Queen of Hearts
This is a completely different take on Miyu than what I usually type about. It's a bit strange but I'm giving it a shot. This is set in modern day Tokyo. However, the currency used shall be dollars seeing as I'm not good at converting yen. Miyu is a con artist that enraptures men's hearts, steals their money and hastily exits their lives before getting tied up in a real relationship. SHE IS NOT A SLUT OR A PROSTITUTE! Tell me what you think.
* * *
"Robert... I know you still have feelings for me. yes, I know... but this isn't working. I don't feel ready. It's not you, it's me... I'm really sorry but I don't think we should see each other anymore... yes, I am sorry... Yes, take care. Sorry. Bye." Miyu slammed the phone back down on the receiver and dabbed her forehead. Getting away from their clutches never got any easier, and that Robert was particularly persistent. But Miyu had made that same phone call to many other men and she knew with the correct techniques such as 'it isn't you, it's me' or 'I'm not quite ready for a physical relationship' always got them off the hook.
Miyu tucked a stray strand of her brown hair behind her ear and turned to exit the cramped phone booth. She topped on the street and adjusted herself, straightening her pale white jacket she had twisted in aggravation as Robert had pleaded with her to stay. But pity was not something Miyu felt in a hurry. She reached into her handbag and took out the brooch Robert had bought her. It was a particularly fine piece with gold vines and flowers winding round a large red gem that just had to be at least a full carat ruby. She pressed it back down into the deep depths of her bag and stalked off down the streets. Robert was the type who could easily spare a few thousand on a brooch for a woman he'd only known a couple of weeks. Personally, she had not enjoyed Robert's company. He was a spoilt child to be frank and dull as ditchwater.
Well, she would never have to worry about him again. Starting today she would be free to hunt down another man who had a few thousand dollars at his disposal. The life of the con artist goes on. She stopped outside a promising looking jewellers shop and stepped in through the polished mahogany doors. Inside hundreds of diamonds and precious metals glinted in the sun at Miyu. She wandered casually up to the front desk and placed the brooch on the surface.
"I'm thinking of selling this," she said airily. "How much do you think I would get for it?"
"You want to trade it in?" the counter assistant asked. She studied the brooch with care. "How did you get this?"
"A friend bought it long ago," Miyu answered half truthfully. "She gave it to me but I can't afford to keep it." That was the truth. Money was scarce at times in her profession and Miyu had no real interest in wearing jewellery that's worth could pay off her flat rent for a few months.
"I believe your friend purchased it from here," the assistant remarked. "We're selling these in stock at the moment. We don't do refunds but we do- "
The assistant never finished before Miyu had snatched up the jewel and flown from the shop swearing under her breath. Stuffing the brooch back in her bag she decided to search for a trade-in shop later. As she pushed her way down the busy street her eye caught a poster proclaiming the opening of a hip new bar, the type wealthy aristocrats would go for a leisurely drink after lunch. Miyu saw it more as a fishing pond full of fat loaded fish just ready to be hooked up in her claws. She smiled and wandered along the street following the poster's directions.
The Rirakkusu bar (this word meaning 'relax'... I think) wasn't that crowded seeing as it was early in the morning so Miyu could easily find a seat near the bar. She chose a small fruit drink instead of a cocktail seeing as they came cheaper and she disapproved of getting tipsy after breakfast. Sliding a few dollars across the bar in exchange for her drink she twirled contents casually with the novelty cocktail stick and glanced about. A few men were drinking and laughing loudly in the corner. She overlooked them and scanned for anyone wearing a business suit. It was usually the businessman type that hauled in the cash and tended to dish it straight out again. No one. She tapped her fingers on the counter top irritably and her eye fell on a man few stools away from her buying a large brandy. He had a briefcase.
It was the little details that made up the profession. His hair was slicked back in such a way that only a hairdresser could have managed. A man who kept his hair casually like that had to have a few dimes in his wallet for an irresistible girl. She identified his suit after a few minutes. She couldn't pinpoint the exact make but she did know it was expensive, tailored to fit him with gold cufflinks for a finish. The shoes were a dark leather and shine polished. He even had a gold metal watch. It was a perfect catch. Then as he reached forwards to take his brandy she spotted the gold ring on his ring finger. Bugger. A married man was not a good catch after all, and she wasn't the type to start complicated affairs that always ended up for the worse.
