madam Allec, I cannot begin to explain how sorry-"
"And I cannot begin to explain how disgusted I am. I'm sure it goes without saying that I will be withdrawing my donor status. Permanently. Send your pleas to my secretary, but he'll tell you the same." She turned on her heel and left the hall.
Slowly, the stifling silence that had fallen over the room was replaced with a chorus of gossip, disdain, and laughter.
Mx. Credúle followed after her, guards in tow. Juno had a feeling he'd be hearing about that later.
He breathed a sigh of relief when they'd left the room.
"Tipped off the guards?" Nureyev asked, an infuriatingly amused edge to his voice.
"Unfortunately… yeah. Hopefully I can find the person who actually took it before I get chewed out for that one."
"Well, I'd best leave you to it, then." Nureyev moved to leave.
" No , you'd best help me. We can deal with… the rest of it later. You can consider it a bonus on top of your other paycheck."
Nureyev started to shake his head.
"Come on, Rhiannon. You have to admit, it’s kind of fun."
He paused to consider for a moment.
"Alright."
"...Wait, really?"
"Why not? It might be fun ," he shrugged.
"O-okay, cool," Juno replied awkwardly, still surprised he'd agreed, "So, first order of business, then, is to figure out who our suspects are."
"Alright. Let's both do a lap of the hall and compare notes." Nureyev nodded.
"Are you just trying to get away from me so you can steal more?" Juno asked, squinting at him suspiciously.
Before he could reply, Juno's comms beeped. Juno rolled his eye and grabbed Nureyev by the wrist, pulling him into a quieter hallway. He caught the flinch he knew Nureyev had hoped he’d missed. That was something to figure out later.
"Don't let Rita hear you." He said. Nureyev gave a curt nod and Juno answered.
"What have you got?" he asked.
“That took so long boss I-”
“I didn’t ask how long it took, I asked what you had .”
"Geez, sorry thought we could chat a little but no ,” Rita grumbled, dragging out the ‘o’, “ Somebody's too busy having fun at a party without me- ”
“Rita!”
“Fine, fine, I just sent you pictures of everyone who could hide a painting in their outfits."
"Thank you.” Juno sighed.
“There’s a lotta pictures there, though, boss. I dunno how helpful it’s gonna be.”
“I’ll figure it out.” He shrugged, reaching to hang up.
“I noticed somethin’ weird while I was lookin, though…” Rita said, stopping Juno in his tracks. “Marshall Bellerose? The actor from Humphrey Bogart 64? He’s wearing the same gown he was wearing to the premiere of Sherlock Holmes Ice Adolescence: The Story of Tax Evasion (The Animal).”
“It probably cost more than a house, I’d rewear it too.” Juno scoffed. Nureyev gave Juno a look. He mouthed something that Juno couldn’t make out. He shook his head in confusion, pointing to his right ear which wasn’t currently occupied.
“Maybe, but I dunno. Celebrities don’t usually wear the same thing, especially not to an event. It's a big no-no.”
Nureyev stepped to Juno’s right, directly into his blind spot.
“Motive,” He whispered in Juno’s ear, sending a shiver down Juno's spine.
Then it clicked. Bellerose was short on creds so he stole the painting to make some quick.
Juno was going to pretend the shiver was from solving the case rather than the feeling of his hot breath on his ear-
“ Oh! Good work, Rita.”
“Really?” Rita gasped.
“Yeah. Okay, last thing- see if you can find me anything on Bellerose’s plans for tonight- especially if it involves selling something.”
“On it!” Rita replied. The comms beeped as she hung up.
Juno turned back to Nureyev- but he was gone. He'd stood in his blind spot on purpose so Juno couldn't see him leave. Bastard.
Juno shook his head, grumbling to himself as he headed back into the hall to find him.
"Goddammit…" he groaned when he spotted him. He was talking to Bellerose. Of course he was.
He was giggling at something he'd said, batting him lightly on the arm. Juno felt a wave of anger rush over him that he wanted to believe was due to the possibility of Nureyev ruining the mission and not….jealousy.
He wanted to push over there and drag him away but he didn't exactly have proof he was doing anything wrong, did he? After all, he'd said he would help. Maybe he was just trying to confirm their suspicions and-oh, who was he kidding? He was probably trying to help him escape before Juno could catch him and get a cut of the creds.
Juno sidled up next to them to eavesdrop on their conversation, trying to remain as inconspicuous as possible. They were standing close enough to a painting encased in glass that Juno could watch them in the reflection, all the while appearing to simply be enthralled with a blue square on a piece of paper. He liked bad art but even that was a little much for him.
Nureyev's eyes flitted towards him for half a second but aside from that he made no other indication that there was anyone in the world apart from Bellerose. It made Juno's blood boil.
