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[asmywitness]

[[Tyler screens his calls - anyone who tries to actually call him, he'll text back in reply.]]

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[fingersandteeth]

God, I *know*, Steven types, with resignation in his shoulders. I do. But the three of us aren't-- we're not strong enough to pull off something real like robbing a bank yet. This was probably... more of a practice heist than anything else.

[asmywitness]

Well, that's an interesting reaction.

That wasn't a complaint. I haven't done anything actually fun and stupid like that in years. It was kind of thrilling.

[fingersandteeth]

Right, Steven texts back, awkwardly. Yeah, sorry, I just-- I'm used to that *being* a complaint, I guess. That for such a big, bad gang that's supposed to be terrorizing everyone, Team Rocket just... pulls a lot of petty shit. Which, you know, they do.

He relaxes a little bit into the chair.

But good. Good. I really *am* glad you had fun. *I* had fun. And you surprised the hell out of me by cold-cocking the other security guy just like that--not in a bad way, though.

[asmywitness]

That gets a pleased little grin. Thanks. I wish I could say it was my first time, but I took some boxing classes when I was in secondary school. Never had to knock someone out before, but I'm not weak.

After he sends that, he flexes for Steven; there's no definition, but there's an obvious solidity to his weight. Before he relaxes and continues.

Easier to take down than a Fetch, anyway.

[fingersandteeth]

Oh. You got yours? Lucky.

There's an odd sort of tension to his shoulders.

I. Haven't. I listened to the people who told me to just let him live my life. God, I wish I had't. He's done so many things I'd have never done.

If this were anyone other than Tyler, he wouldn't dare text that without knowing, for sure, that they were like him and Jack and Lydia. But it's Tyler. If anyone can understand wanting to kill his Fetch, even if he can't understand anyone else Steven's ever wanted to kill, it's another Changeling.

[asmywitness]

Mine and my boyfriend's.

But he's looking at Steven, rather than his phone, seeing the tension set uncomfortably on his shoulders, and gives him a sympathetic grimace.

It's not all its cracked up to be, honestly. Mine almost killed me at my boyfriend's Fetch's funeral. But

He hesitates for a while, before he finishes the message.

it didn't seem fair to me. That they got to have the loving family and happy relationship and normal lives. They didn't earn that. They didn't deserve it.

[fingersandteeth]

Yeah, no, Steven types. It doesn't seem fair to me either.

Some, if not all, of the tension drains from him.

Did it-- I don't know? Did it make you feel better? Was it-- I don't know, satisfying?

[asmywitness]

This reply takes even longer.

It was cathartic. For a little while. Then it wasn't.

The reply after that is much quicker, typing it even as the first one sends.

Sorry for all this downer shit after a fun night.

[fingersandteeth]

No, I mean, I did ask.

And, you know, I'm up for wrecking shit and taking people down with you whenever.

He glances up at Tyler and flashes him a grin.

(So. Maybe not exactly like him, but at least he enjoyed some of the same stuff that Steven had enjoyed... that was a good sign, right? He'd be able to relax a little more around him.)

[asmywitness]

That's a nice grin. It's very reassuring for someone older than him to have his back on something; he's too used to being the responsible one. Letting loose in the baseball stadium had been very fun.

So Tyler smiles back.

I'm not so sure we can get away with stealing another mascot, but I'm game to try and do another mission like that with you.

[fingersandteeth]

I'll see what I can find, Steven texts. Even if it's just a routine mugging, we can still have some fun. And I know Dirk's got something big planned again, so we can probably let loose then, too. He's supposed to debrief us about it soon.