Of Theives and Nobles (Cristo, Mercutio, Open)|INA

[romeo]

The ball was two days from tonight and Romeo was ready to make his move, not much was known about the count all that was set in stone was that he was extremely wealthy and had managed to avoid the upper class radar, did he inherit the money? or was he a secret billionaire? this man was clearly shrouded in mystery that much was certain....

The count knew how to live, with a lavish manor and various expensive objects...Romeo was truly lucky that the old tunnels he played in as a child led to the backyard of the manor in question. In the cover of night Romeo awaits Mercutio and hopefully a few others he had met at the beach a few days prior, he had promised to return the mask once the ball was over yet stealing such a prized mask was no easy task...as the cold breeze blew in silence Romeo glances at his watch hoping to soon meet the blond girl yet again in 2 days.

He didn't want to admit it yet Romeo was slightly intrigued by this man he had often read about in the papers as of late. How could he own such a valuable art collection and remain anonymous? Romeo didn't hear of him in the noble circles or the underworld for that matter and getting his address was truely nothing short of a miracle

[THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO]

Monte Cristo was home; that is to say, he was in his house. Whether he was paying attention to his surroundings was another story.

He was seated at his desk in the study, intently reading a set of files placed before him. There were only two lights on in the building- the overhead light in the kitchen that remained on until Monte Cristo went to sleep, and the little desk lamp that offered a little light to help his reading. The rest of the building was completely silent. It was late, and the few servants he had at this apartment (as opposed to the full staff he employed at his Long Island mansion) had already left for the night.

Monte Cristo occupied two floors of a small building that was more of a townhouse than an apartment. The bottom floor contained the living room, kitchen, a guest room, and a bathroom, while the upper level held Monte Cristo's bedroom and the spare room he had converted into a study, as well as another full bathroom and a half-bathroom. It was a nice and well-kept building, and had been surprisingly affordable even for Monte Cristo.

He had chosen the place in part for its modesty and in part for its location near his New York office. Really, he could have saved money by just working at home, but he did not like the idea of conducting business in the space he considered a sanctuary. Besides, money was no object to Monte Cristo. The fortune he had "inherited" from Faria had been enormous, and after Monte Cristo began investing it, it just doubled and tripled itself over and over again. The man had a knack for picking up on worthwhile opportunities; he had not made a poor choice with his money yet.

Most of Monte Cristo's prized possessions were actually at his Long Island home. The apartment was not as secure as that particular location; he had not even gotten around to installing a burglar alarm yet. Monte Cristo was picky when it came to security, and was still hashing it out with several companies who were vying for his business. However, he did have a few items in the apartment. Notably, his costume for the upcoming Capulet ball was all there, including the black and silver mask he had been planning to wear. The mask was an authentic, custom-made item he had bought back home in New Orleans for another ball, one at which there had been far more ill-will involved. He claimed it was a family heirloom, when in fact it was not. This was just one of many lies Monte Cristo created and told on a daily basis. He had to keep from being discovered, after all.

Still, it was a beautiful mask, one that everyone seemed to like. There were pictures of him wearing it at that past ball, which may have been publicized. He was not sure and did not mind if they were. His life had become increasingly public as his wealth had become known.

Also in the apartment were part of his weapons collection, including a handgun inlaid with ivory (one of a set) and a couple of swords. New York was a dangerous place at times, and he had to keep himself safe whilst he came to an agreement on the alarm system. While the costume and mask were downstairs in the guest room, where Bertuccio had left them, the gun and swords were upstairs in his room.

However, nothing of the sort had happened in the month or so that Monte Cristo had been living in the place. The apartment was quiet, as it always was, as he put on his reading glasses and continued to pore over the documents before him, paying little mind to anything that might be going on outside.

[queenmab]

Clop, clop, clop, clop

Mercutio's bright orange Doc Martens thudded against the pavement as he strolled through the streets of Greenwich. The silver moon in the sky was full and high, reflecting upon the glistening waters spouting from a stone fountain in the middle of Washington Square Park. It was a pleasantly mild evening, and the young man was genuinely enjoying this time outside. Too bad he'd soon be within the confines of a secret passageway he and Romeo had previously explored. He exhaled a plume of cigarette smoke into the cool, gentle breeze and surveyed his surroundings.

