Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Black Cat nor do I own Papa's restaurant.

A/N: Heads up to any readers: This chapter is long (and boring according to my sister...-_-;). I don't know if my next ones will be too, but I still hope you enjoy. I've got a bunch of ideas for the plot...^_^ I like writing them out, even if they're long.

Chapter 2

Inside the Restaurant, Around 7:25 P.M.

Train pulled at the collar of his dress shirt. "Did we really have to dress up like this, Sven?" he whispered desperately to his companion.

"Of course, we did. This isn't exactly exactly as casual the bars we hit usually hit."

"But these clothes are so stiff." Train continued pulling at his collar, looking much like a cat suffering inside a ridiculous costume. "Quiet down," Sven said. "You're complaining more than Eve is."

The Little Princess looked up at Sven from across their table, her blue dress sparkling at the slight movement. "When is the target supposed to arrive?" she asked. Sven checked his watch. "He should be arriving in a few minutes. From the info we got, he's supposed to be celebrating his birthday here." Eve looked a bit perplexed. "Out in the open?" "Sometimes, Princess, when a thief's gotten too self-confident, he lets out a little hot air by prancing around like no one's watching," Train explained. "Times like these are the perfect opportunities for us sweepers." He finished his sentence with a smirk, looking too self-confident himself. "Though chasing this guy should be fun, since he's supposed to be a pro at getting away."

Just then, the trio heard what sounded like a cross between thunder and an earthquake. Sven and Eve looked around, wide-eyed. "What the Hell was that?" "Ummmm..." The two turned in Train's direction. Train chuckled nervously. "What do you expect, Sven? Can we pleeeaase order something while we're here? Whatever they're cooking smells delicious!" Sven's face darkened. "We won't be able to pay for anything else if we let you start ordering from the menu. We've already spent a fortune just at the fast food restaurants." Eve agreed. "We don't want to get as deep in debt as we were before." Both Sven and Eve shuddered at the memory.

"Are you guys sure you're not gonna order anything?"

They all jumped in surprise at the voice. Turning, they found a teenage boy with blonde hair and green eyes standing behind them.

Ryan's POV

Luna was right about Papa's not being the funnest place on Earth. I know I was the one who wanted to go, but I guess I underestimated the powers of boredom. At least in the kitchen, I could experiment with all the ingredients. You'd be surprised what vegetables are capable of. But since my last experiment went wrong due to a small mix up...Well, let's just say I'm not welcome there anymore. Luckily for me, there's always the occasional character that comes in to make the day worthwhile. Just when I was considering experimenting with a spoon, a napkin, and a nearby electrical socket, I heard what sounded like a rock slide from a table a few places from my booth. The clinking of glasses and metal paused throughout the room. More than one head turned in the room since a stomach that loud wasn't common around here. At least not here in the reserved area.

Everyone soon lost interest and returned to their conversations and eating. I hadn't though. It turned out the sound was coming a goofy brown-haired guy's stomach. I tried not to laugh out loud when his friends looked at him and sweat dropped. There was another guy there with spiky green hair, a hat and matching suit, and an eye patch. I remembered noticing him at the entrance before. I'd been wondering why he didn't take his hat off when he walked in. Across from him sat a girl with blonde hair, up until her chin. She was in a long, royal blue dress with black sequins decorating the neck. She was...it's hard to describe.

Even though she looked about my age, she had this really serious aura about her. She looked at things like someone much older than herself would. She observed everything around her, studying minute details most people wouldn't care to pay attention to. The way she held herself was the same. She had perfect posture, a straight back and poised hands, no elbows on the table. A fine young lady by all means. Though, it was clear that she was a bit annoyed by the way the Brown-haired guy was acting.

I overheard him complaining about not ordering anything. Really, it was hard not to, what with the way he was whining so much. Did the girl say they were waiting for someone? I took it as the perfect chance to get someone to try my sister's appetizers. The more people that liked her food, the more likely she'd get a promotion. If you ask me, she deserved it a long time ago, but not everyone sees things my way.

I was willing to do just about anything to help Loons out. She wouldn't let on about it, but I could tell she was going through a lot of trouble taking care of the both of us. I didn't take much time to think about what I was doing as I got up from my seat. I guess that's why my sister kept reminding me not to bug the customers too much. I had a bad habit of acting on my impulses without thinking it through. But I figured they wouldn't mind talking to me. They seemed really interesting, not like all the other snooty rich kids that ate on this side of the restaurant or the loud, rowdier bunch that were out in the main area. I walked over to their table.

"You sure you're not gonna order anything?" I guessed they didn't hear me walk over from the way they all jumped at the sound of my voice. "Sorry if I startled you guys," I apologized. "I think I heard you say you were waiting for someone to arrive. The appetizers here are pretty good, though. My favorite's the shrimp and coconut sauce." The three of them just looked at me, still surprised by my sudden appearance. Then, Eye-patch guy spoke up. "Thank you for the suggestion, but we're pretty sure." He seemed kind of suspicious of me when he asked, "Do you work here?"

