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Anon x Cousin Starlight
By OniiChansFablesCreated: 21st October 2020 04:12:16 PM
Modified: 16th February 2021 06:15:37 PM
- >You go by the name Anon in this town, you couldn't afford to use your last name.
- >Especially in your line of work.
- >You worked for a man who called himself “Hoity Toity”
- >Why anybody would call themselves that is beyond you, but that's not what matters.
- >What matters is that he pays well.
- >Well enough that you don't utter a word about his moniker.
- >He also treated you well, a little too well sometimes.
- >He's probably a fruit.
- >He gave the assignment to pick up some cargo from the docks around 2am and you obliged.
- >It was about 3:13 according to your watch.
- >These guys better show up soon, you wanted to get to sleep.
- >You take a sip from the cheap coffee you picked up from a 24 hour diner.
- >It tasted like water from a sewer, but you needed the caffeine.
- >You spotted some moving shadows through the fog in the docking area.
- >Guess they're here.
- >You grabbed your pistol, trench knife and fedora and exited the truck.
- “Gentlemen.” You called, your trench coat tails fluttered in the air
- >”You the guy?” The taller one asked, dropping a crate.
- “Depends.”
- >”On what?” The short guy asked.
- >You flipped over the crate and opened it.
- >Just as you thought, it was only half full.
- “If you're trying to screw my boss over.”
- >”They're all like this.”
- >You grab the short guy by the collar.
- “Don't fuck with me little man. Where's the rest?”
- >The big guy put a hand on your shoulder.
- >”All the boxes are the same.” He had some accent you couldn't place.
- >He sounded sincere, but you've been screwed over before.
- >And he had the audacity to touch you.
- >You let the short guy go, quickly brandished your trench knife and decked the tall one as hard as you could.
- “Don't touch me.”
- >He hit the ground hard and didn't move.
- >He's out cold.
- >”You motherfucker!” the short one shouted.
- >He reached into his suit jacket.
- >You cleared leather faster than he could and he was dead within the second.
- >You better get this stuff loaded into the truck before someone comes along.
- >Those guys were right, all the crates were the same.
- >You felt a twinge of regret for throwing them both in the water.
- >After dropping off the truck at the designated lockup, you went home.
- >Your apartment was a nice place on the wealthier side of town, a gift from your boss.
- >A few bedrooms, a large kitchen, two bathrooms and a nice living room.
- >Your apartment was bigger than some houses you grew up around.
- >You slipped out of your coat, suit and shoes and smoked a cigarette before hitting the bed.
- >You woke up to the ringing of your phone.
- “Hello?” You greeted.
- >”Oh my dear Anon, how are you today?”
- >You recognized that voice.
- “I'm doing fine Mister Toity.”
- >”Please Anon, I've told you to just call me Hoity, remember?”
- “I'm sorry Hoity, I've only just woken up. The job took longer than it should have last night.”
- >”I do apologize for the job taking longer than expected my dear. Please, take the day off and come by tomorrow.”
- >You were taken aback by that.
- “That's not neces-”
- >”That's an order Anon. Relax.”
- >You couldn't argue any more.
- “Alright Hoity. Was the product all there?”
- >”All the cloth was accounted for, your payment is being brought to you by Snips, I'll see you tomorrow.”
- >The line was dead now.
- >You killed two people last night because you thought they were trying you screw your boss over some cloth.
- >At least this wasn't the first time.
- >Welp, you have a free day now even if you were tired.
- >Unfortunately, you couldn't get back to sleep.
- >Now awake, you listened to some radio.
- >You light up a cigarette and tune into just starting Shadow drama.
- >You hope this episode is good.
- >...
- >It was a rebroadcast of an old episode, it was a good episode at least.
- >As you finished your smoke, your phone rang again.
- “Hello?” You answered again.
- >”Hello Anon, how are you?”
- >It was Mom.
- “Hey Ma, I'm fine. How are you and Dad?”
- >”We're doing fine, honey.”
- “That's good to hear, but why'd you call me?”
- >”Your cousin Starlight needs a place to stay.”
- “How does that relate to me, if I may ask? I thought she was going to the college there.”
- >”She was, but she wants to transfer out there for some specific classes that they don't have here.”
- “Oh.”
- >”Can she stay with you?” You could hear the pleading in Mom's voice.
- “I don't know. Don't they have some sorta student housing?”
- >”We can't afford it.”
- >You thought about it for a minute of silence over the phone.
- >You didn't know what to think.
- >Starlight needed a place to stay, sure, but you don't have the safest of lives.
- >You'd rather not endanger a family member, but she was trying to get a better life for herself.
- >The same reason you're here.
- >...
- >You'll keep Starlight safe while she's here, no matter the cost.
- “Alright Ma, she can stay with me. When's she coming?”
- >”Thank You! I'll let Firelight know immediately! I love you honey!” Mom hung up.
- >You let out a sigh,
- >You hope that you can keep the girl safe.
- >This town has enough creeps and slimes that would love to get their hands on a pretty girl like your cousin.
- >You've dealt with a fair share of them yourself, most of which are dead or severely maimed.
- >It's what those bastards deserved.
- >Hoity always bailed you out if you ever got caught by the cops and even got stuff wiped from your now nonexistent record.
- >With some things that man has done for you, you could almost kiss him.
- >Almost.
- >Sure, that silvery ponytail and silky smooth skin made him look better than a lot of dames out in the world, but you didn't swing that way.
- >Sometimes though, he looked real pretty...
- >You shook your head clear.
- >Better clean up the other room.
- >You never used it yourself, used by whoever needed a place to crash or lie low, mostly your compatriots and sometimes Hoity himself.
- >Snails crashed here a few days ago.
- >You hadn't checked it out since.
- >As you stared at the empty room, you realize Mom never told you when Starlight is coming.
- >You enjoyed the rest of your day off.
- >Hoity Toity called you the next morning.
- >Today's job was simple: go pick up a package from a clothing manufacturer on the other side of the city and bring it back to Hoity Toity in person.
- >Easy job, you usually had it tougher.
- >Taking out targets, stealing product shipments, sabotaging rival endeavors, etc.
- >Your job today maybe be easy, but you know one thing.
