A little time for ourselves

[RedShinigami]

The man just stood there, shamed, humiliated and speechless. Veronika who took a look back to see if Sachiko did need any help had to say that she was impressed. Not that Sachiko was a complete idiot, quite the contrary, but to master Sias whole demeanor so perfectly after only seeing her a few times, spoke for some wits and maybe undiscovered talent that even the sukeban had'nt knew.

The casino official fumbled with words, his head red, his brows sweating. It was clear that he was about to explode but he just could'nt. The Karnstein name was'nt exclusively known in Austria, the business empire of the family was all around the world, from construction companies in Asia, to mining in Africa or even fishing in Australia. Wrestling just was the passion of the filfthy rich siblings and so they were primarily known for their endeavors in and outside the ropes, especially with Sia planning a big comeback show at LAW.
So he just looked away, down to the side and Veronika had a hard time not to burst into laughter. Heart Connection did it again. May it be in matches or backstage, their wits, charme and intimidation skills were unmatched, even in costumes.

So Veronika smiled and waved her partner over, this time to take a seat next to her as she grabbed for Sachikos hand under the table.
"That, not gonna lie, made me fucking horny.", she whispered and giggled a little while their eyes locked with each other. And suddenly all the mischievousness dropped as Veronika got aware of what was about to happen afterwards. All things considered, the Queen of Hearts was sure about her feelings. She loved to fuck around and get silly with any kind of sexy girl or boy but Sachiko...Sachiko had stolen her heart. And Veronika knew that her partner had so from the day they met.
A warm smile appeared at her face and a blush crept over her nose as they looked at each other.
"Good job there, babe. Very good job...", she whispered as she came closer, their lips almost meeting.
"Ahem, Count von Karnstein?"
"Eep!"
Veronika jumped in her seet and the people around the table, who were already distraught with the siblings behaviour were now treated to the fierce and icy cold Viktor von Karnstein, jumping in his seat, screaming like a girl. Deep down Veronika knew that they were dead. More then dead. Viktor would cut their behinds off and hang them over his fireplace, but they already had started it and their was no way back now. Also...it was just too much damned fun!

"Oh, ah, yes, forgive me. My sister and I had to debatte. Well then..."
Veronika suddenly became very silent, the only thing moving where her eyes as if she scanned the table like a machine.
"Faites vos jeux!”, the croupier said and the game started with the spin of the roulette, the little ball inside, jumping and dancing with the flow.
"20.", Veronika said while others gave their bets too.
„Rien ne va plus“, the croupier then said and Veronika tipped her cane two times again while holding on to Sachikos hand.
"20! Count Karnstein wins.", the croupier said and Veronika smiled before turning to Sachiko.
"Your turn...", she whispered as the croupier threw in the little ball again.
"Faites vos jeux!”
Veronika squeezed Sachikos hand assuringly.
"Follow the wheel, follow the speed, it will be either 2,9 or 31...", she whispered quietly into her ear as she gave it a soft kiss.
"Choose now..."

[CaptainL]

As soon as she had said her part, Sachiko knew she had the man trapped - and a smug, sadistic grin lit up across her face just a moment later. There was nothing more satisfying than making the people who thought they could mess with her squirm; letting them know just how outmatched they were. And here, under the guise of Sia Karnstein, Sachiko's authority was amplified tenfold. She could make some of the most wealthy, powerful, and influential names in the world quake in their boots, all with a couple of words. In the ring, she felt powerful - here, she felt like a god. She had to squeeze her fist tight at her side to restrain the urge to break out into a big stupid grin right there - but she knew the real Sia wouldn't do that. Still, when she exchanged a covert glance with Veronika, she could only grin a little wider, seeing the look on her face. She knew the dancer recognized her talents for intimidation. She knew she was just as thrilled. And Sachiko was happy to share in that moment with her.

In fact, it seemed to send a tingle through Veronika's loins, too, if what she said to Sachiko a moment later was any indication. The sukeban leaned a little further across the table, flashing Veronika a smirk as her hand darted under the surface, squeezing at her thigh. "So I see I got the act down pat, huh...~" she whispered back. Only a second later, she fidgeted in her seat, biting her lip. "Nngh...don't talk like that here, though! Now you're gettin' me worked up, and I can't do anything about it-"

Before she could finish, though, the other casino-goers had gone up to their table - and caught Veronika by surprise, causing her to let out a rather undignified yelp. As they stopped to stare at such an uncharacteristic outburst from Count von Karnstein, Sachiko could feel her heart sink in her chest. Her teeth clenched, and her fingers squeezed anxiously at the rim of the table. If Veronika had just given away their act before it had a chance to get started, she didn't know if she'd forgive her. But...she already knew how commanding she could be. She could salvage this.