Mercutio had been told to meet Romeo somewhere in this general district, on the street corner adjacent to a drug store they had frequently visited. He knew full well what mission they'd be embarking upon. Monte Cristo was a man Mercutio had certainly heard of, having some sort of noble reputation and of being a charmer. How accurate that was, he didn't know, but perhaps some day he'd find out more. Did he really care to find out more? Not really. Right now, Mercutio was focused on the art of theivery. It had been some time since he'd really stolen anything, but that didn't discourage him any. It'd be just like old time when he was a teenager in boarding school. Those pompous, senile bastards hadn't stopped him before, even on the brink of expulsion. This would be a cinch.

He continued further, picking up his pace when he noticed the silhouette of his friend becoming clearer in the distance.

"The master of trickery has arrived" he announced as he finally reached him, giving a little bow for him.

"Now, let's infiltrate the County's mansion."

[IRENE ADLER]

Irene smiled when she saw the two gentelmen up on the tree she was pearched and started to slide down as she smiled her body upside down as she took off her device and 2 guns and set them on the tree branch. "Hello boys pleasure to see you two here... you left me pretty alone back at the beach remember "" she chirped and studied her hands wondering what the boys where up to.

Had they also come here to steal Monte Cristos prized possesions and in those clothes well they were a hopeless bunch where they not, I mean who would come to a burglary in such clothing, flopping down from the tree she started to unzip her jacket revealing her braw as she placed it on the branch and started to walk back over to her bag and started to ruffle through it.

She needed to find that dress the jade one with sparkles , she wanted to make a glamorous entry for Cristo , but would he buy that she was sent for him as a present by one of his friends , did the man even have any friends at all she wondered doubting weather or not she could really do this.

[queenmab]

Suddenly, before Romeo could even give a reply, a sultry female voice sliced into the silence. Mercutio glanced up, the cigarette dangling from his lips still. He raised his eyebrows upon seeing a woman hanging upside down from a tree branch, as if it were a regular way of observing. She was quite the woman indeed, now moaning something about missing them. It sounded like she was only entertaining that notion, that she didn't truly mean it.

Mercutio gave a slanted smirk as he exhaled a thin stream of smoke through his nostrils flatly.

"You're like one of those women who goes on about saying things just for the hell of it," he began. "But there's never any true sentiment enforcing the words you speak. Very hollow."

He took a few steps towards her. She was undressing now, and he couldn't resist to glance at her sizable jugs. Hell, she should expect it - she was taking the opportunity to exhibit them, since she had an audience.

"And now you've returned because you can't resist the chance to play with another boytoy."

He sized her up for a moment. She was quite exotically beautiful...and judging by her weaponry, probably dangerous. Not to be trusted. But respectable in the sense that she obviously took no shit from anyone.

"Regardless of the fact, we welcome your company. Might I ask what your dress is for? I wouldn't recommend wearing such a lovely garment if you're planning to join us through the tunnel."

[IRENE ADLER]

Irene quirked her brow at hearing the gentel man say that she was the kind of woman who always said things for the hell of it, that was actually partly true but also it was her just being friendly, she really did not have many men to miss at all, and to be all honest theese two boys would need her help for whatever reason they where here.

" Hmmm maybe so my good fellow , but still your just as charming as ever , flattering a woman like me, and also trying to get on my good side, if you really want to get on my good side" she purred at the end and started to slide her hands down the mans pockets and smiled taking out the ciggarets and licking her lower lip as she placed 2 cigarrets under her bra and lighted a third one.

Noticing him staring at her bra she snickered and started to take off her pants and started to leave the dress, as she was going to get her cat suit, and went into the bushes to really get dressed in privatly as she hoped the man would not be to intrigued by her to actually come after her. Hearing him say that she could really not resist playing with another boy toy made her chuckle, " Lets just say its you who can't resist " she replied and chuckled.

Hearing him say for the last time that they welcomed her made her feel confortable as she first slipped onto the pants part of the suit and stared around wondering if anybody was looking at her or not.

[queenmab]

Mercutio watched as the woman reacted to his first statement, and nearly rolled his eyes when he noticed her brows raised skeptically. Oh, don't even pretend, sweet wench, for I call them as I see them, he thought to himself. He'd open his mouth and say that out loud (hell, he wasn't afraid of her reaction) but she still continued talking, addressing some of his more bleak comments.

