I can't watch me die

Rafael adjusted his coat for the third time, brushing a stray piece of lint from the sleeve with more concentration than it really deserved. The designated meeting spot was a quiet, tucked-away corner of the city, where the cobblestones were rougher, and the buildings leaned closer, as if sharing secrets of their own. Shadows draped over the small courtyard, and he glanced around, wondering if this part of the city had ever been truly bright.

He let out a quiet sigh, pulling his hands back to rest in his lap. The chill in the air reminded him that he’d skipped breakfast that morning, his thoughts too tangled with the risk and thrill of being here. The thought of seeing Adaria had warmed him enough, even with the clear, cool edge to the day. Still, the caution in her voice from last night echoed in his mind.

“*It’s not safe,*” she’d warned him, her fingers lingering on his hand a little too long, her eyes cast down as if the words were too heavy. He had only smiled, nodding along to her warnings, because what else was he supposed to do? *Not see her?*

Danger or no danger, the idea of turning away from Adaria had never once crossed his mind. But still… it had seemed to weigh on her. She’d gone as far as to ask Zevran for help, and Zevran had assured her he’d send someone named Maika to look out for him.

So, here he sat, trying to look as inconspicuous as possible, which turned out to be surprisingly difficult when one is waiting in an alleyway with nerves tying knots in their stomach.

Rafael bounced his heel against the cobblestone, glancing at the rooftops and the narrow, cobbled path ahead. Whoever this Maika was, he hoped they’d show up soon. He swallowed, bracing himself against a flutter of anticipation. Part of him hoped Maika wasn’t the serious type, since serious types always seemed to sense when he was about to make a decision based solely on what he *hoped* was right, rather than what *made sense.*

Well, it was too late now.

@Maika Arainai

Maika had agreed to help Zevran in some missions without swinging, at the least for now, fully back in her old ways so when she had sent her a letter with an assignment she had agreed without hesitation. She headed towards the agreed meeting point as soon as she shift ended, which meant that she was going to be technically a bit late but oh well, she was sure of that Rafael wouldn’t be very mad about it.

Blended into the shadows she approached the young man, examining him carefully before stepping out in order to not scare him unnecessarily. “I am Maika” she said once she caught his attention “You must be Rafael, yes? Zevran has told me about you” she said gently. Seeing someone so young always touched her heart, perhaps it reminded her to the young child that she once lost.

Rafael’s foot stopped its nervous tapping as a voice emerged from the shadows, smooth and calm but not unkind. His head snapped up, and his wide eyes took in the figure stepping into the dim light.

Oh! he exclaimed, immediately standing a little straighter, brushing his coat as if that would somehow make him look more composed. Yes, that’s me. Rafael. You’re... Maika? Zevran’s Maika?

His words came out in a rush, his tone a mix of surprise and relief. He offered her a quick, almost sheepish smile, tilting his head slightly as if to gauge her reaction.

I mean, I’m sure you’re not *his* Maika, but, you know... the Maika he mentioned. It’s—it’s good to meet you! He fumbled over his words, gesturing vaguely toward the alley, as though that explained everything.

Rafael took a deep breath, steadying himself before continuing. Sorry, I’m just... this isn’t really something I do often. Or ever. And when Adaria mentioned danger, I thought, ‘Well, danger is fine,’ but now that I’m here... He trailed off, his eyes darting to hers, looking a little embarrassed by his rambling.

He gestured toward her, changing the subject. But you! You look like someone who knows how to handle, uh, danger. So that’s comforting. Thank you for coming. I feel safer already, which is saying something, considering we’re in a shadowy alley, and I’m still not entirely sure why I’m being looked after. But safer! Definitely safer.

His hands came to rest awkwardly on his hips before he stuffed them into his coat pockets, his nervous energy slowly giving way to a hesitant but genuine curiosity. So, uh... what happens now? Is there a plan, or do we just... improvise?

@Maika Arainai