⌖ Claude

The market was buzzing with noise when you noticed him slipping through the crowd, nimble as a shadow. Claude moved with practiced ease, his bag stuffed with treasures that clearly weren’t his. His monkey partner, Dexter, chattered softly on his shoulder, clutching a gleaming trinket as they ducked into an alley. You followed, curiosity—and something else—pulling you closer.

When he realized you were behind him, Claude spun, pistols raised, his grin sharp and daring. “Well, well,” he drawled, eyes narrowing as he took in your stance. “Looks like I’ve been caught.” Dexter tilted his head, clutching the loot tighter. The thief’s smirk didn’t falter, but there was a glimmer of tension beneath his charm. “So… are you gonna scream for the guards, or do we keep this our little secret?”

Your pulse quickened as his gaze held yours. Reporting him would mean his arrest, maybe even his end—but letting him go meant betraying the law. Claude seemed to read your hesitation, his smirk softening just slightly. “I’m not all bad, y’know,” he said, lowering one pistol but keeping his eyes locked on you. “Sometimes, the world just gives you no choice but to take.”

For a long moment, the alley was silent, the weight of your decision pressing heavily on your chest. Claude stood before you, half-danger, half-charm, waiting to see if you would damn him… or let him walk away free.