"Oh, you're just so funny, sweetheart!" Rhiannon crooned. "Funny, handsome and rich? Aren't you just the perfect package?"
"Well, still working on that third one, there, but soon enough I will be," he smirked. And humble too.
"Oh?" Rhiannon pressed.
"Can't say too much about it," he shrugged, "But it's gonna be big ."
"Well, you can't go and say that and expect me not to be curious!" Rhiannon laughed, shoving his arm playfully. He let his hand linger, staring into his eyes with a look Juno knew all too well. He couldn’t help but wonder… was he faking it with me too?
"I didn't say you couldn't be curious, I just can't tell you."
"You tease!" Rhiannon pouted. He drew closer to Bellerose, tenderly ghosting a knuckle over his cheekbone. "I wouldn't tell anyone, I swear. I'm very good at keeping secrets."
Bellerose reflexively rested a hand on Rhiannon's waist. Juno saw his resolve crumble.
“Well…” he glanced around furtively, then leaned in and told Rhiannon something too soft for Juno to catch. Damn! Juno could have recorded him admitting everything if he’d just been a little faster. He reached for his mini-recording device but it was nowhere to be found. He checked all his pockets even though he knew he’d stored it in his right suit pocket, but he must have… dropped it or something.
Juno jumped at a hand on his arm. Nureyev, smirking triumphantly.
"Everything alright, detective?" he asked.
"What the hell was that about?" Juno snapped.
"I believe we should discuss this in a quieter locale," he murmured.
"You mean you want to move me so Bellerose is out of my line of sight, that way you two can-"
"Juno!" Nureyev hissed. "I mean nothing of the sort. I think you've misinterpreted the situation."
"Misinterpreted- yeah, sure, you flirting with our suspect is just me misinterpreting-"
"It is, actually," Nureyev replied, rolling his eyes. He slipped Juno's recording device out of his top where he'd placed the mascara earlier.
"I caught him explaining his plans on this , which you can have back now that I've finished doing your job for you," he teased, placing it in Juno's palm.
"I- uh-"
"Very eloquently put. Now, if you'll excuse me-" He moved to leave but Juno caught his wrist before he could. That look again. What- oh. Juno could only just see the hint of an electrical burn under his thumb. With all that Juno had gone through, he had forgotten how much of a toll Miasma must have taken on Nureyev.
He loosened his grip.
"No- Rhiannon, look, I-" Juno sighed. "Thank you. I should have... trusted you."
"You should have." He smirked, slipping his hand into Juno's. He squeezed it and let go. "Now, I believe you have to get that to security before he leaves- or before they grab another innocent."
"That I do." Juno sighed reluctantly. "There's no chance you'll come with me?"
"I find it funny you think that question is even worth asking," he chuckled.
“Why not?” Juno asked, suddenly struck by a realization.
“Why would I rather not follow a detective to a group of security guards? My, Juno- I’m starting to wonder how you manage to solve a case without me.”
“No, I mean why not help me with the next one?”
“It’s highly unlikely that there are three thieves at one gala.”
“That’s not what I meant and you know it,” Juno rolled his eyes. Why did Nureyev have to make sincerity so difficult? He pushed on, “Look at how quickly we solved this. Whether you like it or not, you’re… you’re really good at this. We’re really good at this. I can’t leave Hyperion City, not yet. Maybe someday, but until then, I could really use a partner.”
“A partner…” Nureyev rolled the word around in his mouth. Juno felt a bit light-headed and he wasn’t sure he could blame it on the champagne. The two of them sharing his office, working side-by-side; until they’d solved this case, Juno wasn’t sure he’d be able to do anything right ever again. He’d fucked up, walking out on Nureyev. He wasn’t ready.
But this? This he was ready for.
“I’ll certainly consider it.” Nureyev replied slowly. Juno’s eyes darted across his face, trying to find an answer to the conflict in his tone. He wasn’t sure Nureyev had the answer either.
“In the meantime…” Nureyev nodded at the recording device.
"Yeah, yeah.” There was nothing Juno wanted to do less than walk away from Nureyev right now… Almost nothing. He really didn’t want to get chewed out by Credúle for letting the Bellerose slip away. He sighed.
"Just... don't steal anything while I'm gone."
"Wouldn't dream of it," Nureyev replied with a little too much expression.
"Right. Well. I'll be back, I guess," he squinted at Nureyev, trying to gauge his next move, but he had nothing.
"Ta ta, detective," he gave Juno a little wave and slipped into the crowd.
“Let’s make this quick.” Juno muttered. He found a fuming Credúle near the entrance struggling to keep their voice down as they ranted at the guards. Juno almost felt bad for them. Almost.