Clearing her throat, Sachiko looked up from the table, casting a glare at the onlookers. "What? What are you staring at, anyway? It's terribly impolite, you know..." For as confused as the guests might have been, they knew better than to mess with the Karnsteins, and they quickly turned away, murmuring excuses to one another. The smirk returned to Sachiko's face. That was more like it.

Now, she could devote her attention to Veronika working the roulette table. Her eyes followed the ball curiously, watching it hop up and down. Occasionally she looked back at Veronika, studying her response. Admittedly...Sachiko had no idea what was actually going on. But Veronika seemed to know how to work it inside and out. She had to be impressed with her insight. She didn't realize this was one of Veronika's skills...but like most of her skills, it was one Sachiko couldn't help but be smitten with. Especially when it landed her the win. She looked back at her partner with a grin, reminding herself it would be too gauche to jump up and cheer - but she wanted her to know, regardless, she was happy for her.

Then it was her turn. "Hmm..." Listening to what Veronika had said, Sachiko called out her bet. "The Countess calls for 31," she said, in the best deep and commanding voice she could manage - though a second later, she gave Veronika's hand a squeeze, whispering to her with her true thoughts. Which were not quite as impressive.

"Like...is this really just 'guess where the ball lands?' How'd you get so good at it?"

[RedShinigami]

Veronika looked at the little pinball rolling around with clicking noises, her eyes never losing contact. As she gree up at the Cote d'Azur she was of course a common visitor of the Casino Monte Carlo in Monaco and there she had learned many things from all kinds of gamblers. Tricks someone would say were impossible to achieve except maybe in books and movies tough Veronika had watched, listened and learned. The Franco-Austrian had learned that the world could be a cruel, unforgiving and harsh place in young years and so the disgraced noblewoman had picked up everything of knowledge be it legal or illegal, the borders between those two things were overlapping often enough. And so Veronika had learned to look at chance and possibility and when the little ball hit 31, she nodded, tapped her cane two times and stood up.
"Please excuse madame and me, it was a wonderful evening but we will take our dinner now. After all, we earned it.", she said with a soft smile, taking Veronikas arm and leading her over where they could cash in their impressive amount of money.

They were followed by the hateful stare of the manager and his gorillas and as they walked them by, Veronika stoppedx took out a hundred dollar note and put it into the pocket of his jacket.
"We had a lovely evening. Please buy yourself something nice my american friend. Maybe some style, this suit? Hideous. But then again...", she said and looked up and down the short man.
"Maybe it is the..."right" outfit for an ahem...man of your...looks.", she said, holding back a smirk before she and Sachiko let him stand there, fuming with rage.

In the restaurant, Veronika pulled a chair from the table and gave Sachiko a seat before taking place in front of her, only a candle between them. Veronika leaned forward and reached out to Sachikos hand, softly giving it a tug.
Now she let go of the impression and looked at her friend with a much softer impression.
"Hey, Sachi. This...this time. This six months...they were the best time of my life you hear. No one ever had managed to make me as happy as you have.", she began.

[CaptainL]

Sachiko, for all her dealings in seedy parts of town, didn't actually know the first thing about gambling. Yes, it was part of the dark underworld of society, but it was part of the classy dark underworld - the part full of rich people in expensive suits sipping champagne as the rich scents of exotic cigar smoke drifted through the air. Sachiko had little patience for that when she preferred to hang around in dim alleyways, breaking windows, getting in fights, and conning people into going on dates with her for a quick buck. Veronika was the one who truly had ties to that world. But as much as the Sachiko of six months ago would have found Veronika irksome for that very reason, the Sachiko of today was proud to have her by her side. Veronika and her clever deceptions had gotten her into the high life, at least for this one night. She couldn't have done it without her - and she had her to thank for the attention being lavished on her now, and the luxuries she could enjoy. She didn't know how exactly Veronika knew where the ball was going to land. But she had managed to call it anyway - and when it came up just as she's expected, it made a grin light up across the delinquent's face. Just a reminder, she thought, of why she was so glad Veronika came into her life...but of course, far from the only one.

"Yes-!" she cheered. Sachiko was ready to jump up from her seat and pump her fist into the air in triumph, just before she reminded herself that right now, she was not Sachiko Koizumi - she was Countess Sia von Karstein, and Sia von Karstein did not do that. Instead, she cleared her throat, crossing one leg over the over as she leaned back in her seat with a smug look on her face. "Ah, I mean...as expected." She smirked, tilting her head back and holding her chin high. Sachiko liked to think that she had been around Sia long enough to get her mannerisms down...and either way, feeling this powerful and commanding definitely flattered her.