"Woman. I don't even know your name, nor have you learned mine. You couldn't possibly accuse me of trying to flatter you" he shot back smartly. The corners of his lips pulled into a smug smirk. Then, she drew closer, and reached into his back pocket and retrieved a few cigarettes. That sneaky little vixen!

Mercutio glared at her. Slipping his cigarettes under her bra strap like that, thinking she was too cute. No, no, that wouldn't work with him.

"No mother to teach you manners either? Or perhaps, she was just as entitled as you" he growled sarcastically. Mercutio snatched the two cancer sticks from underneath the silky material quickly, practically scratching her skin (and he wouldn't care if she has bled) and slipping them into his pocket. Where they belonged.

She retreated into the bushes to continue changing, damn right, and emerged in a suit fashioned to resemble that of cat. How fitting. She was just as selfish and vain as one - shamelessly licking her own ego.

Mercutio shrugged his shoulders. How wrong she was! But he didn't care to inform her. He glanced over at Romeo expectantly, having grown impatient of waiting to embark on their little night mission.

"Whenever you're ready, friend."

[benvolio]

Ben ran down a dark street, his eyes flitting around him: first up at the street signs as he passed, then down at his phone, up again to mark various landmarks, shopfronts, etc., and back down again to read and re-read the offending text message that glared up at him. Romeo had come up with a good many harebrained schemes in his time, but stealing from Monte Cristo? This was ridiculous! Did he honestly expect to get away with it?

A wave of nausea swept over Ben. What if they were caught? It could ruin the rest of their lives! He forced himself to take a deep breath, putting all of his thoughts into finding the appointed meeting place instead of working himself up further. Needless hyperventilating never solved anything.

Not to mention, he was late. Romeo had texted him the change of timing while he was cramming for an anatomy test. Needless to say, his phone had been turned off- and so he had to practically throw himself into the car when he turned it on again. He had driven over at what he considered a ridiculously reckless pace, namely, nearly ten miles per hour above the speed limit. He then parked a few streets away from the proposed meeting place; half because he found a really good, legal parking space and wanted to break as few laws as humanly possible tonight, and partly so that nobody would remember seeing it in the area and consequently pin the theft on him. Assuming that they even pulled it off...

His pace slowed to walk. He was getting closer, but he couldn't quite remember which turn to take. Standing at the corner of one street, he heard what was unmistakeably Mercutio's voice from down an alley.

Ben sighed, and for the eighty-seventh time contemplated just leaving his friends to do this themselves. His feet made his choice for him, though; walking down toward his cousin and friend. He approached just in time to hear the end of Mercutio's exchange with a pretty girl he didn't know.

"If you're done flirting, Mercutio?" he said pointedly, "I'd like to point out one more time that this idea is utterly ridiculous. Won't you please give it up?"

He knew that they wouldn't listen, but he had to say it one more time.

[IRENE ADLER]

Irene walked over to the gentelman and licked her lower lip , and smiled. "Then I guess introductions are in order.. I am Irene Adle " she purred commenting on his previous statement of her accusing him of acting smartly this was her nature there was no lying or deceit about it, this was who she was so he better start accepting it or there would be conflicts between the two.

Hearing him say that she had no manners made her blood boil , oh she had manners alright just that this little whimp of a man could not pass from observing the bad side of things, why did men always think that they could speak what every they wanted and pay no mind the the sensibilities of women.

Feeling the mans hand slip under her bra and take out the cigars she bit her tongue and crossed her arms, " How rude.." she chocked out and studied her nails, and saw a new guy walk into their group, tilting her head she chuckled and started to strap her guns around her waist and hid a few daggers behind her back.

"Actually about my mother , did no one tell you to not speak about someone elses mother, you who have had everything since birth pretty boy I wonder what you havent had since all you do is fool around and play with peoples feelings what will you do when you are faced with a situation that you don't like" she said and picked up her bag.

She hoped it was not to blunt with her comment, she really did not want to be at the bad end with these boys they would need someone of her skill in these matters , when it came to stealing things she was the best that was in the buisness and everyone hired her just for that.