She ground her teeth and searched the room again. She spotted another man leaning against the wall in a long leather coat. She was about to approach him when a young girl flounced in through the door, took him by the arm and seated themselves a few tables away. Miyu promptly sat down.
Why were men so hard to come by in this city? Robert had been a find, even though he was about as interesting as a whiteboard. She remembered what her flatmate, Chisato had told her. "It's good in a way if you don't find them romantic or interesting, or else you'd find it very hard to leave them." She was right, of course. Chisato was like Miyu's teacher in some cases always with useful titbits of information. At other times she was Miyu's little loving sister and full time nuisance. It was a con artist's code, never fall in love. But still, sometimes all the switching men got boring and she often wanted to go one step further than just robbing him of his jewels. In her heart, Miyu wasn't the romantic type. She wasn't a lot of things she pretended to be. Only herself and Chisato knew what the real Miyu was like. To everyone else she was their version of a dream woman.
Suddenly she looked up. There was a man sitting alone in the corner in a long black coat drinking a mug of beer and reading over some papers. No ring, expensive coat and... she dreaded to think this, but devilishly handsome. With soft aqua hair falling over a smooth composed face and crimson eyes darting over the lines Miyu was surprised that he didn't have at least several women sitting round him. She did spot a group of women giggling in the corner and glancing at the man. They obviously weren't worried about sharing.
"He's mine," Miyu muttered and slipped off her stool. The women flashed her dangerous looks as she seated herself near the man. He glanced up at her but she pretended not to notice. She held up her hand and a waitress hurried to the table. "One fruit juice, please," she asked.
"Is that all?" the waitress replied on cue.
"Yes. I don't believe in alcohol or caffeine after breakfast. I may do something foolish." She smiled as the waitress left with a confused expression. Miyu then delved into her bag brought out the brooch, which she examined. She had traded in jewellery before and by her standards this was worth at least $1000. She a faint laugh from behind.
"No alcohol or caffeine in the morning. How very sensible." She turned to see the man looking up from his papers, smiling. "But what foolish things would you do if you broke your routine?"
Oh, Miyu thought, a clever man. Well, let's see how he could size up to her quick tongue.
"I wouldn't know. I've never broken it." She pretended to go back to examining her brooch but secretly she was glad that a conversation had started. The trick to not looking too suspicious was act uninterested. Men apparently couldn't resist that.
"You must be very disciplined with yourself," the man continued. "What is your line of work?"
"Why should I tell you that when you don't even know my name?" Miyu asked, not looking up. The man tried to catch her glance.
"Then what pray is your name?"
"Miyu Yamano. May I know yours?"
"Larva, Larva Shin." Miyu smiled and put her brooch away.
"Larva, what a fine name," she commented pleasantly turning to face him. She found it quite hard to keep focussed on his beautiful face without feeling a burning sensation in her cheeks. But Miyu was a professional con artist so she managed to hold his gaze. "What do you do for a living?"
"I'm an archaeologist," Larva replied. Miyu looked up interestedly. She barely believed her ears. A handsome, single man with an interesting job and the conversation was going along quite nicely. There was a downside. In order to keep the conversation flowing Miyu would have to research a bit on archaeology. She had encountered a historian before by the name of Henry and it was tiring trying to keep up with his mental capacity, but she had managed it.
"Ah, how interesting," she said quickly, realising she hadn't replied. "Do tell me, what era do you research?"
"Ancient Egypt mostly, but I have a fascination for the Trojans."
"Troy," Miyu nodded. "A mysterious yet astonishing era. Do tell me what aspect you're researching."
"Well, it's mostly the gods, such as Hera and Zeus, but I'm also doing a file on the daily lives of the inhabitants of Troy."
"I would like to see that file," Miyu smiled, hoping that Larva would notice the subtle hint to arrange another meeting date.
"Then I will show it to you when it's finished. Tell me, what do you do for a living?" There it was, the killer question. Miyu however always used the same effective answer.
"I write articles for magazines. I'm new in the business so I haven't had time to publish any of my work yet, but I was thinking, Troy is such a fascinating subject and I could do an article on your research for some historical magazine." She smiled imploringly, deliberately looking hopeful.
Larva was considering it. "A magazine writer? Hmm, I would like my work to be more recognised." He smiled down at Miyu. "So when shall we meet?"
