<em>Beep beep beep!</em><br/><br/>He woke with a jerk, his right hand instantly reaching beside the bed for the large japanese sword that rested against the wall, at the same time as he rose to look around the dark bedroom.<br/><br/>Oh, it was just new messages. Dammit. And... what time was it? Oh, way later than he would usually wake up. That explained the alarm. He kept the message icon hovering at the edge of his vision, muted, and rubbed his eyes tiredly. He wasn't terribly surprised to have overslept, considering-<br/><br/>"Mmm... what is it?" Hie groaned, rising sluggishly beside him, not bothering to cover herself with the sheets, thus baring her plump, bountiful breasts and dark nipples to the air.<br/>"Just messages, sorry, go back to sleep." Huang replied, grinning sheepishly at the woman, eliciting an amused chuckle from her lips.<br/>"Yes, I like to slice spam with a sword, too." The coffee-skinned woman jested, smiling playfully back at him. "Sorry I tired you out."<br/>"Well, I'm not." The blonde elf replied, putting the sword aside and pulling the woman into his firm arms, locking his lips with hers in a passionate kiss.<br/><br/>--------<br/><br/>After another round in bed, and then again in the shower, Huang and Hie stood at the hotel room door, kissing one last time.<br/><br/>"Always nice to get together, Hie." He said fondly to his friend, as they broke the kiss.<br/>"It's a shame we can't have these little stress-relief sessions more often. I guess that's the problem with being fuck buddies with a wanted criminal." The dark-haired Amerindian girl joked, opening the door. "You stay safe, okay? And stay in touch." She said, giving Huang a kiss on the cheek.<br/>"Yes ma'am." The elf replied with a grin, waving her off as she left.<br/><br/>He would get to enjoy the amenities of the hotel room for a while, making sure to leave plenty of time between her depature and his, before taking off. As soon as Hie left, Huang finally opened his messages, and saw most of the usual things. At the end, though...<br/><br/>"Huh."<br/><br/>Eye of the Needle? Damn... that was big. An important job for sure. It seemed he was moving up in the world.<br/><br/>Could it be a setup? He couldn't really see how. The Needle had crazy security, it'd be hard for someone wanting to capture him to smuggle guns in, or even just a drug to knock him out. Well, he'd have to watch his drinks regardless, but if it was that easy to slip a knockout pill in, he imagined it would've happened already to a diplomat or a sim-star. And if they were hoping to take him with just their fists... well, Huang had a certain advantage in fistfights.<br/><br/>And if it was legit... you didn't ask for a meeting in the Needle for just any chump job. And it was a party hosted by Mr. Johnson, meaning they definitely had resources. Whatever this could be, it definitely sparked his curiosity. Hm, he'd have to make an impression.<br/><br/>Figuring it was safe to leave, Huang finished dressing, putting on a dark red shirt, jeans, and his trusty longcoat. Then, he took his nodachi and sheathed it, then strapped the sheath inside his coat. It wasn't cheap, making it so the sword could be snuck past hotel security, but worth it. Huang had long since learned not to sleep without a weapon beside him.<br/><br/>Finally ready, the elf left the room, riding the elevator confidently down to the hotel lobby, and marching out, easily sneaking his sword right past security again. All the while he headed back to his simple apartment, Huang was watchful, making sure he wasn't being tailed, as well as being careful enough with his steps to make it harder for anyone who escaped his perception to tail him.<br/><br/>--------<br/><br/>By 9pm, Huang was almost ready to leave. After all, arriving early meant he could get the lay of the land, and the Johnson, first, perhaps even before the host showed up. When the elf was ready, he was confident he would be among the best dressed at the party. He wore a white shirt, pants and suit jacket, clean and simple, but not boring or gaudy, with a deep purple vest and tie to distinguish himself, with a matching handkerchief tucked visibly into the front jacket pocket, and dark dress shoes. It was a simple and stylish ensemble, definitely suited for a high-class party where one in his profession wanted to look good, but not stand out in a bad way.