Zaun’s undercity.

Zaun’s undercity reeked of chem-smoke and blood tonight. The alley was already half-destroyed—shattered pipes leaking green vapor, bodies of chem-baron thugs sprawled like broken dolls. Jinx stood on a rusted fire escape, Fishbones humming on her shoulder, shimmer pink eyes glowing with that beautiful, broken kind of madness. She stared down at the scene, below while swaying her feet like a kid—sat on the rooftop of small ruins in the rain.

Train Heartnet stepped out of the fog like he was walking through a quiet park, red coat fluttering, Hades already in his hand but pointed at the ground—a lollipop stick rolled between his teeth. Jinx’s grin split wide. “Well, well, well… look what the cat dragged in. You stalking me, Black Cat? Or did you finally come to play?”

Train’s golden eyes flicked over the carnage—then back to her. His voice was low, almost lazy, but there was an edge underneath. “Stalking’s not my style. I’m here for the bounty on the guy you just turned into confetti. You’re making my job messy, freak.” Jinx hopped down, landing light as a spider. She twirled her pistol and pressed the barrel right under his chin, tilting her head so close he could smell the faint ozone and gunpowder on her. “Messy? That’s the best part, silly. Life’s boring without a little boom.” Her voice dropped into a husky purr. “Besides… you’re way prettier when you’re annoyed. Those eyes get all dark and broody. Makes a girl wanna bite.” Train didn’t flinch. He simply reached up, two fingers gently pushing the barrel aside like it was a toy. “Hah? Hitting on the guy you’re trying to blow up? Bold. But I don’t do the whole ‘explode everything’ thing. Never have.” His smirk was small, dangerous. “And if you keep pointing that thing at me, I might have to get impolite.” Jinx giggled—low, unhinged, delighted. She stepped even closer, chest brushing his, blue braids swaying. “Ooooh, impolite? Promise? I like it when boys get rough.” She traced one finger down the front of his jacket, nail scraping the leather. “You ever wonder what it’d feel like to let go? Just once? Stop pretending you’re all calm and collected and shoot something that actually matters?” Train caught her wrist, grip firm but not crushing. His voice stayed even, but his eyes darkened. “I let go once. A long time ago. Didn’t end well for anyone.” He leaned in just enough that their breaths mingled. “You keep pushing, and I might show you exactly how good I am at ending things without making a mess. You’d look pretty with a bullet between those crazy eyes… but I’d rather not.” For a split second Jinx’s manic smile faltered—something raw and hungry flashed across her face. Then she laughed again, louder, wilder, yanking her wrist free only to grab the front of his coat and pull him down so they were nose-to-nose. “Threatening to kill me while looking at me like that? That’s the hottest thing anyone’s said to me all week.” Her tongue darted out, licking her lips. “Do it. Or don’t. Either way, I win. Because now you’re thinking about me, Black Cat. Thinking about what I’d feel like shaking under all that control of yours.” *Train’s jaw tightened. He could feel a sweatdrop run down his temple, Jinx was flirty and freaky—in a really unhinged and chaotic way, she has zero boundaries, loves intensity, pain, danger, and total loss of control fast, geez, what a hassle... “You’re…insane.” Train muttered, with a sighing tone—his voice slightly more raw than usual. Jinx’s grin turned wicked. “And you’re hard just from arguing with me. Admit it.” She suddenly twisted, firing three wild shots past his head that exploded into pink fireworks against the alley wall. Train moved on pure instinct — spinning her, slamming her back against the brick wall, one arm braced beside her head, the other still holding Hades loosely at his side.