"No, sir," I replied, trying to be a bit more polite. "I just like to hang out here a lot." I didn't realize how strange that sounded until it came out of my mouth. Brown-hair guy said something this time. "You sure do. Haven't you been sitting at that booth over there for a while now?" Yikes. These guys were really sharp, and I was pretty sure some malice was lingering in their voices with the suspicion. I put a hand behind my head, a habit I picked up when I got nervous. I tried to shrug off the feeling. "Alright, you caught me. My name's Ryan Daniels. My sister, Luna, works here as a cook. I was hoping you'd try some of her food so she could get a few compliments on her food or something." I made sure to look them in the eye to prove I wasn't hiding anything. Now that I think about it, anybody would at least, be wary if some random guy walked up to them and interrupted their conversation. Especially if the random guy was hanging around in an empty booth nearby. I explained why I'd been sitting there for so long. "I usually sit on this side of the restaurant when I want to take a break from the noise up front." And when I'm banned from the kitchen.

They seemed to settle down once they heard that. Eye-Patch Guy nodded. "Yeah it does get pretty crowded in there. Sorry getting you nervous." He extended his right hand towards me. I took it and shook."No problem, Mr..." "Sven Vollfied. Though I'd rather you just call me Sven." I raised my eyebrows. Interesting name. "No problem, Sven." He smiled warmly. "It's nice what you're doing for your sister. But, I don't think other customers here would take your suggestions too kindly." He indicated towards the other people in the room. "Yeah I know. Luna always tells me I need to 'think before I act.' And not to bug the customers."

"Don't worry you're not bugging us," Brown-hair guy said, grinning cheekily. "In fact, how about we order that shrimp he was just talking abou– OW!" We heard a loud thud from under the table from what I guessed was the girl kicking his shin. Ouch...

"Train, it would be rude to order before our friend came," she said softly. "Got it, Little Princess," Train winced. I glanced over at the girl. "That nickname suits you. You're cute and ladylike, just like the Little Princess," I thought out loud. Again, my impulsiveness had taken over. Dammit. I shouldn't have said that. I thought the Little Princess seemed to be glaring at me. Really, her face was simply expressionless but I was too nervous to think nothing but the worst. "S-S-sorry, that was too familiar for me to say..." I started running my fingers through my hair. Brown-hair guy, I mean Train, started laughing. "Looks like we better watch out for Eve, huh Sven? Her cute looks seem to be attracting attention now." "Don't worry, " Sven replied. " I don't plan on letting any creeps get a hold of our Little Princess." By then I was trying to sputter out another apology, but I was too red and embarrassed to get anything straight. The Little Princess seemed to blush a small bit too at Train's comment. "I-I don't plan on doing anything to her. I just thought she looks pretty. I mean... I'm not like those creeps on the street that just walk up... I mean." I was sinking myself deeper and deeper in hot water.

Now Sven was laughing. "We were just teasing you, kid. Even the best of us get our tongues tied in front of a pretty lady." Then his mood changed completely as his face suddenly darkened. "But, just as a warning, don't get any ideas. Understand?" "Y-yes sir," I squeaked. Eve interrupted."Sven, I think our friend is arriving soon." She looked me straight in the eye with a now unmistakably icy glare. " I think you better leave, Ryan." So cold.

I took the subtle-as-a-gun hint and turned towards my booth. "I don't mean to be a burden when your guest comes. I'll take your advice and leave. Ummm...It was nice meeting you." I couldn't walk away from the mess I'd made fast enough.

Back with the Trio

Train watched as the boy walked off. Ryan gave off the aura of someone who'd just been beaten. Badly. "Poor kid. And he seemed really interesting, too." Train looked over at the Little Princess. "That was a bit harsh, don't you think." "He was being too carefree for his own good," she replied. "Besides, someone just entered this side of the restaurant while Ryan was rambling." Train smirked. "I noticed the minute he walked in. He only brought two bodyguards with him. He must be feeling really cocky tonight."

"There's no doubt it's him," Sven said as he leaned back into his chair. "He matches the poster perfectly. And don't underestimate him. Proud as he is, they all probably have hidden weapons on them."

"Are we going to lead them away from here?" Eve asked, remembering all the people she'd seen when they were passing the main area. "We'll try," Sven replied. "Train, don't– " he started, when he realized Train had already disappeared. "Don't do anything rash!" he whispered desperately after his friend.

Amber eyes glowing, Train walked over to the table where the infamous Sharks sat. He smiles at his prey charmingly. "Have you tried the shrimp and coconut sauce here? I've heard it tastes great." The newly arrived customers looked up at Train, surprised. "Why yes, actually. It happens to be my favorite appetizer," replied the shortest of the three men. His companions frowned at the interruption. Train's smile turned crooked. "That's good." He pulled Hades out from its hiding place and pointed the gun's barrel at the man's head. "Since you've enjoyed it already, there's no shame in having you arrested." There was a flash of silver as Train dodged the assassin's dagger. The table flipped in the process and the crash of plates and glasses falling to the ground could be heard throughout the room.

In the Kitchen

"Luna get out here, quick!" a waitress shouted in a shrill voice as she ran into the kitchen. Shit, that's never good, I thought as I passed the pan I'd been frying in to Sarah. I threw my hat onto a shelf and ran past the other cooks. Whenever one of the waiters shouted like that, there was no doubt about it; I needed to break up a fight. I grabbed my trusty, though well-dented saucepan on my way over to the door. Diane was standing there waiting for me, her red hair a strewn in every direction. "Where is it this time?" I asked, my hand already against the door. "There isn't another hobo out front, is there?" Diane looked at me, panic in her voice. I hadn't noticed until then that she was trembling. "It's not like that, this time. In the Reserved Area...one of them has a gun."