Miyu tried to hide her ecstatic grin. "Are you free on Wednesday?" Larva nodded. "We could meet at Hiruyasumi Café (a word meaning lunch break, or noon break) for a coffee and I could take notes."
"Sounds fine by me," Larva agreed getting up. He wrapped his coat around himself and turned to the door. "I will see you on Wednesday, Miyu Yamano." He left through the double door. Miyu now grinned openly as he left. She turned to the waitress who was currently clearing the table.
"May I borrow your phone?" she asked. "It's a local call." The waitress nodded and pointed in the direction of a phone on the bar counter. Miyu sauntered over and dialled Chisato's office number. She waited as the phone rang and Chisato promptly picked up at the other end.
"Hello? Fujitsu Computers. How may I help you?"
"Hi, Chisato?" There was a pause at the other end of the phone.
"Miyu?" Another pause. "I'm working!" Chisato snapped. "And you can't loan any more money off me. You're already $50 in debt. Miyu, why don't you get a real job? Well, what do you want?"
"Chisato," Miyu murmured after Chisato had finished her daily rant. "Will you be passing the library on the way home?"
"Yes, why?"
"I want you to loan out a book on Ancient Egypt and the Trojans." There was a shocked silence. Miyu drummed her fingers on the counter, waiting for Chisato to recover herself.
"Why?" Chisato asked suspiciously. "You've never wanted ancient history books before. Wait, is a new man?"
"Yes, an archaeologist."
"Oh," Chisato laughed shrilly on the other end. "Well, is he handsome?"
"Er..."
"He is!" Miyu could just imagine Chisato smiling triumphantly. "Well, Miyu. You found yourself a handsome archaeologist. Does he have a dishy work colleague for me?"
"Chisato!" Miyu pretended to sound shocked. "You're a secretary! I thought you disapproved of conning men."
"I do," Chisato replied innocently. "But whoever said I wanted to con this fine little man of yours."
"Chisato, I only just met him! Things could go wrong-"
"Don't be ridiculous! You never fail, Miyu. You're the best. I have to go or else my boss will fire me. The usual. Ja ne!" She hung up. Miyu slowly put the phone down and shook her head. She looked down at her watch. If she caught a cab then she'd be just in time for the six o' clock news but her money was short so she would just walk and miss it instead.
* * *
Hiruyasumi Café was quiet. It was hard to get tables at the weekend but on a Wednesday morning Miyu was able to find a nice secluded table without much difficulty. She ordered the usual fruit juice and waited, burying herself in a Trojan history book. It was interesting enough. Chisato had been tempted to buy her a big heavy volume with small font writing but had had a change of heart and bought her a modern version instead. She was just going over the section about religion and legends in Troy when a figure loomed over her, pushing her book down. She started as she looked up at Larva.
"A bit of before hand reading?"
"No," Miyu shut the book hastily, nearly catching his fingers. "You inspired me. So tell me, what inspired you to start working at archaeology?" She took a notebook from her bag and began scribbling down what Larva said. After a while she had switched off and all his words moulded together and she wasn't even sure what she was writing. She couldn't concentrate. Larva talked to smoothly and reassuringly that Miyu just enjoyed listening to his voice, no matter what came out. She felt Larva put his hand on hers.
"You're not listening," he murmured as she turned a shade of crimson. "I believe the atmosphere in here is too cramped. Let's go back to my flat and..."
"No," Miyu interrupted instantly aware again. "Let's go to mine. It's very near."
"Very well," Larva got up. Miyu left a tip on the table and followed him out, trying not to walk with a little skip in her step.
* * *
"I'm sorry, it's a bit of a tip," Miyu explained as she rammed her shoulder into the door. Miyu's block of flats were known for stiff doors. She rattled the key some more and heaved her shoulder against the door again. "Dammit!" She threw a fist at the door and achieved nothing more than a sore knuckle.
"Allow me," Larva said gently moving her out the way. In one smooth motion he kicked the door open. It flew open with such a force that the brass handle bounced off the wall. Miyu sighed in relief and walked inside. She feared they'd have to do the interview in the corridor.
The first room of the flat was divided in half. One half was tiled representing the kitchen and the other carpeted as the living room space. Miyu wasn't lying when she said the place was a tip. The kitchen appliances were littered with yoghurt pots and banana skins and left over plates of spaghetti. The living room sofas were squashed with the cushions jammed into the sides and old newspapers and magazines covered the floor and three cans of cola were balanced precariously on top of the TV.