- >You're only sent if Hoity Toity really wanted something done.
- >You got into your car and drove over to the place, traffic was awful and it took you over an hour to get there.
- >When you arrived, the sounds of the foundry were an assault on your ears.
- >The constant revving of the machines and the loud chattering of the workers echoing into the massive main hall felt like your ears were being hit with a wall of bricks made of sound.
- >Let's just hurry.
- “Mr. Toity sent me.” is all you said to the foreman.
- >He brought you to his office and handed you the package.
- >It just felt like more clothing, which made sense considering the location.
- >As you left the building, a speeding car swerved into the parking lot and screeched to a halt.
- >The driver window was rolled down.
- >”Ms. Photo sends her regards.”
- >You jumped to cover behind your car as gunfire lit up where you were just standing and now your car.
- “Motherfuckers!” You were more angry about the car than the attempt on your life.
- >You pulled out your machine gun from under the back seat and fired through the window.
- >You didn't let go of the trigger until you heard the clicking.
- >No more gunfire was heard after you ran out of ammo.
- >You got 'em.
- >Hoity Toity was overjoyed when you gave the package to him.
- >When you told him about Photo's assassination attempt, he looked pissed.
- >”That cunt will learn why it's a man's world. I'm sorry about your car dear, I'll have it fixed for you.”
- >You would not decline that offer, you put your guns into a duffle bag, and had Snips drive you home.
- >The next few days and jobs passed with little incident.
- >A kill here, a package delivery there.
- >Ma told you Starlight would fly in in a few days.
- >Back in Kansas, you would've never thought the fashion industry would be this violent.
- >You came out here to work in the movies, not really as an actor but maybe a producer or a set designer or something.
- >You never truly thought about it, you just liked the movies.
- >Hopefully some day there would be a way to watch them at home.
- >Sure, you could go to a theater anytime you wanted to with the amount of money you had put away, but there would always be people with you.
- >There was always some mook who made too much noise and wouldn't keep his trap shut
- >Sometimes it was broad, but their husbands usually gave them a slap or two to quiet them down.
- >You knew it was worse in the negro theaters.
- >Snips, being a mick, had grown up going to such theaters and from the stories he told, you knew it was worse.
- >The only negro you cared to see was the singer at the Magic Lounge downtown; Zecora was her name.
- >That woman had a voice on her that sounded like no other.
- >Her lyricism was beautiful and brought tears to your eyes.
- >Her creamy chocolate skin was exotic, her pearly white smile could brighten a room and deep grey eyes were so warm and inviting, you could get lost in them.
- >Those long smooth legs of hers were mesmerizing too.
- >There were nights you went down to the lounge just to watch and listen to her sing: no drinking, no smoking, no socializing.
- >You would tell none of this to anyone for fear of ostracization.
- >Why would any non-negro want anything to do with a negress?
- >Whatever, it isn't like you would ever approach her.
- >At least, in the romantic sense.
- >You sat in your chair, listening to the current Shadow episode being broadcast, and smoked your cigarette with your whiskey in hand.
- >Damn, this episode is good.
- >You took a sip as The Shadow's maniacal cackle radiated from your radio set.
- >Hoity had called you to his office earlier for something, he didn't tell you what.
- >The first place he owned was a legitimate business, and the building behind it was where the dirty deeds were ordered.
- >You, Snails, Snips and the rest were instructed to never go to the front building which is where he sold his designer clothing.
- >In the second building was where the clothing was made.
- >There were two floors: the bottom one that looked professional and was used to produce the clothes he put time and effort into with well-paid staff.
- >The top floor was a sweatshop that produced the clothes that Hoity sold to whatever shops that wouldn't question where it came from.
- >You noted the workers here, Asians mostly.
- >Cheap, easy labor for those that were eager to come to the states.
- >You took a swig from your flask.
- >Hopefully whatever he needed from you would be easy.
- >You weren't in the mood for hard work today.
- >”What do you think you're doing, you're slant eyed slag?!”
- >Toity's yelling caught your attention.
- >”Are you trying to steal from me?”
- >You heard some mandarin shouting and Toity arguing back in English.
- >”Snips, Snails! Throw this slut out!”
- >The pair dragged the still yelling woman up from her chair.
- >Nobody's gonna believe her if she squeals; she's a minority and an undocumented immigrant, she'll be on the first boat back to Beijing before the police ever investigate your boss.
- “Sir.”
- >That got Hoity's attention.
- >”My dear Anon, I am so sorry that you had to see that. Come to my office.”
- >You did.
- >”I caught wind of a courier carrying a package for Photo Finish. It's apparently some rare fabrics, you know what I want.”
- “Find the courier, kill him and take the package, got it.”
- >”Actually, retract the killing part. Bring him to me. He might have some information.”
- “Alright boss.”
- >”My informant saw him at the East Side Cafe about ten minutes ago.”
- “Description?”
- >”He's a small guy with a purple suit and green hat.”
- >When you got to the cafe, you looked for the guy matching the description.
- >He stood out like a sore thumb with that gaudy suit, eating muffins and staring at a photo.
- >Grabbing him while he's eating is a bad idea.
- >Too many people around.
- >While you were sure the boss would bail you out, you'd rather not be arrested today.
- >You just had to wait.
- >...
- >How long is this midget going to stare at that picture and stuff his gob?
- >Didn't he have a package to deliver?
- >You've been in your car for an hour and it was getting hot when you turned off the engine.
- >Another fifteen minutes passed before he left, briefcase in hand.
- >You trailed him at a distance to not arouse his suspicion.
- >He turned into a vacant alley, big mistake.
- >Time to strike.
- >You exited your car and followed him.
- >He didn't notice you until it was too late.
- >You shoved your pistol into his back.
- “My boss wants to have a word with you.”
- >”I'll go! Please don't hurt me!” He pleaded with a somewhat high-pitched voice.
- >What a coward.
- >You checked the briefcase.
- >The fabric was there.
- >It was softer than anything you had ever felt; like some satin and a cloud had an offspring.
- >It was light too, it almost was blown away by a violent gust of wind.
- >You put the case in the front with you and the coward in the back, threatening to shoot if tries to run.
- >The drive back to the shop was silent; he pulled out that photo again.