At Veronika's word, Sachiko rose from her seat, taking a few seconds longer to bask in the knowledge that she was being watched by everyone around her before she turned to follow her partner to the table. When Veronika dealt with the manager, she had to bite at her lip to hold back the urge to chuckle. When she and Veronika had stepped into the roles of the Karsteins, they were taking every opportunity they could to throw around the authority they commanded. After six months of looking to the Karsteins for guidance and having them tell them what to do, to become the people in charge felt all too satisfying. That, and Sachiko was definitely enjoying getting to feel important.

But when they got to the table...something changed. Sachiko saw Veronika's expression soften, and her own did too as she scooted a little closer to her. Even if they were still surrounded by people carrying on their own conversations, it felt all the more intimate - as if there was only the two of them; alone at the table with the flickering light in between. When Sachiko studied Veronika's face in the flickering candlelight, she felt herself being pulled closer, and when her eyes met the dancer's, she was lost in her gaze; she couldn't look away. Her heart beat a little faster in her chest. Was this...a date? And if it was...Sachiko didn't really mind...

Her own voice was soft, unusually so for her, as she drifted closer to Veronika, and as her hand met hers, her fingers wrapped around her palm, giving it a firm but gentle squeeze. If things were feeling romantic already, Veronika's words did little to defuse the tension between the two - and Sachiko didn't really want them to, anyway. "I never thought I'd like it as much as I did, but...it's been a wild ride," Sachiko muttered. She thought back through the whirlwind of emotions the last six months had been - how she thought she would hate the very idea of being locked into a team with Veronika, but how she grew to see the real Veronika Noir, to appreciate the side of her she would never dare to show anyone else. How they'd trusted each other with their secrets and their insecurities, and how every time they fell into one anothers' embrace, to Sachiko, it felt less and less like a mere diversion to satisfy an urge, and more like something greater. If Veronika had enjoyed it all half as much as she had, then Sachiko knew it had been an honor.

"And I wouldn't want to trade it for anything in the world. Not as long as I got to experience it with you. Because, Veri...you made the whole thing worth it."

Her hand squeezed a little tighter around Veronika's own, and her gaze flitted back and forth. She remembered what Veronika had said in the hotel room; about wanting to tell her something. She thought, too, about everything that had been on her mind these last few days, and how many times she'd thought about letting her emotions spill. Maybe, she thought, if there was going to be a right time for this, it would be now.

"Actually, um...Veri..." Sachiko cleared her throat, fidgeting in her seat. The confidence and poise of Sia Karstein was gone from her now - in fact, so was the dominant attitude of her usual sukeban self. Now, Sachiko was in over her head. She had never had a motion quite so tender and emotional as this. But she knew it needed to be said.

"I just, uh...figured I would let you know-"

"Can I get you two anything to drink?"

"Uh-!" Just then, Sachiko jumped back up to sit straight in her seat. Lost as she was in Veronika's company, she had lost track of the outside world - and she didn't realize that a server had just approached them, passing them a wine list. A blush came to her cheeks before she took in a breath and sucked it back down - Sia, she told herself, didn't blush. Her mouth opened, about to say something, but then she stopped. What would Sia order? Sachiko didn't know anything about wine - what if she made a blunder that Sia would never make, and got something far beneath her status? After a moment's thought, her eyes settled on Veronika's, silently pleading for her to take the wheel. Her companion's aristocratic ways had gotten her out of trouble before; now she was counting on her again.

[RedShinigami]

Despite Veronika being a master seductress and admittedly more girlish then Sachiko, she was'nt someone you could find at fancy restaurants. In fact as Veronika was put away from her mentally ill mother she abbandoned all the things that reminded her off her. She threw away all her dresses, all her dolls, everything her mother had wanted her to be. If she was stuck with a child she did'nt wanted then at least she would form it after her. Veronika hated it. But she could not bring herself to hate her. And this stung the most. Her father, an austrian Baron gave little attention to this little "accident" After all, he had twelve official kids, most of them by different mothers tough and so the only thing he had to say was:

"Oh you're the brown one. Yes. Well, you will live here now until you are 18. Then I pay you out and you will make no further demands to me, are we clear, Viktoria?"

Veronika was stunned but not surprised. No one had ever loved her, she did'nt even knew what love was. And so she escaped into a world of excess. Fast cars, drugs, alcohol and sex was something she picked up with sixteen and except the drugs she had not given up on anything of it. Veronika ,under all her beautiful looks was first and foremost a rebel. And a girl who searched for love. Something she did'nt knew how to get, hence she called herself "Queen of Hearts". She wanted to be loved by everyone and such a title may helped. Of course Veronikas brutal and cruel attitude in her first matches, brought up by her childhood trauma, did'nt help.

