The City of New Angeles: Beloved

[RealisticFantasy]

Genevieve saunters into Oasis, one of the Myriad District’s most popular bars. Beneath the layer of glitter and trendy furniture, this bar was just like any other bar. And, bars attracted clientele Gen was not fond of. After all, the scumbags here were just the same as the scumbags in the Diamond District, just better dressed. On top of that, she wasn’t trying to scope out a victim seeing as she just cashed in a rather large payload. Tonight, she just wanted to be herself.


Gen pushes open the ‘yin’ of the yin and yang symbol that make up the door into the bar. As if the men can sense her presence from a mile away, every head that she can see has fixed its gaze upon her. She walks to the bar, pretending not to hear the whistles and whispers. She takes a seat at the bar as far away as she can get from other people. “Can I have a--?” Before she finishes, she’s cut off by an oh-so-kind gentleman.


“I’ll get that for ya, sweetheart. I’ll have a shot of vodka and the lady here will have a margarita.” He flashes her and the bartender a charming smile. “Thanks, but no thanks. First off, I’m not your sweetheart. Second, I’ll have a Corona.” He chuckles, reaching out to tuck a piece of hair behind her ear. “Are you sure you know what you’re ordering? That’s a man’s drink, sweetie. And, I do love a challenge.” A man’s drink? What the hell does that even mean? “I’m not playing hard to get. I’m saying no.” He smirks, taking a step closer. “I’ve found out that, a lotta times, no means yes. Women just don’t know what they want.” He looks to the bartender, nodding away from them. “And, those drinks?”


Hearing him say that he thinks no means yes sends chills down her spine. “I’ve got to… powder my nose.” She gets up and walks to the bathroom. She had kept her fashion choice for the night pretty low key, hoping that she wouldn’t get noticed. But, she still did. She pushes the door for the ladies’ bathroom open, one with a weird inverted triangle with a dot in the center to signify women somehow. The first time she came here, it took her three hours to figure out which was the women’s.


She leans against the cool tile of the wall, looking at herself in the mirror across from her. “This is turning out to be a wonderful night…”

Spoiler

 

[E D E L W E I S S]

A shiny, black 1967 Chevy Impala rolled to a stop in front of the Oasis. The bar promised to be packed tonight, like all other nights in the Myriad District; scores of people flock the bars when the work hour ends, making traffic last for a couple of hours as cars and motorbikes clog the highway. Women with powdered faces and painted lips chatted excitedly with one another, their bangles and bracelets making soft clinking noises as they giggle and wave their arms around for emphasis. Men with bright smiles and newly pressed tuxedos step out of their cars with lust and confidence in their tired, hard eyes. The driver of the Impala turned to the passenger beside him. The guy was clad in a simple white dress shirt, and dark trousers with shoes to match; he looked like he just stepped out of a cubicle at work, deciding at the last minute to spend his time drunk in a bar than to spend it productively at home.


"Hey, buddy. You just got outta probation okay?" the driver said as he unlocked the passenger door, waiting for the guy to get outside, "Just do your job and we'll call this whole damn thing a day. Maybe throw a party after we catch that con-artist- whatever- the- fuck- she- is." The passenger stepped outside and smiled. "She giving you a headache already Wade?" Wade rubbed his forehead and looked at him with a tired smile printed on his face. "Last time I checked on the mirror, I only have two strands of hair left on my bald head 'stead of three. Avenge me buddy." Mikael laughed and nodded. "I'll find something against her, then you can jail her ass." "You better. And the drinking okay? You don't want to eat shit from the Captain again." "Ate bags of it," the brunet replied as he watched Wade back out of the driveway, "I'll catch her. I definitely will."


Pushing past the yin and yang symbol that adorned the door, Mikael was greeted with the stench of cigar and the strong scent of liquor that made him swallow twice and clench his jaw. "Why does it have to be this place out of all places?" he mumbled as he spotted the person he was after. The blonde was getting hit on by one of the testosterone-jacked-up customers of the bar. After a moment, she left him alone, giving him a chance to make contact. After waiting for a couple of minutes, he followed her into the women's bathroom.