- >You read the name on the back of the picture through the rear-view mirror.
- >Rarity.
- >Could be useful, Hoity might like to know about this.
- >...
- >This guy could take some punishment for a coward.
- >Snips and Snails had been wailing on him for almost an hour.
- >”Where is this fabric coming from?” Hoity asked again politely, sitting with his legs crossed and cigarette holder in his fingers.
- >He still didn't answer.
- >You whispered to Hoity about the photo.
- >”If you don't start talking, I'll have my friend here track down that girlfriend of yours.”
- >He sang like a bird and told the boss everything.
- >The fabric came from some place in Italy, he didn't know where exactly.
- >Hoity figured that Photo had some roots set there, or at least a contact.
- >The boss decided he would keep this guy, Spike as he was called, under his boot as a spy.
- >He told Spike that if mentioned anything that happened today, Rarity's life would be forfeit.
- >You silently hoped he wouldn't, you'd hate to have the blood of such a lovely woman on your hands.
- >The regular hoods and thugs you dealt with were another story, you rarely lost sleep over them.
- >If there were people, you felt sorry for when you snuffed out some greaseball, it was the families of said greaseball.
- >You could imagine parents weeping as they get the news that their son was found dead.
- >That's the stuff that would keep you awake at night.
- >That's why you picked up your habits.
- >When you got back home, it was in the dead of night.
- >The neon lights from the burlesque parlor across the street beamed in through your living room shudders.
- >You hung up your fedora and suit jacket, poured yourself a whiskey sour, lit up a cigarette, tuned into a music and sat down on the couch.
- >Today wasn't hard, nowhere near it.
- >You just needed to relax.
- >The phone in your room rang, and you sighed.
- >Not even five minutes.
- “Hello?” You answered.
- >”Hey honey!” It was Mom.
- “Ma? Why'd you call at this hour, couldn't this have waited?”
- >”Starlight will be there tomorrow around noon.”
- >Oh. Right. Starlight.
- “Alright Ma, I'll pick her up.”
- >”Uncle Firelight says thank you for taking her in.”
- “Tell him it's not a problem.”
- >”Ok sweetie, be sure to call me when she gets there!”
- “Will do Ma, goodnight.”
- >”Night.”
- >You hung up the phone and sat there in relative silence for a minute.
- >You had forgotten that cousin Starlight would be staying with you for a bit.
- >With a sigh, you made a call to Hoity.
- >He'll understand.
- >The boss was happy to let you have a day or two off under a simple condition.
- >He wanted to meet Starlight at some point, a reasonable request.
- >Hoity wasn't a creep, you had no reason to worry except for the off chance that Photo or Suri would try to kill him, but you would be there to protect them both.
- >Starlight.
- >You hadn't seen her in years.
- >The last time you saw her was when your family saw you off on your flight to get here.
- >That was three years ago.
- >Memories of that day flooded back, you could feel that tingle on your cheek.
- >Where Starlight kissed you before you boarded the plane.
- >You were sweet on each other when you were kids, but you were sure whatever had lingered into your teen years would be gone by now.
- >Probably for the best.
- >Starlight was a bright girl with an even brighter future ahead of her if she kept her nose to the books.
- >She didn't need a schmuck like you dragging her down.
- >You or anybody like you.
- >Any geek off the street tries to approach her, you knock their teeth down their throats.
- >It'll be that simple.
- >...
- >You went to pick your cousin up from the airport.
- >Since you hadn't seen Starlight in years, you thought it best to dress for a good impression.
- >Your best suit, shoes and hat would do nicely, gifts from the boss.
- >When you laid your eyes on her, you could tell she had grown up.
- >Starlight stood taller than you remember and had grown out her purple hair, putting it into a ponytail style with blunt bangs.
- >She wore a light blue blouse, a dark purple skirt and what seemed like some short heels.
- >She sat on her brown suitcase waiting for you.
- “Starlight.” You called as you got out of your car.
- >”Cousin Anon!” She exclaimed, standing up and running to you.
- >You embraced her hug.
- >”It's good to see you again!”
- “It's good to see you too.”
- >You pulled yourselves apart and opened up the passenger door for her.
- >You put her luggage in the trunk, moving some guns around to make room.
- >The drive back to your apartment was riddled with questions.
- >”What is it you do? Dad and Uncle Incog never told me.” She asked.
- “I work in fashion.”
- >”Oh really! What do you do? Model? That suit is quite dapper!”
- >The suit was doing its job; thanks, boss.
- “No such thing. I just pick up and deliver packages for the boss.”
- >”Your boss, huh? Who do you work for?”
- “A man named Hoity Toity.”
- >“Wow! That's amazing! I didn't think you were working for THE Hoity Toity!”
- “Yeah, he pays well, gave me this suit and my apartment”
- >”He sounds like a great boss.”
- “He takes care of his employees.”
- >The legal ones at least.
- >”I'm glad to hear it. You know, my professor would always talk about how greedy and corrupt our country is, but it can't be all bad, right?”
- “It's not all bad.”
- >...
- >”Wow! I didn't think you had such a big place!”
- >Her excitement was refreshing.
- >Too many people here were jaded, understandably so.
- >This chews people up and spits them out like tobacco.
- >The airports were the hands that kept feeding.
- >”Hey Anon, what's a Burlesque?” Her voice was so innocent.
- “Nothing you need to know about. C'mon, I'll show you your room.”
- >You opened up the bedroom door, and she gasped.
- >”This room is bigger than the living room Mom and Dad have!”
- “Like I said, he takes care of his employees.”
- >”And he just gave this place to you?”
- “Yep.”
- >”That's amazing!”
- >You put her suitcase on the bed and left the room to let her get settled in.
- >A few minutes later, the door open.
- >”Hey Anon, I found a gun in here.”
- >You sighed. Snails must've left his pistol here.
- >You cleaned that room front to back, how did you miss it?
- “Bring it here.”
- >You could tell she was apprehensive about holding the gun as she handed it to you.
- >It confused you a little; the two of you grew up around guns.
- >Dad and Uncle Firelight always brought you two hunting and taught you two the ins and outs of gun usage.
- >It's half the reason you were good at your job,
- >You looked over the pistol.