“It was him! He gave us the tip!” One of the guards pointed at Juno and they lost all sympathy. Mx. Credúle whipped around, ready to blow up on Juno too.
“I’ve got your guy, Credúle.” Juno called, holding up his hands in surrender.
“You had better .” they hissed.
Juno waved the recorder at them and explained the situation, playing them the clip. Nureyev had managed to only catch Bellerose’s voice, so he didn’t have to explain that at least. They seemed quite relieved to find the culprit at last and set off at once to apprehend them, Juno and the guards in tow.
Juno couldn't focus on the arrest, though. He was too busy scanning the room for Nureyev, who was nowhere to be seen. Juno frowned.
He tried to go off in search of the thief but Credúle called him back, too busy enjoying their success to let his captive audience dissipate. Juno couldn't explain so he stood and waited, counting down the seconds until he could leave, eyes darting across the crowded hall for any sign of Nureyev.
They were standing near that painting Credúle had pointed out, the one of the forest at night. Juno eyed it again, bored of Credúle's monologue. It really was gorgeous. The fire really popped against the stark black sky.
Stark black sky? Juno squinted at it, leaning, closer and closer until his nose was practically pressed up against the canvas but still- no stars.
Shit.
He pushed through the crowd, ignoring Credúle's displeasure.
"Rhiannon?" he called, hoping someone would know who he was talking about and point him in the right direction.
He lapped the main hall twice, checked down every other hall and bathroom but he was nowhere to be found. Nureyev was gone.
“God dammit!” he hissed, punching the wall, “Goddammit!” he whined for a new reason, shaking out his hand.
He muttered a string of curses under his breath as he ran out of the building, praying for even one glimpse of the thief but it was all for naught. Juno ran his hands through his hair, trying to keep from yelling.
His comms beeped.
"Y-yeah?” he breathed.
"It made the news already, boss! I heard on the radio that they caught the thief!”
“A thief, Rita. They caught a thief.” Juno thought he was going to be sick.
“Well- that’s what I was gonna ask, they only mentioned Marshal Bellerose. Have you tracked down Dr. Rhiannon? Got the jump on him? Got him pinned right where you want him?”
“I could not be less… that.”
“What?!”
“He… he got away,” he muttered uselessly.
“Did he use a car? A ship? I can trace him, Mistah Steel, I-”
“Forget it, Rita. We’re not solving this one.”
“But…”
“But nothing. I gotta go,” he turned back towards the entrance, pausing with a sigh. “You did good tonight,” he added, “Thanks.”
“Just doing my job!” She replied happily, “Night, Mistah Steel!”
“Good night, Rita.”
Juno heaved another sigh and headed back inside. He set his jaw and let Credule’s words flow past him; a scolding, then a commendation, then something about payment- he couldn’t be bothered to actually listen. He was far too busy chasing the image of Nureyev through his mind.
Juno stumbled into bed hours later, numb from more than just the alcohol and hugged the pillow to his chest, staring into the dark of his empty, empty room.
Had he attended the event on purpose? Did he know Juno would be there? He was quite the actor, unfortunately. Juno couldn’t know a single thing for sure.
Hell, for all Juno knew, he’d orchestrated it all just to steal that damn painting.
Juno sighed. No, he hadn’t. In the grand scheme of things they hadn't really known each other that long, but he knew Nureyev’s tells. That kiss was more than just a distraction. He wanted it just as bad as Juno did.
He’d be back. Of that, at least, Juno was sure. And for tonight, that would have to be enough.
Juno turned out all the pockets on the suit, making sure he’d removed all of his things before he had to return it. Recorder, keys- that’s where those went- spare laser cartridges, a flask, some gum and- “Huh?”
A small scrap of paper fluttered to the ground. Juno stared at it, eye wide.
He snatched it up off the ground and unfolded it. His heart skipped a beat. He knew that handwriting.
“ Until next time, dear detective.”
Juno read the words over and over until every pen stroke was seared into his mind.
“Gotta be here somewhere…” he muttered to himself, rifling through the pile of clothes that had accumulated on the bottom of his closet, one hand firmly closed around the small, folded up piece of paper.
“Aha!” He pulled out a box he hadn’t seen in quite some time. With a deep breath, he summoned the courage to open it. He pushed past the memories- the t-shirt she always used to borrow, an icy blue eye shadow compact, the ring box- to find it, loose on the bottom of the box; a locket. He removed the picture without looking at it and dropped it into the box, replacing it with the note in his hand before firmly pressing it closed. He tucked it safely beneath his shirt, patting it gently with a smile. With considerably less care he closed up the box and buried it once more at the back of his closet.
Peter Nureyev. The man who ruled his life like a bird in flight. So elusive, and yet- right here, next to his heart, Juno held a piece of him. Until they met again, Juno would keep his eyes trained on the sky.