"Oh shi-- I'm, I'm sorry," Mikael said as he looked away from her then down at his feet. "I-I didn't... Uh, those weird door symbols..." He stammered as he ran a hand through his hair and pretended to look embarrassed.

 

[RealisticFantasy]

She glances at the intruder, her eyes widening a bit when she realizes him to indeed be a him. Normally, she would've been a lot kinder about the whole ordeal considering the dilemma she had in the past. But, with the previous situation occurring just moments ago, she was rendered none too keen on men at the moment. She just gives him a sigh and heads out the bathroom doors. Oasis isn't tonight's location, she had decided. Two incidents over the span of ten minutes doesn't make for a good night. On top of these incidents, she also stuck out like a sore thumb among the fancy suits and massive amounts of makeup.


She pauses, midway through the bar, drumming her fingers against her thigh. She decides not to linger too long because it may give the bar dwellers the idea that they can continue their advances. She spins on her heels and heads back to the bathroom to meet the stranger just outside the women's. "Listen. Don't talk. Just... Anyway, I'm having a bad night. I want to go to a bar and I'm much better off going with a man. And, seeing as you can make eye contact longer than three seconds and haven't been a complete ass, I'm... extending an invitation. I know it's stupid and I barely know you, but I do stupid things. Anyway, meet me at The Metropolitan - three blocks south and eight east from here. And, if you don't..." She just shrugs before heading to the exit again. She waves down a cab, suddenly regretting her invitation.


Three block south, eight blocks east, and fifteen minutes later...

She pays her driver and hops out of the cab entering the much more casual bar. It was tucked between a pizza shop and a laundromat. It didn't seem like anything special and it wasn't. It reminded her vaguely of the bars in the Diamond District - the handful of good ones. Here she went by Vee and she was a regular. She hops up on a stood, crosses her arms, and buries her head in them, letting out a soft groan. The bartender has a Corona ready as she sits and places it next to her. She muffles voice rises from her arms moments later, "I don't know why I don't listen to you, Johnny. I wanted to try something new... Oh, nowhere can beat this place. Jeremy was right. It's the only place that isn't full of scumbags in the district."


Johnny sighs, running a hand through his black hair. Johnny was a man with strong, defined features that gave him a strongly masculine appearance. His dark hair contrasted his pale skin and lightly green eyes that could be mistaken for gray. He had a slightly muscular build and a bit of scruff and was by no means unattractive. "They can't all be bad?" She lifts her head for a moment. "I've tried every single one." Her head drops between her arms again, letting out another groan. "And, I did a stupid thing..."<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_01/968d61fef8cf823ad73bc153586546e8.jpg.d7f9218f700557f6de49304ff740b41b.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="41130" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_01/968d61fef8cf823ad73bc153586546e8.jpg.d7f9218f700557f6de49304ff740b41b.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>

 

[E D E L W E I S S]

Well that's just great. Mikael watched with annoyance as the blonde simply sighed and left without a word. "Well thank you for noticing my presence miss," he said aloud to the empty room, "Sorry Wade, but from the looks of things, I don't think we'll be having a party tonight. No wonder you're having a headache." After checking his reflection in the mirror, the brunet stepped back outside to embrace the booze and smoke infested atmosphere. Mikael wasn't really expecting a no-reply, considering that she had just been hit on by a stranger and she needed someone to vent her feelings to, or perhaps exchange sarcasms with. Women like that, right? But the thing is, Mikael never really understood women; he doesn't understand them as much as he doesn't understand why people like to hold on to something that's killing them, or why they watch movies with a predictable end. Maybe that's why she left and never talks on the phone, a taunting voice echoed in his mind that he desperately tried to push away.


Focus, he reminded himself as he scanned the bar for Genevieve. At this rate, the only option is to either let her go or to follow her and beg forgiveness for "accidentally" walking in on her. Right before Mikael decides to swallow what's left of his pride and act embarrassed in front of her yet again, Genevieve walked back to him and left a message.