- >A nickel plated Colt M1911 with a pearl grip: this was Snail's alright.
- “Sorry about that, my friend forgot it here.”
- >You put Snail's gun in your jacket and sat down on your couch.
- >Starlight emerged a few minutes later and sat down with you.
- >”Is this what you do in your off time?”
- “I usually have a smoke and a drink with me.”
- >”I didn't think you would've started smoking, I was thinking maybe you had a guest that did.”
- “In my line of work, I need something to take the edge off.”
- >”I didn't think fashion would be that stressful of an industry.”
- “You have no idea.”
- >A few quiet moments passed; it was kind of awkward.
- >You didn't understand how to talk to this girl you hadn't seen in almost four years.
- >”So...what's there to do for fun around here?”
- “I usually just listen to the radio in my off time, or I go down to the lounge and listen to the singers there.”
- >”No theaters? I thought you liked movies.”
- “There's a one or two around here, places are great, but the people in 'em need to hit the bricks.”
- >She laughed with that sweet voice you remember.
- >”Yeah, that sounds right! I remember that when you got barred from the one back home for fighting with that guy who wouldn't stop talking.”
- >Her chuckling continued, and you frowned in some attempt to suppress a smile.
- “I don't pick fights in cinemas anymore.”
- >”I would hope so!”
- “There's also a diner down the street if you get hungry. The food they make there is unlike anything back home.”
- >”You don't have food here?”
- “I ain't brought a woman here ever, so no. Although, now that you here...”
- >She laughed again
- >”Me cook? Do you want me to burn the house down?”
- >A memory of Starlight's parents panicking over a flaming stove surface.
- >You laughed a bit yourself.
- “You're right, if you're anything like your mom, my place would be up in flames!”
- >The sound of grumbling stomach got your attention.
- >Starlight's face was beet red.
- >”I guess I could go for a sandwich.” She sounded embarrassed alright.
- “Well then, let's go.”
- >You grabbed your keys, and she followed.
- >”Anon! How are you?” A familiar voice called.
- >You and Starlight hadn't even sat down yet.
- “I'm doing fine Hoity, how about yourself?”
- >”Marvelous dear, just marvelous. Our little informant has told me that Photo has another shipment of that Italian fabric coming in and-”
- >With a quick glance over your shoulder, he noticed Starlight's stare of awe.
- >”Oh, is this she, Anon?”
- >You nod.
- >”I am Hoity Toity, fashion designer extraordinaire and the boss of your cousin here.” Your boss introduced himself with a hand on your shoulder.
- >”May I ask your name, young lady?”
- >”I-I'm Starlight Glimmer!” She stammered out.
- >”Glimmer? How adorable is that! Is that your last name too Anon, you've never told me.” He asked.
- “No Sir, her mom and my dad are siblings, she got her dad's last name.” you explained.
- >”Oh, well, that explains that.”
- >He glanced down at his watch.
- >”I'm afraid I must be going. Ta-ta!” Hoity tutted as he exited the restaurant.
- >”I didn't think he'd be so nice.”
- “You calling me a liar?” you joked.
- >”A little.”
- >You motioned her to a booth in the corner with your back to the wall.
- >As you flip through a menu, you wonder why the boss was here in the first place; he never eats at places like this.
- >Probably had some business with someone here, but who is the question.
- >”You two ready to order?” The waitress asked.
- “I'll take a Reuben with a Coca-Cola”
- >”I'd like a BLT and a Coke as well.”
- >”Alrighty, your orders will be ready in a few minutes.” She took the menus and left.
- >You quietly scanned the establishment for anybody who looked like they would have business with Hoity Toity.
- >Nobody stood out..
- .>”Hey Anon, is something wrong?” Starlight's inquired softly.
- “I'm fine Glimglam, just a little paranoid is all.”
- >”Are you worried that someone will swoop me away?” She giggled.
- “Yes, swooping is bad.” you slowly responded.
- >Drop it for now, you'll have to ask Hoity about it later.
- >Lunch was nice; the two of you caught up.
- >She was here because one of her clubs had a branch out here and, as mom mentioned, some classes related to her major are out here.
- >You made up some details about your life here and what you did.
- >She didn't need to know what you really did; neither did anyone back home.
- >”I'm a little shocked that you've never a girl the whole time you've been here.”
- >That wasn't a lie.
- “I told you that earlier, why's it relevant now?”
- >”If we're talking about what we've been up to for the past few years, your love life is on the table, isn't it?”
- “What about you then? How many hearts have you broken?”
- >”None.”
- >That was a curt reply.
- “Really?”
- >”Yep. I'd rather not have anyone I don't love touch me.”
- >You pondered that statement.
- >Starlight hadn't ever had a boyfriend which was surprising with her looks.
- >She had matured into a woman, a beautiful woman at that.
- >Her skin was smooth, her multiplied purple hair was lush and that ever present blue stripe was brighter than it ever had been.
- >She definitely filled out her clothing now, most notably her blouse.
- >You caught those stares when you two entered, you restrained yourself from whipping out Snail's pistol and wasting a few of these shitbags.
- >You wouldn't for obvious reasons.
- “Guess that makes sense. I'd rather not have some tramp off the road even come near me.”
- >”I would hope not!”
- “Is that jealousy I hear?”
- >”Not at all!”
- “Whatever you say Glimglam, whatever you say.”
- >A small growl escaped, and you suppressed a snicker with a grin.
- >The rest of the lunch was a small chat and after that you two left.
- >...
- >You got some more whiskey on the drive back home, having finished your last bottle the night before.
- >Starlight drank with you, her first drink apparently, you both learned that she's a lightweight.
- >Two glasses and she was out like a light.
- >She's gonna have a hangover when she wakes up.
- >You put her in bed and continued to drink.
- >Some loud groaning interrupted your listening of the new Shadow episode.
- >Starlight rubbed her face as she walked over to the couch.
- “How's the hangover?”
- >”I never want to drink again.”
- >You hand her your glass with a little whiskey at the bottom.
- “Drink, it'll help.”
- >She reluctantly took the glass and swigged it down.
- >”I don't think I'll get used to that burning sensation.”
- >Not with her low tolerance.