"My flatmate's a bit messy," Miyu apologised, blushing as Larva moved a few papers and crisp packets so he could sit down. She perched on the opposite sofa. "Do you want any drinks?" She saw Larva glance at the cola bottles on the TV.
"I won't risk it." She laughed, knowing how he felt. She took out her notepad again but Larva didn't seem to be interested in doing the interview at the moment. "I'm surprised you live here. When I saw you take out that jewelled brooch I instantly assumed you'd live somewhere large and fancy."
Miyu seemed a bit put out like this, but she decided to take it humorously. "Not posh enough, Mr Shin?"
"I didn't mean it like-"
"I know," she smiled friendlily. She found his occasional apologies sweet, the way he worried in case he had insulted her. "Chisato and I share the flat because we're outdoor people anyway. The only times we spend inside are in the early mornings and late evenings. We're out the rest of the time so we supposed we didn't need a big flat. And this place is a sty." She smiled gestured to her notepad. "Shall we continue?"
A few minutes later...
"Really?... Interesting..." A great deal had been jotted down in the short amount of time. Unlike many of the men Miyu supposedly interviewed, each of Larva's words fascinated her and he spoke as though just knowing what she wanted to hear. "So, tell me more of the battle of-"
She was cut short as the door gave a shudder and someone swore outside. Miyu sat up and looked round, alarmed.
"Chisato!" she hissed between clenched teeth. That girl really could pick moments to enter. The door shuddered again and Chisato yelped. Miyu could imagine her clutching her elbow. There was another crash as Chisato flung her entire weight against the door, except this time it bounced off its hinges and Chisato flew into the room, reminding Miyu of a typical slapstick comic strip. With shopping bags full of groceries swinging round her ankles her flatmate staggered to her feet looking simply hilarious. Miyu couldn't suppress a snort.
"Hey, Miyu. That bloody door-" She caught sight of Larva who had risen to make her acquaintance. "Why Miyu," she smiled, her eyes twinkling deviously. "I didn't know you brought a friend back."
"It's not what you-" Miyu cried but Larva interrupted her by sweeping across the floor and taking Chisato gently by the hand.
"My name is Larva Shin," She said bending to kiss it. Miyu felt a stab of jealously which she quickly compressed. Chisato had gone the same shade as the tomatoes she'd just bought.
"Why, my name is Chisato," she slurred in a dreamy trance. "Friend of..." she waved her hand in Miyu's direction vaguely. "You know... Miyu." Miyu resisted the want to smack her hand to her forehead and tried to keep a straight face.
"Chisato," she said between clenched teeth. "Do you mind? We are halfway through an interview." She made a cutting throat motion behind Larva's back. Chisato raised her eyebrows. Right on cue she dipped into her shopping bag and pretended to grope about amongst the items. Rising quickly she snapped her fingers in fake frustration.
"Oh darn," she sighed in mock irritation. "I forgot the milk. Be back in a tick." She did a little regal wave and flounced at the door, pausing to wink at Miyu, or was it Larva? She did spoil the carefree effect a little by swearing as she tried to shut the damn stiff door.
Once she had gone Larva commented, "Lovely girl, that one."
"Yes," Miyu muttered. "Lovely." Larva must have noticed her slight annoyance so they hastily returned to the interview.
An hour later...
Miyu slipped her pad into her bag. She had managed to fill half of it up already, refusing to leave even a scrap of information out. They had taken up a good many pages on how the Greeks believed the Gods fitted into the battle of Troy. Larva stretched and leant back comfortably.
"You sure about having no coffee?" Miyu asked.
"No," Larva replied firmly. "I think I better get back to the apartment. Hasn't your friend taken a long time getting that milk? I'm slightly concerned about her." Miyu expression darkened quickly at this. Damn Chisato, she thought angrily. Spoiling her catch! She instantly felt bad for feeling like that and tried to look cheerful. She stepped over a crate of used newspaper and wrenched the door open.
"Goodbye, Larva," she smiled in what she hoped was cute way. "I hope to see you soon. I'll try and get your work published as soon as possible." Larva walked over to the door but paused by Miyu. He looked at her imploringly and softly eased the biro she was holding from her fingers.