--


"Wade, I'm in. Meeting her at the Metropolitan after a few. I won't be using the bugs you gave me; if what you said is true, she might see it. I'll give you a call back buddy, sorry but there won't be a party tonight." After leaving a voice mail, Mikael hailed a cab for Metropolitan. Exactly ten minutes had passed when he stepped out of the cab and entered their meeting place. It was largely different from the Oasis; it was more casual, more personal. It was the kind of bar that you take your closest friends to, with the intent to unwind and laugh about the irony of life. Mikael sat next to Genevieve and held up a hand as the bartender asked him what he wanted. "Not drinking, just water." The dark haired man shrugged and filled up a glass with cold water, then placed it down in front of him in one quick, practiced gesture. "I don't think I got to introduce myself," he said as he turned to Genevieve, "I'm Mikael. Thanks for the invite, uh...? "he asked, fishing for a name.

 

[RealisticFantasy]

Gen lifts her head at the sound of the door opening. "And, there's 'something stupid'." She pauses a moment before going wide-eyed, realizing what she just implied. "Not saying that I did him. I just... I..." Johnny nods to the approaching gentlemen with an amused smirk. Gen sighs and forces a smile as she turns to face the stranger. "You came!" She feigns surprise in the statement. She hadn't really doubted that he would come. Most men didn't need much convincing. "What will you have?" Water? Interesting... Stop that. Stop analyzing. Johnny gives her a look as well when he says water. Men who go out to bars by choice don't drink water. Alone, presumably single having followed me here. What is he trying to stay sober for? ...Ugh, stop that! "Invite? Oh, uh, yeah. No problem..." She lifts the bottle to her lips again as an excuse to dodge his question.


Eight years ago

Gen stands in the middle of an abandoned warehouse with Jeremy pacing around her. "Why are we here of all places?" He stops in front of her with a sly smirk. "Your first lesson! I expect you to know these rules, live these rules, eat these rules, and breathe these rules. Rules are the basis of everything in con artistry and, yes, it is an art." Gen raises an eyebrow at the man in front of her. "Is that rule number one?"


He immediately makes a buzzer sound, beginning to pace around her again. "Wrong, And, I will not answer any more of your silly questions. Rule number one: Trust no one. Everybody lies." The corner of her mouth twitches into a smirk. "Even you? So, what you're saying is that this isn't the first rule?" He stops in his tracks and she grins a bit. Did I catch him off guard? "Yes and no. So maybe. But, yes. And, no. Consider it rule one part B."


"So, what's part A?" He places a hand on her shoulder, his smirk widening again. "You're not ready for it." She turns to face him with an amused look. "So, what? That's today's lesson? ...And, I thought you said you wouldn't answer my questions?" He does a little excited dance followed by a bow. "I'll be here all week." He heads to the exit of the building, calling over his shoulder, "Oh, and didn't I mention everybody lies?" She just shakes her head with a chuckle.




She blinks a few times, realizing she must have gone silent for a few seconds. "Uh, Johnny? Why don't you go tell Chef to cook me - us - up something nice? Just put it on my tab?" Johnny's amused smirk only widens. "Righty-o, princess." He starts heading toward the kitchen, waiting for Mikael to stop paying attention to send kissy faces and a wink in her direction.

 

[E D E L W E I S S]

Mikael stared at the glass in his hand for a full two minutes, watching as beads of water start to form on the surface. Okay honestly, this glass right here is keeping me entertained and that is a bad thing. A really bad thing. The brunet stole a quick glance at the blonde beside him, wondering why it's taking her way too damn long to introduce herself. Should I talk or not? She looks really out of it, Mikael thought as he set the glass back on the counter. Right before he can clear his throat and ask what's wrong, Genevieve finally snapped out of her reverie. "Cook us up someth-- Hey, I can pay for it. If you wanted to get something to eat, you should've just told me," he shrugged, "I know this restaurant two blocks down called Red Garden. They make the best steaks you've ever eaten your whole life. And I'm not kidding. Sent me to Heaven twice." Mikael offered a smile to her, hoping to God Almighty that she warm up to the conversation and not leave him hanging again.