- >”Could you please turn the radio down? My head's pounding.”
- “No, this is a new episode.”
- >”What is it, anyway?”
- “It's about a guy who kills criminals.”
- >”Like Batman?”
- “Batman is a ripoff.”
- >”Oh, how is it?”
- “The show's great.”
- >”I meant the episode.”
- “Can't really tell yet, a hungover girl keeps interrupting my listening.”
- >”Well you shouldn't have gotten her drunk”
- “She chose to drink and couldn't handle her alcohol.”
- >Starlight huffed again, still holding her head.
- >...
- >That episode wasn't as good as the recent ones, but it was still enjoyable.
- >Starlight passed out again, you assumed jetlag this time.
- >You put her to bed and heard a knock at the door.
- >You answered it and were greeted with a giant golden poof.
- >”Hello Anon.”
- >Oh no.
- >You knew that voice.
- “What are you doing here Adagio?”
- >”Oh nothing, just came by to see what my man was up to.”
- “I ain't your man anymore.”
- >She ran a finger up and down your chest.
- >”You could be.”
- >Her voice was but a whisper into your ear.
- >You push her away.
- “Did you want something? Or should I call Flash and tell him that his girl is throwing herself at me again? I'm sure he'd love to hear all about it.”
- >Her glare would've killed you in some other world.
- >”Fine. Can I come in and explain? I'd rather not have other people know my business.”
- >You hesitantly let the woman in, silently praying that this wouldn't backfire on you.
- >Adagio seemed to just glide around the place, leaving a trail of perfume.
- >”This place is still as impressive as ever. I can't believe Hoity just gave it to you for nothing.”
- “Get to the point or get out.”
- >”I need a favor.”
- “Denied. Get out.”
- >”Will you listen to me?!”
- “No.”
- >”Gah! This is why I broke things off with you!”
- “I told Flash about us and he nearly beat you to death.”
- >”I'm going to be killed if you don't help me out!”
- >The girl broke down in to near silent weeping.
- >Oh.
- >You didn't know what to do.
- >Seeing women cry made you angry, but Adagio...
- >She's manipulative.
- >You know that.
- >Her gallivanting her way into your life and then nearly draining your bank account made you rat her out to Flash in the first place.
- >Watching the woman nearly being beat to death by her lover was a bit much.
- >”I stole some money from Flash and now he's sending Bulk and a few of the other guys to kill me!”
- “And you just came to me so you would have someone to protect you?”
- >”I don't have anywhere else to turn to!”
- >She pushed herself into your chest and continued to cry.
- >”I'm scared to leave town because he probably has people watching me.”
- “So brought these hypothetical people here?”
- >”I know you could handle them.”
- “So what's this elusive favor you want?”
- >”I just want someone to protect me until this blows over.”
- “Why not just hire someone with the money you stole?”
- >”No matter who I would've hired, they wouldn't be as good as you.”
- >You felt a twinge of pride in your chest, but you know she's playing you.
- >Inside you were torn.
- >That chivalrous knightly part that lay within yourself battled that hard ass part of you that knew better than to trust this blonde temptress.
- “Fine.”
- >The knight defeated the hard ass.
- “What about your, uh...”
- >”They're with my mom in the suburbs.”
- “Is that for the best? Couldn't Flash just show up and take them?”
- >”He doesn't know about them, or my mom.”
- >At least she had those bases covered.
- >You couldn't let two little girls be dragged into some mess their mother caused.
- “I'll let you stay here till Flash calms down. Don't get any ideas.”
- >”Oh thank you! I know you're a good man!”
- >You sighed to yourself.
- >What did you just bring upon yourself?
- >You threw the unloaded pistol to Snails who was waiting for Hoity in his office.
- “Next time, take your shit with you when you leave my apartment.”
- >”Thanks Anon, I was looking for it all over the place.”
- “Don't thank me, thank my cousin. She's the one that found it.”
- >”I'll be sure to do that. Where is she anyway?'
- “I dropped her off at the college this morning.”
- >”What's she majoring in?”
- “Dunno. What's it to you?”
- >”Just curious, me and Snips came here for school after the war. We both wanted degrees in History before we learned that it wouldn't pay well.”
- “That how you two fell into this line a' work?”
- >”Bingo.”
- >”Gentlemen.” Hoity called.
- >Snails snapped to attention.
- >”Oh relax, this isn't the army.”
- >”Sorry, force of habit.”
- >Hoity took a seat at the desk, cigarette holder between his teeth.
- >”Coco is in the shopping district at the moment.”
- >”You want us to bring her back to you?”
- >”Not at the moment. I want Snips and Snails to trail her for today and make sure she doesn't spot either of you.”
- >”You got it, boss!”
- “And what about me, sir?”
- >”You, Anon, I want to snoop around Coco's office while she's out.”
- “Anything you want me to find in particular?”
- >”Anything useful.”
- “I'll try not to take too long.”
- >”Just try not to get caught, my dear.”
- >With a salute, Snips left, and you followed.
- >Snips was waiting in the parking lot outside by his and Snails' car.
- >”So what are we doing today?”
- >”Me and you, Snips, are trailing Ms. Coco while Anon here will snoop around her office.”
- >”Oh, a little bit of sneaking today, eh?”
- “That's my job, you two just need to not stand out.”
- >”Yeah, yeah. You always get the easy jobs.”
- “Do I?”
- >”You do, and I would love to know why.”
- >”Maybe Anon gets more 'hands on.' with the boss whenever we aren't looking.”
- >You restrain yourself from punching Snips.
- “Let's just get this done and over with, I have some more business after work.”
- >You have to buy food for once.
- >At least Adagio can actually cook.
- >You already knew where Suri and Coco's offices were, already having staked those two out multiple times.
- >Hiding the car was easy; getting into the actual office was the hard part.
- >The fire escape would probably be the best option, but the possibility of being spotted as you climbed up weighed on your mind.
- >With a slight hesitation, you ascended the metal staircase in a few minutes, reaching Coco's deserted office.
- >Time to snoop.
- >Model Headshots, dress and lingerie test shots, a few unfinished dresses on mannequins, nothing useful so far.
- >Her ashtray had the few cigarette butts, Virginia Slims by the looks of 'em.