"I would like to meet you tomorrow," he said smoothly. Miyu's cheeks heated up again.
"But I've written enough-"
"No, not for the interview. Just a coffee, possibly brunch."
"Brunch!" Miyu giggled. "How terribly fancy! I'm not sure I'd feel at ease."
"Just coffee then." Larva watched her decide. It was an offer she COULDN'T turn down. This con was going so well! Miyu pretended to look indecisive and then hesitantly nodded. Larva beamed. "Excellent. What's your number?"
"082-643-8906," Miyu replied automatically, giving him her mobile phone number in case Chisato answered the home phone when he rang. (I'm not sure if that's a technically correct Japanese number, but it'll do.) Larva noted the number down on the back of his clean pale hand.
"I'll get that on paper before I have a shower tonight," Larva laughed. Miyu quickly tittered too, trying to squash the image of Larva in a shower out of her mind. He walked out into the corridor, coat sweeping behind him, turning one last time to face her.
"Goodnight," Miyu whispered; slipping her hands round the door, ready to close it.
"Goodnight, Miyu Yamano," Larva replied and began to pace away towards the lifts. Miyu shut the door, gracefully. The perfect end to a perfect evening. She tried to shut the door, tried again and eventually rammed her elbow into the wood, causing excruciating pain.
"BOLLOCKS!" Maybe not the perfect end.
* * *
But it's not the end! To Be Continued...
Please review! Every review is like honey to me. Hmm, honey... If you don't like it however, please don't flame me. I get scared of flames. i_i
This is a completely different take on Miyu than what I usually type about. It's a bit strange but I'm giving it a shot. This is set in modern day Tokyo. However, the currency used shall be dollars seeing as I'm not good at converting yen. Miyu is a con artist that enraptures men's hearts, steals their money and hastily exits their lives before getting tied up in a real relationship. SHE IS NOT A SLUT OR A PROSTITUTE! Tell me what you think.
* * *
"Robert... I know you still have feelings for me. yes, I know... but this isn't working. I don't feel ready. It's not you, it's me... I'm really sorry but I don't think we should see each other anymore... yes, I am sorry... Yes, take care. Sorry. Bye." Miyu slammed the phone back down on the receiver and dabbed her forehead. Getting away from their clutches never got any easier, and that Robert was particularly persistent. But Miyu had made that same phone call to many other men and she knew with the correct techniques such as 'it isn't you, it's me' or 'I'm not quite ready for a physical relationship' always got them off the hook.
Miyu tucked a stray strand of her brown hair behind her ear and turned to exit the cramped phone booth. She topped on the street and adjusted herself, straightening her pale white jacket she had twisted in aggravation as Robert had pleaded with her to stay. But pity was not something Miyu felt in a hurry. She reached into her handbag and took out the brooch Robert had bought her. It was a particularly fine piece with gold vines and flowers winding round a large red gem that just had to be at least a full carat ruby. She pressed it back down into the deep depths of her bag and stalked off down the streets. Robert was the type who could easily spare a few thousand on a brooch for a woman he'd only known a couple of weeks. Personally, she had not enjoyed Robert's company. He was a spoilt child to be frank and dull as ditchwater.
Well, she would never have to worry about him again. Starting today she would be free to hunt down another man who had a few thousand dollars at his disposal. The life of the con artist goes on. She stopped outside a promising looking jewellers shop and stepped in through the polished mahogany doors. Inside hundreds of diamonds and precious metals glinted in the sun at Miyu. She wandered casually up to the front desk and placed the brooch on the surface.
"I'm thinking of selling this," she said airily. "How much do you think I would get for it?"
"You want to trade it in?" the counter assistant asked. She studied the brooch with care. "How did you get this?"
"A friend bought it long ago," Miyu answered half truthfully. "She gave it to me but I can't afford to keep it." That was the truth. Money was scarce at times in her profession and Miyu had no real interest in wearing jewellery that's worth could pay off her flat rent for a few months.
"I believe your friend purchased it from here," the assistant remarked. "We're selling these in stock at the moment. We don't do refunds but we do- "
The assistant never finished before Miyu had snatched up the jewel and flown from the shop swearing under her breath. Stuffing the brooch back in her bag she decided to search for a trade-in shop later. As she pushed her way down the busy street her eye caught a poster proclaiming the opening of a hip new bar, the type wealthy aristocrats would go for a leisurely drink after lunch. Miyu saw it more as a fishing pond full of fat loaded fish just ready to be hooked up in her claws. She smiled and wandered along the street following the poster's directions.
