Darkhölme.

"Admit it, you adore that. How often do you get a smart-ass around you, hm?"

How will I spin this...

"What a role model. The star of the community and a boon to the city. I should write this all down..."

"Hmph. You'll be surprised how durable I am..."

She stood still once she got to the entrance. Catching the eye of one of the BUCKLER employees, she gave out a wink and a chuckle.

"How often you come here?"

"It's Cammy for the next hour or so, luv. I only came by for your squats workout, remember?"

"And those in power love to abuse it. Especially on the ground floor."

Shifting into park a block off, she stepped out in the active wear she shifted into.

"We'll table this for later."

"Still a peacekeeping organization. And one that had a ravishing martial artist on payroll..."

"Buckler has an interesting reputation in this city. We've already gotten permit requests for protests near that building. Turns out not a lot of people support businesses that are related to PMCs."

"But I suppose I'm the last one to talk morals."

"After today. I like this body a lot. What gym do you frequent? Hopefully it's not on the other side of the city."

"You try being stuck in office full of stiffs all day. I finally get to do something exciting this week."

"Besides, she's a lot easier to pass off in public than the senator."

She leans toward the passenger side to peck her cheek.

" 'It's reserved for Cammy', right?"

Her work day was over, so she stashed her briefcase in her truck and managed to get out of the federal with little notice.

Raven's body shifted out of the senator's façade and into the lovable former doll Chun-Li was familiar with.

📲 I'm outside.

I'll bring a lot more than that, Ms. Siang. I'll be there after the office.

If only she could be here in an instant...!

Need a spotter? I wasn't aware that you liked people watching.

Oh, I can tell... You should talk to her, if you can stomach her posh personality.

Right, a disciplined regimen versus thigh fillers. Honey, she just does squats.

Couldn't be better than yours.

"...some things are on the table. Some things aren't. If someone needs to be offed, then I'm pulling the trigger."

"I'm not as chaotic as some think I am."

"Only if it absolutely calls for one. You don't just blow something up for the hell of it. That's sloppy."

"Glad I can be that spice in your life, then. I'll be sure to bring much more in the future."

"Always, but don't take it as I'm using you. Even though it's beneficial to have one of the world's strongest humans in my back pocket, I truly admire you."

Lips lightly touch the back of her hand.

"Seems you feel the same way."

"For the meantime, yes."

Raven carefully stepped inside and helped the fighter up onto her seat. The facade dropped once the door closed and that beautiful blue skin returned.

"Chinatown, and step on it."

"I've been working on it for a week. Hope they get my good side."

"Keep to your word, Chun-Li."

She rubbed the fighter's palms and slithered out of her hold.

"Let's get you to your car."

"Sounds like a plan, then. But for how long? She'll come into my office to interrogate me, and as long as I lead her astray, she'll come back around to you."

"Mm. You have a point..."

She slides the money back to Chun-Li, grazing her fingers before reeling her hand back.

"Wonder what tabloid would pick it up in the morning."

"Maybe, but this senator is leaving. Perhaps someone else will show up to feed you."

The waitress finally brings the bill to Raven, slapping a few bills on the tray and sending her back.

"Could be anyone."

"I'm savoring every last bite. Never know when your CIA friend will come and ruin our dinner."

Her foot came to hook and rub the top of the fighter's, finally finishing the spoonful.

"Yours looks delicious."

"Never made any use of it, then. She's awful at actual hand-to-hand combat."

Raven punctured the sugary glazed top of her desert, keeping eye contact with the other as the spoon touched her tongue.

"And how many times have you kissed my daughter? I'm not surprised. After all, she has that Southern charm."