- >The desk was unorganized, and the drawers were stacked with bottles of scotch.
- >Funny, you never pegged Coco for a hard drinker.
- >You didn't really peg her for anything actually, you never really thought about Coco other than her being Suri's bitch.
- >She needed to stop trying to impress her boss.
- >A few more minutes passed, and all you had found was a note about Coco meeting with a woman named Rarity.
- >There's that name again.
- >Rarity
- >Could it be the same one from Spike's picture?
- >If so, what's her deal?
- >Spike worked under Photo and he's got some affection for a woman that's working with her direct competitor?
- >A modern Romeo and Juliet, such a tragic tale.
- >Could be useful information too.
- >You searched for anything else useful, but found nothing.
- >You left via the fire escape.
- >...
- >Snips and Snails were already back at the factory when you returned.
- >”How'd it go?”
- “Not as well as I hoped, but I found something. What about you guys?”
- >Snails shook his head.
- >”Nothing, looked like a normal shopping trip.”
- “Well shit. Where's the boss?”
- >Snips motioned to the office.
- >You entered and took a seat.
- >Hoity had his legs up on the desk, smoking through a holder held delicately between his soft fingers.
- >”So, what did you find?”
- “Nothing much unfortunately, however I did find one thing.”
- “I found a note about Coco meeting with a Rarity.”
- >The Boss's eyes gleamed a bit.
- >”That Rarity?”
- “She's the only one I can think of.”
- >”Snips!”
- >Your fellow henchman materialized instantly.
- >”Yes boss?”
- >”Did Coco stay at any place for any extended period?”
- >”Not that I can think of, lemme ask Snails.”
- >You and Hoity sat in silence for a few moments while the duo outside recounted their day.
- >Eventually Snails popped in.
- >”She was at a place called 'The Carousel Boutique' for about an hour.”
- >Hoity took another drag off his cigarette.
- >”And how long was that in comparison?”
- >”About half an hour longer.”
- >”And you didn't think that was of note because?”
- >”.....Women like shopping?”
- >Hoity dismissed them with a sigh and look back to you.
- >”Well, at least we have more leverage over our little friend in Photo's racket, so today wasn't a complete bust.”
- >Your boss sat in silence in for a few moments, seemingly forgetting your presence.
- “Did you need anything else from me Hoity?”
- >He waved his delicate hands dismissively in the air.
- >”No, no. Go home dear, I need sometime to think about our next move and my next clothing line.”
- >You left the office with a small wave.
- >You see Snips and Snails in the parking lot arguing over who gets to drive home.
- >”C'mon you drove all day!”
- >”Yeah! Because I paid for the car!”
- >”It was my idea to get the car in the first place!”
- >You laughed quietly to yourself.
- “Like Abbot and Costello.”
- >While today was another easy day, there's another problem
- >A big poofy haired one, probably drinking herself stupid in your bedroom.
- >You stop yourself from slamming your head into the steering wheel.
- >You hope she didn't just rob the place while you were gone, or that she hadn't met Starlight yet.
- >Guess you'll find out when you get home.
- >But first, you got to buy groceries for the first time.
- >You only bought the essentials: Coca-Cola for the Starlight to drink, steaks for Adagio to cook tonight, vegetables, bread, meats, some fruits.
- >You weren't sure what to buy, you never really went shopping for anything other than smokes and drinks.
- >If you ever got hungry, you just stopped at some restaurant and ate there, simple and easy.
- >The diet wasn't the healthiest, but who cares?
- >At least with Adagio in the place, you wouldn't hemorrhage so much money.
- >If she didn't just rob you and skirt on back to Flash.
- >You'd kill her and Flash if she did.
- >Nah.
- >You couldn't Aria and Sonata orphaned like that.
- >Flash would probably still die; he's already a pain you need to get rid of.
- >Nothing relating to your job, more like a prick who thinks he owns this neighborhood.
- >You'll teach that fuckin' shylock if he, or any of his yid minions, comes for Adagio.
- >Whether she was worth the trouble was irrelevant.
- >There's another issue.
- >You possibly put Starlight's life in danger.
- >Speaking of your cousin.
- >How is she going to react with the blonde in the apartment?
- >You already told her you've never had a woman in the place.
- >That was a blatant fucking lie.
- >Under any other circumstance, it would've been harmless.
- >Not yours.
- >It never could just be simple.
- >You leave home to work in the movies, you end up as a professional criminal.
- >You just want someone to love, she stabs you in the back and robs you.
- >You host your cousin for school, you put her life in danger.
- >At least the Shadow was still the same, that was comforting at least.
- >Wasting bad guys was something you could relate to, even if you were a bad guy yourself.
- >Still, you weren't nearly as bad as some people you put six feet under.
- >How or why Hoity's rivals hired those people, you didn't know.
- >He was the odd one out, hiring people without criminal records.
- >Guess it drew less attention.
- >Time to bring the food upstairs.
- >”Hey Anon!” Starlight greeted as you opened the door.
- “Hey Glimglam.”
- >”Whatcha got there?”
- “I picked up some stuff from the store so it's not just alcohol in the fridge.”
- >”Would you like some help?”
- “If you want to.”
- >You finished quickly and sat down on the couch.
- >”How was work?”
- “Easy. What about your classes?”
- >”Simple, but I got this book my professor told me to read that's confusing me.”
- “What's it about?”
- >”It's just some old kraut rambling incoherently about how everything has to be changed because he says so.”
- “Why is your teacher making you read it?”
- >”That's what I asked! He just got angry at me and called me an ignorant member of the 'budgwazee' or something like that.”
- “Sounds like a left wing leaning parasite that wants you to sit there and listen to his drivel.”
- >”Who? The author or my professor?”
- “Take your pick.”
- >A audible thump came from your room that startled your cousin into gripping your arm.
- >”What was that?”
- “I know what it is; I'll be right back.”
- >You entered your bedroom and found Adagio laying on the floor, surrounded by empty whiskey bottles lining the floor and bed.
- “Are you sober?”
- >”Enough.”
- “Good. You're going to meet my cousin and cook us all dinner.”
- >”Why do I have to cook? I'm a guest, aren't I?”