The Rirakkusu bar (this word meaning 'relax'... I think) wasn't that crowded seeing as it was early in the morning so Miyu could easily find a seat near the bar. She chose a small fruit drink instead of a cocktail seeing as they came cheaper and she disapproved of getting tipsy after breakfast. Sliding a few dollars across the bar in exchange for her drink she twirled contents casually with the novelty cocktail stick and glanced about. A few men were drinking and laughing loudly in the corner. She overlooked them and scanned for anyone wearing a business suit. It was usually the businessman type that hauled in the cash and tended to dish it straight out again. No one. She tapped her fingers on the counter top irritably and her eye fell on a man few stools away from her buying a large brandy. He had a briefcase.
It was the little details that made up the profession. His hair was slicked back in such a way that only a hairdresser could have managed. A man who kept his hair casually like that had to have a few dimes in his wallet for an irresistible girl. She identified his suit after a few minutes. She couldn't pinpoint the exact make but she did know it was expensive, tailored to fit him with gold cufflinks for a finish. The shoes were a dark leather and shine polished. He even had a gold metal watch. It was a perfect catch. Then as he reached forwards to take his brandy she spotted the gold ring on his ring finger. Bugger. A married man was not a good catch after all, and she wasn't the type to start complicated affairs that always ended up for the worse.
She ground her teeth and searched the room again. She spotted another man leaning against the wall in a long leather coat. She was about to approach him when a young girl flounced in through the door, took him by the arm and seated themselves a few tables away. Miyu promptly sat down.
Why were men so hard to come by in this city? Robert had been a find, even though he was about as interesting as a whiteboard. She remembered what her flatmate, Chisato had told her. "It's good in a way if you don't find them romantic or interesting, or else you'd find it very hard to leave them." She was right, of course. Chisato was like Miyu's teacher in some cases always with useful titbits of information. At other times she was Miyu's little loving sister and full time nuisance. It was a con artist's code, never fall in love. But still, sometimes all the switching men got boring and she often wanted to go one step further than just robbing him of his jewels. In her heart, Miyu wasn't the romantic type. She wasn't a lot of things she pretended to be. Only herself and Chisato knew what the real Miyu was like. To everyone else she was their version of a dream woman.
Suddenly she looked up. There was a man sitting alone in the corner in a long black coat drinking a mug of beer and reading over some papers. No ring, expensive coat and... she dreaded to think this, but devilishly handsome. With soft aqua hair falling over a smooth composed face and crimson eyes darting over the lines Miyu was surprised that he didn't have at least several women sitting round him. She did spot a group of women giggling in the corner and glancing at the man. They obviously weren't worried about sharing.
"He's mine," Miyu muttered and slipped off her stool. The women flashed her dangerous looks as she seated herself near the man. He glanced up at her but she pretended not to notice. She held up her hand and a waitress hurried to the table. "One fruit juice, please," she asked.
"Is that all?" the waitress replied on cue.
"Yes. I don't believe in alcohol or caffeine after breakfast. I may do something foolish." She smiled as the waitress left with a confused expression. Miyu then delved into her bag brought out the brooch, which she examined. She had traded in jewellery before and by her standards this was worth at least $1000. She a faint laugh from behind.
"No alcohol or caffeine in the morning. How very sensible." She turned to see the man looking up from his papers, smiling. "But what foolish things would you do if you broke your routine?"
Oh, Miyu thought, a clever man. Well, let's see how he could size up to her quick tongue.
"I wouldn't know. I've never broken it." She pretended to go back to examining her brooch but secretly she was glad that a conversation had started. The trick to not looking too suspicious was act uninterested. Men apparently couldn't resist that.
"You must be very disciplined with yourself," the man continued. "What is your line of work?"
"Why should I tell you that when you don't even know my name?" Miyu asked, not looking up. The man tried to catch her glance.
"Then what pray is your name?"
"Miyu Yamano. May I know yours?"
"Larva, Larva Shin." Miyu smiled and put her brooch away.