[romeo]

Romeo had seen a great many strange things in his life, from albino midgets to Mercutio's closet and was convinced his life alone redefined strangeness, who in their right mind snuck out in the heat of night to steal some mask from a mysterious noble for some girl who thinks your a priest!?. Romeo laughed to himself as he recaped the events in his mind. he hadn't really noticed Irene seeing as he was lost in thought....that is until she went to change in the bushes, granted Romeo was no peeping tom BUT he did have a clear view and well he wasn't one to reject a gift horse plus she really had a great figure it would be a crime not to indulge in such view!...as Romeo watched from the corner of his eye he remembered that Ben had an anatomy test soon

("Ah cousin this is what you should be studying not some book by some dead guy...") as Irene came back out Romeo had the urge to whistle a cat call to lighten the mood a bit but refrained seeing as he could really use Irene's expertise tonight, as Ben continued to state his appreciated concerns as to how utterly insane this was...Romeo flashes an evil look at Mercutio for a sec and wraps his arm around the ever loved Ben

"Cousin, I have just the thing....let Dr. Montague ease the anxiety of the Dr. Montague to be!'
(laughter....he loved how that sounded and was glad Ben had his dream)

"Now say ahh for the little red pill.....zoooommmm down it goes" sure it was unethical but what was Romeo to do, they were in the midst of pulling a heist after all....Ben needed his A game, so feeding him a hallucinogen was an act of mercy really. After all Ben needed to live a little! not to mention he was a riot naturally so this was somthing Romeo just had to see. Romeo opened the pathway that was previously covered by dead leaves

"Great they haven't found it yet!....after about 20 minutes of travel we should hit the old fire escape to Cristo's mantion...Mercutio and I will make a move for the mask while ben and Irene here play the role of escort and...well her boss, be sure to tell cristo you come as a gift from an admirer of his...just keep him busy for a while ok?.....are you all ready?

"Oh Irene what do I owe you for your participation name your price" Romeo now enters tunnel with a lit flashlight

[benvolio]

Ben winced. Romeo had the capacity for astounding eloquence, but he appeared to be severely neglecting it at present. Ben did not want to be coaxed into playing peeping tom! It was just crass no matter what, and besides: he had enough trouble dealing with clothed girls! Mercutio and Romeo had attempted to cure him of this many times, but it always failed spectacularly.

Trying to recover some semblence of dignity, he spluttered, somewhat lamely, "I'll have you know that Dr. Mercer Spaulding is still alive and practicing medicine. Besides, I need to pass this test. If I fail because I don't get enough sleep tonight, there will be hell to pay." He attempted to look intimidating, but the effect was more adorable than anything, like a puppy trying to act tough. Even the scowl that creased his face utterly failed to impress.

He was distracted and alarmed when his cousin dipped a hand into his pocket and pulled out a small, red something. He was still more alarmed to find that before he had time to react, Romeo had shoved it into his mouth. If he had been thinking clearly, he would have spat it out immediatley. Unfortunately, his reflexes took over, and before he realised what he was doing he swallowed the little pill.

It took him a second to process what had just happened. Then, he freaked out. "Romeo! What the...? No!" His hands scrabbled irrationally at his throat for a minute before he forced them a way. Damn it! Romeo knew he didn't approve of drugs! Ben had only tried the stuff on a few occaisions, and only one of those was voluntary. When he came back to his senses from that first trip, he discovered that he had spent the day dragging Romeo and Mercutio through various acts of debauchery. In short, it made him act like they did when they were sober. This was such a frightening thought, he had sworn off the stuff altogether. Couple that with his current medical knowledge of drugs and addiction, and he was now more convinced than ever that he should never touch the stuff again. Trust Romeo to throw all of that away!

He winced, waiting for the inevitable. The drugs would take effect soon, and then things would be even worse then they were already. Grinding his teeth, he muttered, "No, Romeo, I'm bloody well not ready! If we survive this idotic, imbecilic, and utterly lunatic scheme, I'll get you back for this one!"

Yet again, he utterly failed to intimidate.