- “One: I know you can, Two: I'll throw you out if you don't, and Three: I'm hungry.”
- >”Fine, fine. I'll start in a few minutes.”
- >You helped her up off the floor.
- >”Ever the gentleman.”
- “Did you just sit in my bed and drink all day?”
- >”No. I read some of your books too. I like the one about that Solo guy with the big hat.”
- “Solomon Kane?”
- >”Yeah that guy.”
- >You grumbled a little, hoping she didn't damage any of them.
- >”Oh cut it out, I didn't tear any pages.”
- “Just-”
- >”Yeah yeah, I'm going.”
- >You cleared your throat to stop her.
- >”What now?”
- “Put some clothes on first.”
- >”Oh. Right.”
- “Felt normal for you to walk around nothing, didn't it?”
- >”Fuck you.”
- “Not today.”
- >”So there's a chance?”
- “Keep dreamin'.”
- “Starlight, this is Adagio, a friend of mine that needs a place to stay for the time being. Adagio, this is my cousin Starlight, she's staying here while she goes to college.”
- >”And since you have my old room, I'll be sleeping in his room.”
- >The two glanced each other over in silence.
- >”I thought you said you've never had a woman in your apartment before?”
- >”He lied.”
- >”Did you?”
- “I did.”
- >Your cousin crossed her arms with a huff.
- >”Well there goes that honor then!”
- >You noticed a small smirk on Adagio's face out of the corner of your eye.
- >What is this hell you have brought upon yourself?
- >”If she's sleeping in your room, where are you sleeping?”
- >”With me of course.”
- “I was just going to sleep on the couch, actu-”
- >”Quite the strumpet, aren't you?”
- >Starlight looked utterly nettled with her arms crossed and that cute scowl that she hadn't outgrown.
- >”What? Would you rather him sleep with you, like some backwater hillbillies?”
- >Adagio was baring her fangs too.
- >Ah shit.
- >Better step in.
- “Enough.. I'm gonna sleep on the couch. Starlight, go study. Adagio, get cookin'.”
- >After some more glaring, the two women broke away to their own devices.
- >Starlight all but slammed her door, and Adagio stomped off to the kitchen.
- >You took a seat on the couch thumbing through the latest issue of Strange Tales.
- >Women.
- >They're worse than children sometimes.
- >What the hell was their problem, anyway?
- >It's just a bed.
- >When you first got here, you had to sleep in the car 'till the boss gave you this place.
- >Wasn't all bad though, the seats were as a soft as your bed, almost putting you to sleep during some long stakeouts.
- >Hell, there were nights you outright slept in your car.
- >That might not be a bad idea right now.
- >You over to see the poofy haired woman slamming a knife into some vegetables, skillfully dicing and slicing with some great force.
- >Maybe you should grab a blanket.
- >Dinner was....nice?
- >Adagio knew how to cook for one.
- >The two didn't scream at each other again, so that was a plus.
- >The deafening silence wasn't a fun time either.
- >You'd almost take a screaming match.
- >Almost.
- >That was a few hours ago.
- >Now you lay on the couch in the dark with a blanket to cover yourself.
- >The place was quiet.
- >Normally that wouldn't be a problem.
- >Now, it was almost unsettling.
- >The two angry women living in your home, the chance that Hoity's enemies could track you down at any moment, Flash's kike clique coming for Adagio.
- >Normally, these kinds of thoughts weren't a problem, but tonight they wrapped a twisted tendril around your mind.
- >The sound of a door creaking open made you reach for your Colt under the pillow.
- >”Anon?”
- >It was Starlight.
- >You loosed your grip on the gun.
- “What is it Glimglam?”
- >”I'm sorry for how I acted earlier. I just didn't know how to react to...her”
- “It's fine, I shouldn't have lied to you.”
- >”Can I ask how you met her?”
- “I'd rather not talk about that right now.”
- >”Oh.”
- “It's nothing bad Starrie, I just don't want to talk about it.”
- >”Then, can I ask why she's staying here?”
- >You run a hand through your hair.
- “She's in a bad spot and she can't go anywhere else, so I decided that helping her is the right thing to do.”
- >Starlight sat down next to you.
- >”I don't want to sound rude, but she doesn't look like the most...honest person around.”
- “I know, but I couldn't just turn a woman in need away.”
- >”Ever the brave sir knight. Anon.”
- “I feel more like Don Quixote.”
- >”A brave, idealistic, noble knight?”
- “A colossal idiot. She's screwed me and many others over in the past and yet here I am, letting her stay here like some kind of stooge.”
- >You felt your cousin's touch your cheek, and you turned to meet her face.
- >”That's not your fault. You're helping someone in need, despite what they've done, that's not a bad thing.”
- >She planted a kiss on your forehead and said goodnight.
- >You laid back down, able to fall asleep now.
- >A week passed almost without incident.
- >Adagio cooked, Starlight studied, and you did your job.
- >The two women stayed away from each other when they were home.
- >Some police inspectors searched the shop a few days ago.
- >That put Hoity on edge for a bit.
- >He was almost silent of more risky work, mostly sending you guys to do random errands.
- >Suri sat at the cafe across the street the whole time the police were there, just staring with a snide sneer.
- >She was a bitch, but killing her would cause too many problems.
- >Hoity better have something planned for her.
- >That grin on her face burned itself into your mind and made your piss boil.
- >Hate wasn't a strong enough word for what you felt.
- >It was akin to unfettered malice, but even such a description felt inapt.
- >Hopefully, the boss gets less jumpy and lets you take out a few of Suri's goons.
- >You had some shit to work out.
- >Whenever you had the time to pick up Starlight, she would talk about her professor's socialist ravings and her classmates that hung on his every word.
- >Any attempt to argue points would just get shouted down.
- >College sounds like a nightmare, good thing you never went to one.
- >Just listening to your cousin talk about it made you want to beat that sonofabitch to death.
- >Adagio just sat around all day in her underwear, reading your books and comics and drinking your whiskey.
- >She only got dressed when you and/or Starlight got home.
- >Though, you wouldn't complain like Starlight does, you missed those long legs.
- >Flash nor any of his friends have came by, but you've spotted them being more active around the city.