Now she finally had found a person that made her heart beating faster, someone who made her feel understood and welcome and who was in for every tricks and shenanigans the european women came up with. Veronika looked at Sachiko who was a picture of beauty , dressed as their common manager anf smiled. "I like your real eyes more." , she said, referring to Sachikos red lenses she had to wear. Red eyes where a trademark of the Karnsteins and so the lenses were indispensable. "Hm?", she said and leaned forward.

"Yes?"
Her heart beat faster and faster. Would Sachiko finally say what she thought she would. If so, then many things would change. For the better. Finally Veronika would knew how it was. Finally someone DID what no one else in her life was capbale of. Until the waiter arrived and Veronika groaned.
"Can't you see we are talking right now, Schweinehhund?", she hissed and as Sachiko looked over to her she grinned.

"A bottle of champagne for me and Madame will have sparkling water with a lemon.", she said and the waiter went away.
Veronika grinned in Sachikos direction. "No drinking, no smoking. Sia is as clean as a white shirt.", she said and could'nt hold back a chuckle at Sachikos dissapointed reaction.

She reached forward and slid her fingers into Sachikos.
"Alright, now, we both know what we want to say and I..."
"THERE THEY ARE!"
Suddenly Veronikas head shot into the direction of the restaurant door.
The small casino manager stood there with some angry looking security guys, everyone built like a linebacker and pointed at them.
"This degenerate euro trash has counted cards! Get them!", he screamed and Veronika looked at Sachiko with a sigh.
"Later then...", she said, jumped over the table, grabbed Sachikos hand ran to the kitchen. They knocked down a waiter as they entered and took the way out of the backdoor that lead to the escalators.

"Ngh...fuck...seems they don't like us here anymore ,babe. They are at our room most likely. Fuck, Champagne and Croissant are up there...", she said and pulled off her wig, slipping out of her vest.
She took Sachikos wig down too and helped her with the lenses, all of it wandering into a trashcan next to them.
"Ok...we get them and then we make a run for our plane. Should already be prepared at the airport.", she said as she pressed the button of the escalator, turned around and looked at Sachiko.
She then pulled her in and gave her a long and deep kiss before parting from her.

Babe. I love you. I love you, love you,love you. Please be my girl.", she said before the door went open.

"No time to talk now, come![/color][/i]", she said as they ran around the corner.
"Fuck there they are...", she said as both looked around it like the two gangsters they were.
"think...think...ah!", she said and grabbed Sachikos skirt, ripping it off and leaving her in her top, panties and pantyhose. Veronika slipped out of her shirt and pants and then nodded to Sachiko as they both walked around the corner, giggling and laughing.

"Someone ordered Vegas two best bitches!", she said while walking next to Sachiko.
"A Count Frankenstein ordered us, we are from Heart Connection Escort business. Is this room right?", she chirped and looked over to Sachiko.
"We are booked aaaaall night long and let me tell you, we are not cheap, wanna see whar you get?", she grinned and pushed her breasts up to the confused securities. She heard her dogs and whistled, prompting them to appear. Of course Veronika had covered it by touching one of the securities arms.
"Woooow, such muscles. You are'nt by any chance the guy who booked us?", she asked as the two dogs ran out of the room and right at them.
So far so good, they almost were out of this. But as much as Veronikas heart was beating out of nervousness it also beat with the realisation that she finally had told Sachiko how she really felt.

[CaptainL]

Even in the middle of a crowded casino, with all the bright lights and clinking of glasses around them, and the company of some of the most elite in the country, as long as Sachiko was here in Veronika's presence, she felt like they had this moment all to themselves. It felt as intimate as an embrace, staring into one anothers' eyes as their voices died down to a low whisper - something meant only for one another's ears. Already, the thought was making Sachiko's heart thump faster and faster in her chest, even before she had said anything. But she knew, deep within her soul, that this was the time - her instincts told her as much. There would never be a better time for her to admit the feelings that had been brewing inside of her over the past six months; the feelings she never thought she would ever have, but that were now too big, too full, and too powerful to deny. She'd come close several times already, but this was it - she had never felt closer to Veronika than this moment, even if they were both in disguise and in the brightest, loudest city in the country. She was nervous, yes; she could feel the butterflies buzzing in her stomach - but she took in a deep breath; she knew it had to be done.

So of course that was right when the waiter stepped up to take their order.

Luckily, it seemed like Veronika had it covered - as soon as she spoke up, the waiter stumbled back a few steps, clearing his throat. "S-Sorry, sorry..." The thought of "Viktor von Karnstein" threatening him was enough to make him crumble into a stammering heap, and it was just another reminder of how powerful Sachiko felt at this moment - almost enough to make up for the disappointment she felt from having the moment spoiled. But not quite enough to make up for the disappointment she felt a moment later, when Veronika told her Sia didn't drink.