"Larva, what a fine name," she commented pleasantly turning to face him. She found it quite hard to keep focussed on his beautiful face without feeling a burning sensation in her cheeks. But Miyu was a professional con artist so she managed to hold his gaze. "What do you do for a living?"
"I'm an archaeologist," Larva replied. Miyu looked up interestedly. She barely believed her ears. A handsome, single man with an interesting job and the conversation was going along quite nicely. There was a downside. In order to keep the conversation flowing Miyu would have to research a bit on archaeology. She had encountered a historian before by the name of Henry and it was tiring trying to keep up with his mental capacity, but she had managed it.
"Ah, how interesting," she said quickly, realising she hadn't replied. "Do tell me, what era do you research?"
"Ancient Egypt mostly, but I have a fascination for the Trojans."
"Troy," Miyu nodded. "A mysterious yet astonishing era. Do tell me what aspect you're researching."
"Well, it's mostly the gods, such as Hera and Zeus, but I'm also doing a file on the daily lives of the inhabitants of Troy."
"I would like to see that file," Miyu smiled, hoping that Larva would notice the subtle hint to arrange another meeting date.
"Then I will show it to you when it's finished. Tell me, what do you do for a living?" There it was, the killer question. Miyu however always used the same effective answer.
"I write articles for magazines. I'm new in the business so I haven't had time to publish any of my work yet, but I was thinking, Troy is such a fascinating subject and I could do an article on your research for some historical magazine." She smiled imploringly, deliberately looking hopeful.
Larva was considering it. "A magazine writer? Hmm, I would like my work to be more recognised." He smiled down at Miyu. "So when shall we meet?"
Miyu tried to hide her ecstatic grin. "Are you free on Wednesday?" Larva nodded. "We could meet at Hiruyasumi Café (a word meaning lunch break, or noon break) for a coffee and I could take notes."
"Sounds fine by me," Larva agreed getting up. He wrapped his coat around himself and turned to the door. "I will see you on Wednesday, Miyu Yamano." He left through the double door. Miyu now grinned openly as he left. She turned to the waitress who was currently clearing the table.
"May I borrow your phone?" she asked. "It's a local call." The waitress nodded and pointed in the direction of a phone on the bar counter. Miyu sauntered over and dialled Chisato's office number. She waited as the phone rang and Chisato promptly picked up at the other end.
"Hello? Fujitsu Computers. How may I help you?"
"Hi, Chisato?" There was a pause at the other end of the phone.
"Miyu?" Another pause. "I'm working!" Chisato snapped. "And you can't loan any more money off me. You're already $50 in debt. Miyu, why don't you get a real job? Well, what do you want?"
"Chisato," Miyu murmured after Chisato had finished her daily rant. "Will you be passing the library on the way home?"
"Yes, why?"
"I want you to loan out a book on Ancient Egypt and the Trojans." There was a shocked silence. Miyu drummed her fingers on the counter, waiting for Chisato to recover herself.
"Why?" Chisato asked suspiciously. "You've never wanted ancient history books before. Wait, is a new man?"
"Yes, an archaeologist."
"Oh," Chisato laughed shrilly on the other end. "Well, is he handsome?"
"Er..."
"He is!" Miyu could just imagine Chisato smiling triumphantly. "Well, Miyu. You found yourself a handsome archaeologist. Does he have a dishy work colleague for me?"
"Chisato!" Miyu pretended to sound shocked. "You're a secretary! I thought you disapproved of conning men."
"I do," Chisato replied innocently. "But whoever said I wanted to con this fine little man of yours."
"Chisato, I only just met him! Things could go wrong-"
"Don't be ridiculous! You never fail, Miyu. You're the best. I have to go or else my boss will fire me. The usual. Ja ne!" She hung up. Miyu slowly put the phone down and shook her head. She looked down at her watch. If she caught a cab then she'd be just in time for the six o' clock news but her money was short so she would just walk and miss it instead.
* * *
Hiruyasumi Café was quiet. It was hard to get tables at the weekend but on a Wednesday morning Miyu was able to find a nice secluded table without much difficulty. She ordered the usual fruit juice and waited, burying herself in a Trojan history book. It was interesting enough. Chisato had been tempted to buy her a big heavy volume with small font writing but had had a change of heart and bought her a modern version instead. She was just going over the section about religion and legends in Troy when a figure loomed over her, pushing her book down. She started as she looked up at Larva.