- >It seems Adagio wasn't lying.
- >You weren't sure if you should be relieved or not.
- >None of them approached you yet, though whether that is because they're not thinking of you or just too scared to is up in the air.
- >Better not get caught lackin'.
- >You gave your Luger to Adagio, she knew how to use it.
- >”I'm cooking tonight!”
- >Starlight's home.
- >”You will burn the entire building down!”
- >Adagio's sober.
- >”I started taking classes, I won't burn anything!”
- >”What will you cook? Meatloaf and Spam? Like the hick you are?”
- >You sighed.
- >”Every time you call me call me a hick, you're calling Anon a hick too!”
- >”He's been out of your backwater state long enough to become civilized and appreciate actual food.”
- >You heard your cousin grumble.
- “Leave her alone, Adagio, she's still a kid.”
- >”Kid?!”
- >Ow, your right ear.
- “You're still in school, aren't you?”
- >”I'm old enough to drink!”
- “Whatever, just cook something, I'm starving. Adagio, leave her alone.”
- >Adagio huffed off back to your bedroom and slammed the door.
- >You're thinking this was a mistake.
- >You sat on the couch and poured a drink.
- >You overheard the clanking of pans and sizzling of whatever your cousin was cooking.
- >A knock at the door interrupted your contentment.
- >Who could it even be this late at night?
- >It wasn't your associates, they'd just call you.
- >You looked through the peephole, it was black.
- >Shit.
- >You look over to Starlight and get her attention without a noise.
- >”What is it Anon?”
- >You put a finger to your lip and point to the door.
- >Her worried expression is understandable.
- >You slide a hand into your pocket and grip your trench knife before opening the door.
- >”It's been a while, hasn't it Anon?”
- >Flash is here.
- >Dammit.
- “Can we talk in the hall?”
- >”What about that stove I hear going?”
- “I have someone cooking.”
- >You step out in the hall and close the door.
- >”Finally getting a ball and chain?”
- “Why are you here, Flash?
- >”Adagio.”
- >FUCK.
- >Did he know?
- >He's alone, so maybe not.
- >Don't show any emotion, you can't let him know anything.
- “What about her?”
- >”I'm looking for her. She stole money from me and I want it back.”
- “And you're here because?”
- >”Nobody has seen her and I've exhausted every lead but you.”
- “Why would she be here? We didn't exactly leave off on the amicable of terms.”
- >”That's what I was wondering, if she was here,.”
- “Do you know if she left town right after she swiped the cash?”
- >”That was my first response, but none of my connections with the cab union, airports or anywhere had seen her. I think she's hiding in the city somewhere.
- “Do you have any clues?”
- >”None, you were almost at the end of my list for places to look. She's covered her tracks real good, never should've trusted that goyim bitch.”
- “If I could help, I would.”
- >”I know. You brought her scheming to light in the past.”
- “We're not friends, Flash.”
- >His face tensed a bit.
- >”You're right. Just let me know if you see her.”
- >He took his leave down the hallway.
- “I will. And keep your boys out of my neighborhood, you're scaring everyone.”
- >”No promises.”
- >You saw Starlight and Adagio at the table with your plate made when you went back inside.
- >”Who was it?”
- >Starlight need not be wrapped up in all of this.
- “Just an old associate.”
- >You shot a look to the brunette-blonde haired woman.
- >Her eyes went wide, and she understood with a nod.
- >”Oh really? What did he want?”
- “He was looking for someone that he lost contact with, asked me if I could pass his information on.”
- >Adagio kept her gaze down at her food, not letting so much as a peep out.
- >You ate in silence, as usual.
- >”So, how was it?”
- “Could use a little salt, but other than that, it was good..”
- >”Thank you, Anon!”
- >Starlight gives you a peck on the cheek and takes your plate.
- >Adagio didn't really eat, just poking at her food with the occasional bite.
- >Her nerves were probably killing her.
- >How are you going to solve this?
- >Is it even solvable?
- >Damn it all.
- >This wasn't your problem to begin with and you became a willing accomplice.
- >All because of those long legs.
- >Starlight.
- >What about her?
- >She's done nothing wrong, much less know anything.
- >Tonight would be a no sleeper.
- >Hoity gave everyone, including the factory workers, the day off.
- >He said something about planning a move against Suri, he's been at that for almost 2 weeks now.
- >It better involve gunning a gaggle of her chucklefucks down or something.
- >This lack of action has made you restless.
- >You were sitting and waiting for Starlight to finish her classes for the day.
- >You decided to take her down to the Magic Lounge tonight so she could get some entertainment outside the radio.
- >Seeing Zecora again would be just a great plus to that plan.
- >Just the thought of seeing that African beauty again made you excited.
- >You missed her melodic voice singing those rhyming lyrics.
- >Some tapping on the passenger side window broke your trance.
- >You unlocked the door, Starlight climbed in and you began the return trip.
- >”Hey Anon! How was your day?”
- “Boss gave everyone the day off while he worked on some stuff.”
- >”So you just sat at the apartment with her?”
- >You could hear a twinge of maliciousness in your cousin's voice.
- “What else was I supposed to do?”
- >She didn't respond, only clenched her fists.
- >”Just don't get comfortable around her.”
- “Didn't you tell me a few days ago that I was good for helping her?”
- >”You are. It's just her I don't trust.”
- >That's understandable.
- “I get it Glimglam, but I'm a grown man, I can make my own decisions.”
- >”Just be careful. For me, okay?”
- “Fine. Anything happen today?”
- >”Just the usual from the professor and his student cabal.”
- “Ugh.”
- >”I know.”
- “Listen, I got a plan for a night out, just the two of us.”
- >”Really?! That sounds fantastic! Where are we going?”
- “I was gonna take you to the Lounge tonight, nice upscale place with fantastic music shows.”
- >”I have just the dress for the place!”
- >She went silent for a bit with a smile on her face.
- >”What about Adagio though?”
- “She's an adult, she can take care of herself for one night.”
- >You were worried, Flash came by last night, but he suspected nothing.
- >If all else fails, she has a Luger.
by
OniiChansFables
by
OniiChansFables
by
OniiChansFables
by
OniiChansFables
by
OniiChansFables