"...Wait. Really?" She pouted, sinking a little lower into her seat. "I mean...they don't need to know that, right?" Still, a moment later, she cleared her throat and sat up straighter in her seat, and her heartbeat picked up again as she heard Veronika continue. She nodded her head curtly and silently as she drew in a deep breath. None of that mattered, now. Now was the moment Sachiko had been waiting for this whole time. It was time for the two of them to finally be honest. It was an intimidating thought, confronting something that had been brewing for so long. But she told herself she was as ready as she'd ever be. And when her fingers tightened around Veronika's own, she realized just how welcoming her grip was; how much it made her feel at home.

And of course, they were interrupted again.

At first, Sachiko's reaction was one of frustration, and she let out a groan. "Aww, c'mon, can't these guys see we're having a moment here!?" But it quickly dawned on her that things were far more serious than she'd expected. It seemed someone was finally on to their ruse. And suddenly, the night of living the high life with Veronika by her side came to a screeching halt. Before Sachiko even had a chance to process what was going on, Veronika had already grabbed her by the hand and was hurrying her out of the room, and she had no choice but to follow. But even if everything was going by in a blur...she had to admit, seeing Veronika vault over the table like that was impressive.

Their waiter was just coming around the corner with their drinks when the two girls went barreling through the kitchen, knocking over pots, pans, and staff in the process. In the commotion he ended up spilling their drinks over himself, but everything was going by too fast for Sachiko to care. Right now, she was focused on hobbling after Veronika - and it quickly hit her that she wasn't used to getting around in heels and a tight dress, forcing her to lag a few steps behind.

"Nngh...c'mon-!" she hissed under her breath, looking back and forth over her shoulders to keep watch for any threats. When the whole world seemed to be bearing down on her, she couldn't afford to waste a moment longer. "Dammit, I liked this outfit too..." But she soon realized she had no choice. Leaning down to gather the fabric up in her hands, she tore a long slit up the side of her skirt and kicked off her shoes, one of them flying into the head of a cook and knocking him to the ground. Much better, she thought to herself as she hurried to Veronika's side, just in time to slip around the corner.

As they hugged the wall beside the door, Sachiko gasped for breath. In just a few seconds, their fortunes had taken a complete turn, and now she was running for her life. Just another night in Vegas, she thought - but at least now she could get her bearings.

She thought, at least, before Veronika reminded her the dogs were still up at their room.

"...fuck. God, shit, fuck..." she spat under her breath in between gasps. A chill ran through her body as she realized things had just gotten a lot more complicated than she thought. Sucking in a deep breath, she slipped her contacts out of her eyes and cast off her jewelry, wincing a little at the thought of how much it cost and hoping the Karnsteins wouldn't be too upset by it. Her hair was done up in a bun to hide it under the shorter wig, but she let it down and shook it out as she ran into the elevator. There was no time to waste; she had to move!

The elevator, at least, gave her a moment of respite as they rode it up to their floor. Up until this point, Sachiko had gone into survival mode. No time to think; no time to study her surroundings; she just had to move, and fast. Which was why, when Veronika suddenly pulled her into a kiss...Sachiko didn't see it coming at all. In an instant, everything froze. The world stopped. Her body flushed hot as a vivid blush ran up all the way to her cheeks. Veronika had kissed her like this many a time before, sure - but something about this one felt different. Like it meant something more. Perhaps it was because of the talk they'd had a moment ago, or perhaps it was because Sachiko simply knew the time was right. It made a tingle run through her from head to toe, and her heart thumped just a little bit harder. But if there was ever any doubt...what Veronika said next confirmed it.

"...love...you..." Everything slowed to a crawl. The sukeban could only stand there, panting and gasping as she stared off into space. Her eyes were wide, and her face pale. It was ironic, really. This whole time - the past few days, in fact - Sachiko was waiting for this very moment. She was readying herself for it, pondering over the right words, preparing what to say. Just a moment ago, she was ready to admit much the same herself. And yet, when the time finally came, it had left her completely speechless. She was just too overwhelmed with emotion to process it all.

Her mouth hung open, waiting for the words to come to her, but they never came. But she wouldn't have time to think about it for much longer - the door opened, taking them back to their floor. Just like that, Sachiko's mind was racing once again. No time to think. Just time to move!

When they peered around the corner to see the men searching their room, Sachiko glanced back and forth between the scene and back at Veronika. She had always been the brains of the operation; surely she'd have a plan for what to do. And, in typical Veronika fashion, that plan hinged on using her charms to her advantage. Even when she was as nervous as she was, Sachiko couldn't help but smirk when she saw Veronika undress - not only because she appreciated the spectacle, but because she knew she could count on her partner to get her out of this mess. Her dress was already ruined at this point, so she didn't care about losing her skirt. And with a smile on her face, she stepped right out at Veronika's side, hugging her arms around her bust to accentuate her cleavage as she leaned over toward the guards. Veronika's act seemed so natural and so well-practiced, Sachiko was ready to fall right in with it. She didn't know what she'd do without Veronika here to bail her out of trouble.