[queenmab]

As Mercutio awaited a response from either Romeo or the fiery temptress, he took a final drag of his cigarette and flicked it to the pavement. He was feeling a little edgy, like experiencing nasty cabin fever. The young man had the heart and passion of a teen. Just like those old good days when they'd gallivant around the city causing a real ruckus were within grasp now. But this task was certainly something Mercutio wasn't accustomed to, and he rather liked that because it gave him the means to anticipate even more. Usually when they raised hell it was loud and bold, but for this time they had to sneak and prowl like kitty cats searching for delicious grub in the height of night. A leftover to someone else, but a necessity to the animals.

Just before any of them could speak, the voice of someone else interrupted the moment of silence. It was unmistakable. A brand new grin crossed Mercutio's face.

"Oh Benny Ben Ben!" he cried, sauntering over to his friend and wrapping an arm around his shoulders.

"Wouldn't you like to meet her? She's a real wild cat, though I'm not sure fur and claws really suits your nature. You never seemed like you'd be good at keeping pets" he teased. "Careful, the animals might dominate you this time around!"

Then the woman did speak, this miss Irene Adler. Too elegant and delicate a name for an armed moll like herself.

"And I am the great Mer-coo-shee-oh!" he replied, a hand upon his chest. "A real charming bachelor I'll have you know."

He was acting utterly ridiculous on purpose, or perhaps maybe he was still a little bit hyper from that blotter he took earlier. No matter! All was going well now that his two best friends were here. There was nothing that pussy could do to stop him.

"If you can't handle a slight comment, why don't you go run to her and whine about how this little boy hurt your feelings! Go on, then" he chuckled. "Or you can stick with us and get with the program."

Then, Romeo offered an excellent suggestion to aid Benvolio's suffering. Oh, dear boy, always so serious! Working hard and long hours day in and day out, already resigned to his fate! But he'd never become a true man if he didn't allow himself a break. A little treat now and then...

"Oh, me thinks this mutt requires rewarding for his obedience! Here, boy, stay! Don't growl. You wouldn't want to be kicked to the curb, would you?"

Mercutio snorted like a piggy and restrained Benvolio's arms so that it'd be impossible for him to escape. He'd be taking that red pill if it killed him. And sure enough, good Romeo shoved the little ladybug onto Ben's tongue, and he actually swallowed it. He clapped his buddy on the back twice and laughed at his feeble attempt to intimidate them.

"Oh, shush up, poor baby" Mercutio cooed in exaggeration, planting a wet kiss on Ben's cheek just to rub it all in.

"I promise you'll be in your jammies and slippers reading your fancy anatomy novels in cozy bed - no time at all!"

With that the bawdy noblesman drew away and followed Romeo's lead into the dark, damp tunnel.

[benvolio]

"But Mercutio, 'natomy isn't fiction..." Ben protested feebly, rubbing his cheek where Mercutio had kissed it. The kiss was hardly unusual for him, but for some reason right now it left him feeling strange... or were the drugs already kicking in?

He visibly perked up, his eyes bouncing from place to place as he felt a sudden surge of energy. Come to think of it, his feet were bouncing too... What had he been so worried about a second ago? He couldn't remember... Oh well, it couldn't have been anything important. Life was good! He felt wonderful, he could do anything, he could... Was that a clock trying to climb up the wall?

He shook his head, trying to clear his eyes. Oh, phew, his eyes had just been playing tricks on him. It was a giant musical note. He was relieved; that made much more sense! His eyes fell back on his friends.

"Hi!" he said cheerfully, grinning lopsidedly. "What are we doing, again?"

Ooh, right, he remembered now! They were on an expedition in the jungle! No, wait, that wasn't right, they were in New York... Oh! But that was definitely a tiger in the bushes, so it must be true. "Hi kitty!" he said, leaning over to pet the cat. "Soft!" he said with a chidlish giggle.

That the "tiger" was a human in a catsuit never occurred to Ben's addled brain.

Now he remembered the point of the mission, too; they had to steal back the pirate treasure... Romeo needed it to win the hand of... some girl or another. Ben was a little fuzzy on that point.

Come to think of it, he was a little fuzzy in general... And why was everything purple?

"Mercutio... Don't take this the wrong way, but I think you're turning into a banana." He looked quizzically at his suddenly fruit-faced friend. "That's 'kay, though!" he hastily reassured him, "Bananas are tasty!"

The slighly loopy grin was still plastered to his face as he hugged his friend, trying to be careful not to damage the peel. What would happen if he accidentally opened his best friend? That would be awful! He resolved to be very, very careful.

