His appearance takes shape into the same gentlemen, he properly readjusts his tie before proceeding to the front of the house to knock. The door opens.
???:
"Oh? You're back early, how was work?"
The woman greeted him with a smile as she opened the door, then returned to the kitchen, seamlessly continuing to prepare a delicious meal, while he entered and neatly placed his fedora on the coathanger.
Markin Razzio(???):
"Oh, just the usual, you know how it is."
???:
"Mhm, dinner's almost ready, so can you wake the kids up?"
Markin Razzio(???&INT):
"Kids, huh?"
Ascending the stairs, he cleared his throat nervously before reluctantly swinging open the door to the children's room.
Markin Razzio(???):
"Uhm, kids? Dinner's ready."
??? #1 & 2:
"Hi dad!"
??? #3:
"You're back!"
The three energetic kids dashed towards him, embracing his leg tightly; he nervously glanced downward, discomfort evident in his expression.
Markin Razzio(???):
"Uh, right, hurry downstairs, your mother's waiting for you three."
"And tell your mother I'll be down there in a minute, okay?"
The giggling kids raced down the stairs, their faces adorned with adorable smiles, nodding eagerly as they went. He stood in silence as the children descended the stairs, an unexplainable emptiness enveloping him.
Markin Razzio(???&INT):
"Dad..."
A solitary tear traced his cheek, and he gently brushed it away with his fingertips, examining the glistening droplet in his hand.
Markin Razzio(???&INT):
"...I'm just pretending to be their dad..."
"I'm a thief, that's right..."
"...This is what I want for my life."
"I don't want kids... they'll just be... a pain in the ass..."
He cleared his throat, rubbed his neck, then navigated the hallways of the 2nd story, arriving at the main bedroom. There, he seized a nearby suitcase, opening it with intent to empty its contents.
Among the wooden lockers, he discovered jewelry and expensive items. Examining the shelves, he uncovered rings and, after rearranging some objects, stumbled upon a wedding picture. Holding it gingerly, he caught his reflection, placing the picture back down with a contemplative gaze.
As he returned the picture to the shelf, he caught sight of a hooded figure outside in the alley below, staring at him from the shadows. The intensifying rain provided an ominous backdrop as the figure slowly turned and vanished into the dark alleyway.
Gasping for breath, he hurriedly stowed more jewelry in the suitcase, sealing it shut. Just as he turned around, the woman switched on the lights, perplexed by his actions.
???:
"Gareth? What's the matter?"
After wiping his forehead, he let out a sigh.
Markin Razzio(Gareth Williams):
"I accidentally left something back at work."
???:
"Oh, really? What's with the suitcase?"
Markin Razzio(Gareth Willaims):
"The thing I left in question was my actual suitcase..."
She raised an eyebrow before giggling to herself.
???:
"Mhm, okay."
"Be home quickly and safely, alright?"
"Your food will be on the table waiting for you, honey."
Approaching him, she planted a gentle kiss, followed by a soft smile, before gracefully descending the stairs. After regaining his composure, he walked downstairs with the suitcase, donned his fedora, and reached for the door handle. Unexpectedly, the kids ran up, hugging his leg, catching him slightly off guard.
??? #1:
"Please come home safe, okay dad?"
??? #2:
"Love you!"
The woman couldn't help but giggle as the kids clung to his leg in a tight hug. With a gradual and gentle smile, he bit his lip, restraining emotions he hadn't experienced in quite a while.
Markin Razzio(Gareth Williams):
"...I... I love you's too..."
Stepping into the wet, raining streets after leaving the house, he paused by the unconscious man in the alley, gently laying a gold pocket watch on his chest. Continuing on, he lowered his head and shielded his face with a fedora, seamlessly reverting to his original appearance.
Lifting the hat, he pressed on, aware of the hooded figure trailing him around the corner. Anticipating the encounter, he sighed, persevering until he veered into an alleyway. As Markin turned into the alleyway, a hooded figure silently followed, and as they ventured deeper, Markin eventually broke the silence with his first words.
Markin Razzio:
"You hired to kill me?"
Hooded Figure:
"Nope."
Markin Razzio:
"Money?"
Hooded Figure:
"...I wouldn't say yes, but I wouldn't say no either."
Markin Razzio:
"Then what is it that you want?"
Hooded Figure:
"...Well, you have something important that'll end up benefitting me."
"Your shapeshifting magic, that's what I want."
Markin Razzio:
"...You one of those trafficker fellas'?"
Hooded Figure:
"No, I just want your magic for means of my own."
Markin Razzio:
"Right..."
Markin froze in the dimly lit alley, pivoting to gaze at the hooded figure lingering at a cautious distance behind him. He took and placed the fedora on the wet floor before loosening the tie on his neck and wrapping it around his fist.
Markin Razzio:
"If you don't mind, I'd like to see your face before we fight."
Hooded Figure:
"Of course, if it makes it easier."
The figure revealed himself by removing his hood, prompting a surprised scoff from Markin.
Markin Razzio:
"Huh... you're that wanted guy. Kade right?"
Kade Northwood:
"Oh? I didn't know I'd be well known."
Markin Razzio:
"Well, you're not known to the public. But I'd see your face every now and then at the homes of higher-ups or government dogs."
Kade Northwood:
"Well, none of it matters anyways, I'm more focused on that magic of yours than myself."
Markin Razzio:
"My magic, huh?"
"Ever heard of the saying "Don't thieve from a thief"?"
Kade Northwood:
"No, and honestly, I don't care."
"It's not like anyone would care for you anways, this'll just be the usual "criminal-on-criminal" crime."
"So no one will bat an eye."
Markin and Kade simultaneously shed their outer layers—Markin removing his lounge jacket and cracking his knuckles and neck, while Kade discards his coat and indulges in a stretch, and knuckle cracking.
Under the persistent rain, both men assume deliberate fighting stances, initiating a prolonged standoff where the intensified sounds of rain blend with their heightened breathing, creating a tense atmosphere.
Kade Northwood & Markin Razzio(INT):
"!"