"Heheheh...we're gonna be around aaaaall week, if ya want a turn afterward!~" she added with a smirk, sauntering up closer to a guard to press her body against his and hug him from behind. "Just ask us about our rates!" She was getting so into the act that the gears in her head started turning, thinking about how much money she could con out of these guys - but as soon as she saw the dogs coming around the corner, Sachiko remembered what they'd really come here for. Suddenly she let go of the guard, running over to scoop the two dogs up in her arms, and with that, she took off running down the hall!

"VERI! NOW!!" she shouted. Sachiko had made it a good few feet down the hallway when then, suddenly, she skidded to a stop, as something else important hit her.

"...Wait, Veri..." she added, looking around nervously, "how are we gonna get to the airport from here..?"

[RedShinigami]

Veronika had said it. After this long trip across the US she finally had it in her to tell Sachiko what she felt and the blush she had on her face, not just from constantly running and the big, stupid grin on her face showed to everyone how she felt about it. But what was it with her anyway. Something back in her mind asked herself what she did find at this brute, this pervert, a girl who didn't had more interests then lazying around, groping hot girls, smoke and drink? And to Veronika it was simple, Sachiko had freed her. More then even the match and now blooming friendship with Chris Yukine, had Sachiko freed the girl who felt herself trapped in a world of hate and selfloathing. She knew that Sachiko adored her body, who wouldn't, as far as Veronika saw it she was an work of art, she allowed herself to be so vain, but the sukeban also had looked into her heart and what she did find appealed to her. Veronika had opened up to Sachiko like to no one else. She was the one whom she showed her special place, her place to hide when the world was too much to handle again. And now they had schemed the biggest casino in Las Vegas, running around in their underwear and trying to escape a high profile security team. It was like it was ripped out of an action comedy but here they were.

When Sachiko had picked up the dogs, the Queen of Hearts and her jumpstarted back to the elevators. Veronika was the brain of the operations not just in the ring but also on the outside and she needed to think, think fast. She closed her eyes for a second and suddenly she had it. Tough it would break her heart to leave her Porsche behind but there was no other chance.

"I have an idea, let's go!", she said as the security guards who followed them got covered by others who just arrived per elevator right before them.
"Fuck!", Veronika said and looked around. "Ah!"
She grabbed one of the fire extinguishers and pulled the trigger like a grenade before spraying the arriving men from head to toe.
"Sorry guys, we don't do orgies with a proper appointment. Please call our manager and we can get back to you in like 2070!", she said with a slick smile as she shooed Sachiko to the elevators again, pressing the button relentlessly as the others who had followed them were in hot pursuit. And finally the doors closed! Veronikas heart raced a mile per second as she stumbled backwards, smiling at her beloved pets.
"I would have never dreamed of leaving you behind, moi petits.", she smiled and looked to Sachiko.

"Take some breaths Babe, we aren't finished...", she said and looked into her eyes. She knew it was not the time and place but what had happened a few minutes ago HAD to be addressed.
"So...", she said while panting.
"You...you heard me so...do you...too. I mean, you uhm...", she said as the elevator suddenly stopped.
"Scheiße!", the multilingual beauty cursed as she saw that they had stopped on the second floor.
"They stopped us...", she said as the doors went open, hearing the securities running down the hallways in front of them.

Veronika and Sachiko got out and looked around as they saw the small man with the red head approach like a bond villain behind the wall of securities that now encircled them and made them move back against a balcony.
"So "Count and Countess von Karnstein", this was quite intresting indeed but now the fun ends. So let's be reasonable, yes? Come with us and no one gets hurt. Not too bad at least.", he said with a threating undertone that Veronika knew all to well from her times at the illegal car races. This guy wasn't just a regulary manager. And he wouldn't punish them like a regulary manager. If they gave up now they could say goodbye to their teeth and kneecaps. Veronika took a quick glance behind her before wrapping one arm around Sachiko, pulling her in like one of the heroes you could see on old movie posters. The man shook his head. "Please Miss, give it up there is no way to go but down.", he said and Veronika gave him a wink.
"Exactly.", she smiled and kicked with her legs, throwing her, Sachiko and the dogs backwards and over the railing.
"What the-!", the man screamed and ran towards the railing himself, looking down to only see the two delinquents having landed softly at the mats of an inflatable castle!