After his probation, Mikael's shot at reaching the top of the ranks had been obliterated, and his only hope is the Dodger Case. If he can only find evidence, he can close the case and call it his. Then they'll be celebrating his success in the papers again, then maybe she'll come back. For now, all he needed is progress, maybe get her to spill some of her activities or upcoming plans. But he knew that that's not going to happen with someone like her. She's trained and she's been doing what she did for a very long time; if she's the type to spill, then the case would've been closed by now. Unless... Mikael bit his lip and weighed the options in his head. The only way is to get her drunk, but she's definitely not going to drink alone, or she might watch her intake. Is it really worth a shot?

 

[RealisticFantasy]

"I really don't mind paying. I had to give back every so often here and there." She gives him a smile as she drums her fingers on the top of the bar. "Red Garden? Sounds like a date..." She says teasingly with a small chuckle. "Plus, I can't get too caught up in food or drinks or..." She lets the sentence trail off as her gaze dips a small bit lower than she would normally allow. "I have... a prior engagement. One of my many hobbies."


Small talk? How does that one go again? It was weird just talking to some one, not telling them want they want to hear or pretending to be someone she isn't. Well, she was kind of always pretending to be someone she isn't. It wasn't like she could just parade her 'career' around and expect everyone to be happy about it. And, if that happened... Well, screw the element of surprise. Rule number four: If your victim is a lock, then surprise is the key. Dammit, Jer. Even when you're not here, you're... She sighs softly as the thought crosses her mind. She told herself everyday that he was just some guy. Just like one of the vics, she'd drain him dry and leave without a trace. And, how'd that plan go, babe? Hmm? ...Am I really arguing with myself? In my head no less?

 

[E D E L W E I S S]

Should I take the shot? Mikael smiled back at her and nodded, finally knowing the answer to his question. "It can be a date if you want to," he shrugged, "but honestly, I just need some company other than, well, everyone I know. A new face I guess? So I can be myself even for a little while." He lifted the empty glass and rolled it between his fingers. The Artful Dodger has many personalities; she's always pretending, always assuming another role and another name. Maybe if he can touch a subject that's close to her true self, then he'll get pieces of the puzzle. "So your hobbies keeps you from getting food or drinks? Don't know how long I'll last with that kind of hobby," Mikael chuckled and let his gaze meet hers. He doesn't know how she does it, to pretend every single day of her life. He can't even detect anything in her pale, blue eyes, nor from her composure. The only thing he can tell is that something's been bothering her from the way she sighs and sometimes spaces out. What can possibly trouble the great dodger?


"You know what's the best thing about talking with a stranger?" Mikael asked as silence once again settled over them, "The best thing is that we don't know anything about each other. So hey, if something's bothering you, feel free to tell me. Can't judge you anyway," he said as he offered a friendly smile.

 

[RealisticFantasy]

"Some hobbies you take on for not yourself, but others." She mumbles under her breath. "You know what's the best thing about talking with a stranger? The best thing is that we don't know anything about each other. So hey, if something's bothering you, feel free to tell me. Can't judge you anyway." She looks at him skeptically. "I've often found strangers to be the most judgmental because all they have to go by is surface appearance. If someone handed you a piece of paper listing every bad thing a person you never met has done, would you think they were a good person? No." She sits a little straighter, turning to face him.


"Let's say maybe that person stole from a convenience store, trespassed on property, broke a few windows and such. They sound like an awful person, don't they? Then, you're told that person is 13 years old. And, they turned around and gave what they stole from the store to their younger brother. The two of them, both homeless, broke into an abandoned building to spend the night out of a storm. Does that change your perspective? People allow the bad to muddy the good because that's what they want too focus on. That is something that bothers me." She clenches her fist for a moment after her rant before relaxing. She looks away from him with a sigh.