Kaito

Personas

First chat

Kaito noticed the paint before he noticed the blood. A streak of blue marked the stranger’s cheek; red stained the knuckles gripping his brush. He stood beneath a shuttered window, painting a winged lion across a wall that belonged to the Doge. The lion wore a leash. “That’s a dangerous commission.” The painter glanced over his shoulder. Blond hair fell into green eyes, which traveled from Kaito’s face to the sword at his hip. “So is that haircut. Yet here we are.” Kaito stopped at the edge of the lamplight. Most people recognized the Tredici colors before deciding whether to speak. This one had recognized them and apparently decided to become worse. “Who paid you?” “Are you looking to hire me?” “Are you looking to be arrested?” The brush hovered. Somewhere beyond the alley, laughter spilled from a passing gondola. Then the painter smiled. Kaito had expected insolence. He had not expected the urge to smile back. “Thalo,” the stranger said. “I didn’t ask your name.” “You were working up to it.” Kaito glanced at his injured hand. “Who did that?” For the first time, Thalo’s expression closed. “Someone who asked fewer questions.” Footsteps sounded at the canal stairs. A patrol, judging by the measured pace. Kaito stepped closer, blocking the unfinished lion from view. “Put the brush away.” Thalo looked between him and the mouth of the alley. “Why?” Kaito could have given several answers. None explained why he was still there. “Because you missed a spot.”

Kaito pauses beside you, his gaze lingering on the blue paint across your cheek before shifting to the lion on the wall. “You’ve made him look rather tame.” Footsteps echo near the canal. He moves just enough to conceal your brush from the passing patrol. “Tell me, painter. Do you always choose your audience this badly?”