Veronika gulped as she, Sachiko and her dogs landed. This was by far the most insane thing she had ever done in her life. And she couldn't feel more excited. She looked at Sachiko who was next to her while her chest went up and down, driven with ecstasy. She just moved over and gave her a quick kiss before looking up and raising a middle finger to the screaming man.
"Alright, alright. Now for the final touch!, she said and grabbed Sachikos arm, getting them of the castle where they were eyed from all the kids especially the boys, with big eyes.
Veronika couldn't help but chuckle a little as she gave a little twist to her hip while passing some boys.
"Take a good look boys, better then any Sex Ed!", she laughed as they got of the castle and into the lobby. And finally there was it, the escape plan Veronika had remembered about. Under shining lights and painted in the typical red colours stood a Ferrari that could be won by guessing how marbles were in a glasscontainer next to it.

Veronika knew that these cars were fueled up to be driven in and out when needed and so she the only thing that still could break their back was if the keys were locked away somewhere. But usually the guy who was responsible for the car had them on him and so, followed by blaring alarms, screams, the unsavory curses of the small man, and the footsteps of what seemed to be the whole hotel security, the two women approached the car. Veronika ran into the host, landing on him and giving him a excusing look.
"Oh, oh I am so sorry...I just wanted to play the game so badly! Is it uuuhhm...", she said while letting her breasts jiggle in front of the hosts face, having an easy time pickpocketing him in the process.
"2345?", she asked and before the man could answer she smiled, waving the keys in front of his eyes.
"Let's just say yes, ok?", she said with a devious smile and ran up to the car, jumping in and waiting for her little family to be safely seated too.
The man turned around and slowly nodded his head.
"That...that's...Co...correct?!", he said but Veronika only flashed him a wink and a grin.

She took a deep breath and slipped in the keys turned them and with a loud roar the Ferrari came to life, just as the securities arrived before them. Veronika looked over to Sachiko and pulled her head in.
"Let's get out of this joint, what do you say, Babe?", she grinned and stepped onto the excelerator, jumpstarting the car out of its position and right through the security guards who jumped to the side to not get hit. Veronika drove the car right to the entrance door, looking not to kill anyone on their way out and as they approached the big doors, she stepped onto the gas and catpulted them over the heads of the unbelieving patrons. Almost like in slo motion the car sailed down and hit the concrete under them, Veronika shifting into second gear and getting them out onto the streets!
"Yaaaahoooooooooooo!", she screamed as the hotel slowly became smaller in the rear view mirror. She knew they would follow them but by then they would be at the airport! The Ferrari raced over the Las Vegas Boulevard and Veronika slowly managed to come down. The cold wind on her hot and sweaty body was refreshing and finally she managed to remember that Sachiko still owed her an answer. She looked over to her and took her hand in hers.
"So...Sachi...before we possibly get locked up or anything. What did you want to say to me this whole trip...", she asked with a soft voice.

[CaptainL]

Sachiko had scooped up the two dogs and taken off running...only to realize about a moment too late that they were several stories up in the air, surrounded by hostile security. Their car was still parked somewhere far below - and Sachiko had to admit that, in the whirlwind of excitement that had been the last hour or so, she had completely forgotten where it was. She was so captivated by all the sights and sounds around her, the thrills of flirting with the high life and living to the fullest, that everything else seemed unimportant. She'd hoped that Veronika would be able to set things straight for her, as she had many times in the past - but right now, there were far more pressing matters at hand. And with security closing in on them fast, they knew they needed to move!

Luckily, Veronika - as usual - had a plan. Sachiko looked to her with a grin as she let loose a blast of foam from the fire extinguisher, darting over to her side. "I always knew I could count on ya..." she said with a wink, leaning over closer to Veronika so that she could pat the dogs on the heads. Then, she set them down, taking a step back and stretching as she caught her breath. Veronika was right - as long as they weren't out of the casino, they still had work to do. And more importantly...there was still something that Sachiko needed off her chest.

As soon as Veronika looked into her eyes, the world around Sachiko seemed to slow to a stop. "W-Well, uh..." She sucked in a breath, feeling something tighten in her chest. This was it, she thought. She could feel her cheeks flush hot as the blood came rushing to her face. The words went still in her throat. In all her life, Sachiko had never considered herself a particularly shy person. She was happy to live life on the edge, get in fights, and flaunt her body, and she never made any excuses for it - to her, that was what living was all about! She never thought she would ever be rendered speechless like this. But...she couldn't deny that in Veronika, she had seen something more. Someone who moved her, and stirred feelings deep inside her that she hadn't ever tasted until now - but that she still knew exactly what they were, and where they were coming from. And when confronted with feelings so new and so powerful, she didn't even know where to begin. Should she even be feeling this way? Wasn't a ruthless, vicious delinquent like her above that?