Oh, right, it was heist time! Ben bounced up and down with excitement. This was gonna be great! Romeo and Mercutio were so smart; they always had such great ideas!

[IRENE ADLER]

Irene saw the gentelmen react to the new arrivals as she sighed and hid her face rubbing her forhead, why did she have to mingle with two crazy boys she would never understand, but alas it was good company until the flirt said that she was a little pussy cat, which made her eyes glint a little.

Then a name was heard so the boys name was Mecutio, and Ben hmm what would be his full name she wondered, and then they started walking as she saw the three of them alredy high up and jumpy like looney toons.

Why did she ever think that she could possibly think that she could galavant around with three looneys was beyond her, and she was the only one who was sane in the group which was not good. She would have to find a way to stay a little safe from them , and as soon as possible as she could.

Then she felt someone touch her as she turned around to find the one name ben slid his hands around her waist, which he could only sigh as she took out some cuffs from her back and stopped from doing what she was going to do and put away the cuffs.

Slipping away from the mans embrace she strutted over to the man named Mecutio and snickered licking her lower lip as she slapped his head and crossed her arms, she was furios that she was but ah she did like to also have control over a man a little.

A slap always worked the best when it came to controlling a situation weather it would be in the head or the cheek it always somehow made a person a little bit more at ease but she wondered how this gentelman would handle it.

"You little shit bag , just because you think you can treat a woman as your toy does not mean you can treat me as one , and if you did you have to ask permision first" she whispered and whipped her hair out of her face as she started to smile.

Her hand sliding on his chest as she felt a little her zipper fall down as she pulled it and started to walk away silently and took out a few explosives and started to place them around with detonation cord so that they could not be chased after if things went for the worse.

But for now she could try and control the beast that were behind her and what was it they were looking after anyways.

[queenmab]

Mercutio silently and carefully trailed after Romeo, keeping his heavy steps in check. Perhaps he shouldn't have worn Doc Martens for a late-night mask heist. But hey, if you were going to do something crazy, it'd be better to do it wearing something funky, right? Right. Mercutio was never a fashionista or trend setter, nor did he put too much weight on his wardrobe every morning. But he preferred to wear something exciting rather than something plain and neutralized. His clothes were often...different, to say the least. You had to see it to understand.

Suddenly, Benvolio really got with the program. Maybe they should have given him something else instead, like a little grass or a shot of something. But it wasn't as he just carried alcohol on their person anyhow (well, if he was attending a shindig, that was different) and it was unlikely that Romeo had anything either. Mercutio made a mental bet that this crafty Irene would carry some sort of stimulant on her, just in case she'd need to drug any of her victims.

"I am, Benny boy?" Mercutio asked, humoring his friend. "Do I taste as sweet as you say?"

A smirk curled his lips, and he wrapped an arm around Benvoilio's waist in a sideways reciprocation of the warm embrace. It was a good comfort that Ben was no longer worried, and that he was in fact enjoying himself. It was a pleasant change. A little chaotic, but endearing. So innocent, the tone of voice he was speaking in now, and the way his puppy eyes glinted in the dim light...how Mercutio wanted to take advantage of that...

But those thoughts quickly disappeared when he was unexpectedly struck across the back of the head and thrown back into reality. Irene. She was still not with the program. Why, the bloody bitch slapped him! For no reason at all! Thankfully, it hadn't hurt - just a small sting at the back of his head, but it was minimal and would fade soon. No, he wouldn't let this woman get her way, or feel like she gripped the reigns. Because he drove the carriage and directed the mustangs, always. He and Romeo called the shots.

"Stick it up yer arse, slagy" he shot back, not so much as even glancing in her direction. If she wanted to be aggressively irksome, she'd get ignored. Mercutio came here to help steal an expensive mask, not pick up some cheap chick. That was it. When she decided to stop acting like a spoiled girl playing dress up in her mommy's sexy clothes, she'd be treated seriously. Now, her hand was on his chest. He stared at her, not glaring or smiling. A forced blank expression. "Don't," came his mumured warning. He allowed her the opportuniy to back away, and luckily she did.

Mercutio refocused his attention to their leader. "I think we've nigh reached the door leading to Hot Shit's study. Is that where the mask is?"