She swallowed a gulp - in order to say anything about this, she thought, she would need to confront the feelings she had felt in her all this time. And no matter how many hard-fought matches she had been through, confronting those feelings was the greatest challenge she had faced in her life. But...it had to be done. It couldn't wait any longer; it was too important...

"Veri...I..." she began...right when the elevator came to a stop, opening on the second floor! Once again, Sachiko had been cut off at the most inopportune time. It had happened to her several times by now, but it never got any easier! She let out a loud groan, stomping her foot on the floor. "Oh, come ON!" she cried out in frustration - but that frustration was quickly silenced by another feeling, as the guards closed in around them, pushing them back up against the balcony.

Sachiko could feel the cold sweat running down the back of her neck. This was bad. These guys were armed. Sachiko was used to flirting with danger, but now she couldn't help but feel like she had picked a fight too big for her to swallow. And this time, she had nowhere to run. Her bravado and composure was beginning to break under the pressure - her eyelid twitched nervously as she chuckled and stammered under her breath, holding a hand up to wave awkwardly at the man. "U-Uhhh...hi?" she began to say, but she knew she was only stalling for time. She glanced back and forth out of the corner of her eye, looking at Veronika, but she wasn't sure if even she could figure out a way out of this one...

Until Veronika slung herself over the edge, taking Sachiko straight down! As she found herself in free-fall, she let out a scream, clinging closer to Veronika's side to try and steady herself. "WHAT THE FUCK, VERI!? ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND!?!?" This was it, she thought. This was how she died. All she could do was tense up and anticipate the impact...

...Only for her to fall into a bouncy castle far below, dumping her out onto the lobby.

When she came down with a thump, all the momentum of her plummet downward came to a stop. All the terror that had gripped her suddenly vanished. It was...anticlimactic, but at least she was alive. "...Oh," she muttered, taking a few seconds' pause to adjust to her new surroundings. "I...knew that was there." She couldn't help but blush a little at her less than dignified reaction - but there was no time to sit around and be embarrassed; they had an escape to make! Sachiko quickly shook the cobwebs out of her head and jumped back to her feet, striking a pose for any onlookers with her hip cocked out and her hand behind her head - she couldn't resist the attention. But she followed after Veronika a moment later - she had to move!

When she saw the car sitting on the curb, Sachiko grinned a little bit wider. At last, she thought, they had their getaway route - she just needed to leave it to Veronika to get them out of there! While the blonde dealt with the host, Sachiko scrambled into place over the hood, tossing her head back as she posed like a model. It made for the perfect camoflauge - at the very least, it would help buy them some time before someone recognized the busty, well-muscled, half-naked, blue-haired Japanese woman with a distinctive scar on her face who had appeared on international TV regularly and who was now involved in an ongoing manhunt. Besides, she loved the attention, and she was getting plenty of camera flashes for it! But before long, Veronika managed to secure the keys to the car, just as the guards started pouring out. Sachiko sprung into the passengers' seat right as the car sprung to life - and as they pealed off into the night, she thrust a fist triumphantly in the air, calling out "YAAAA-HOOOOOOO!!" They had done it!

As she wached the lights of the strip grow further and further into the distance of the rear-view mirror, Sachiko beamed with pride. She had just been through one of the wildest and most chaotic chases of her life, and that was saying something. But she had made it out okay in the end. And more importantly...she had done it all with Veronika at her side.

As she felt the pressure of Veronika's hand, and the cool air against her skin, Sachiko let out a soft sigh, her body sinking closer against her partner's side. She had done it. It was all thanks to Veronika - she realized now that she could never have done that without her. She owed her success to her, just as she owed the success of the Heart Connection as a team, and the triumphs they had faced in the ring. The more she thought about it, the wider the smile grew across her face, and her fingers grew tighter around her partner's hand as she leaned a little closer to her. Yes - she had Veronika to thank. And yes, she thought, she still had a confession to make. But this time...Sachiko didn't feel the slightest bit of hesitation.

"Yeah, about that?" she began. She turned to Veri, and a twinkle alighted in her eye. Seeing her now, the sweat twinkling on her skin in the light, and her hair being blown by the wind, Veronika had never seemed more beautiful. Sachiko could feel the heat flare up inside her chest, and her heart beat a little faster. "Veri...I think you and I could be more than just partners, if ya catch my drift. These last couple of months have been...something else. All the ups and downs...but I wouldn't trade them for anything when I had you by my side the whole time. I think I'm ready to take this to the next level..."

She leaned a little closer, over the console of the car; she threw her arm around the dancer's side to pull herself up against her. For a moment she stayed there, basking in the warmth of their embrace, and the soft tingly sensation of being there, side by side. And then, she brought herself up a little higher, to Veronika's neck, where she planted a kiss against her skin.

"How else can I say it? I...love ya, Veronika."