"A bit of before hand reading?"
"No," Miyu shut the book hastily, nearly catching his fingers. "You inspired me. So tell me, what inspired you to start working at archaeology?" She took a notebook from her bag and began scribbling down what Larva said. After a while she had switched off and all his words moulded together and she wasn't even sure what she was writing. She couldn't concentrate. Larva talked to smoothly and reassuringly that Miyu just enjoyed listening to his voice, no matter what came out. She felt Larva put his hand on hers.
"You're not listening," he murmured as she turned a shade of crimson. "I believe the atmosphere in here is too cramped. Let's go back to my flat and..."
"No," Miyu interrupted instantly aware again. "Let's go to mine. It's very near."
"Very well," Larva got up. Miyu left a tip on the table and followed him out, trying not to walk with a little skip in her step.
* * *
"I'm sorry, it's a bit of a tip," Miyu explained as she rammed her shoulder into the door. Miyu's block of flats were known for stiff doors. She rattled the key some more and heaved her shoulder against the door again. "Dammit!" She threw a fist at the door and achieved nothing more than a sore knuckle.
"Allow me," Larva said gently moving her out the way. In one smooth motion he kicked the door open. It flew open with such a force that the brass handle bounced off the wall. Miyu sighed in relief and walked inside. She feared they'd have to do the interview in the corridor.
The first room of the flat was divided in half. One half was tiled representing the kitchen and the other carpeted as the living room space. Miyu wasn't lying when she said the place was a tip. The kitchen appliances were littered with yoghurt pots and banana skins and left over plates of spaghetti. The living room sofas were squashed with the cushions jammed into the sides and old newspapers and magazines covered the floor and three cans of cola were balanced precariously on top of the TV.
"My flatmate's a bit messy," Miyu apologised, blushing as Larva moved a few papers and crisp packets so he could sit down. She perched on the opposite sofa. "Do you want any drinks?" She saw Larva glance at the cola bottles on the TV.
"I won't risk it." She laughed, knowing how he felt. She took out her notepad again but Larva didn't seem to be interested in doing the interview at the moment. "I'm surprised you live here. When I saw you take out that jewelled brooch I instantly assumed you'd live somewhere large and fancy."
Miyu seemed a bit put out like this, but she decided to take it humorously. "Not posh enough, Mr Shin?"
"I didn't mean it like-"
"I know," she smiled friendlily. She found his occasional apologies sweet, the way he worried in case he had insulted her. "Chisato and I share the flat because we're outdoor people anyway. The only times we spend inside are in the early mornings and late evenings. We're out the rest of the time so we supposed we didn't need a big flat. And this place is a sty." She smiled gestured to her notepad. "Shall we continue?"
A few minutes later...
"Really?... Interesting..." A great deal had been jotted down in the short amount of time. Unlike many of the men Miyu supposedly interviewed, each of Larva's words fascinated her and he spoke as though just knowing what she wanted to hear. "So, tell me more of the battle of-"
She was cut short as the door gave a shudder and someone swore outside. Miyu sat up and looked round, alarmed.
"Chisato!" she hissed between clenched teeth. That girl really could pick moments to enter. The door shuddered again and Chisato yelped. Miyu could imagine her clutching her elbow. There was another crash as Chisato flung her entire weight against the door, except this time it bounced off its hinges and Chisato flew into the room, reminding Miyu of a typical slapstick comic strip. With shopping bags full of groceries swinging round her ankles her flatmate staggered to her feet looking simply hilarious. Miyu couldn't suppress a snort.
"Hey, Miyu. That bloody door-" She caught sight of Larva who had risen to make her acquaintance. "Why Miyu," she smiled, her eyes twinkling deviously. "I didn't know you brought a friend back."
"It's not what you-" Miyu cried but Larva interrupted her by sweeping across the floor and taking Chisato gently by the hand.
"My name is Larva Shin," She said bending to kiss it. Miyu felt a stab of jealously which she quickly compressed. Chisato had gone the same shade as the tomatoes she'd just bought.
"Why, my name is Chisato," she slurred in a dreamy trance. "Friend of..." she waved her hand in Miyu's direction vaguely. "You know... Miyu." Miyu resisted the want to smack her hand to her forehead and tried to keep a straight face.
"Chisato," she said between clenched teeth. "Do you mind? We are halfway through an interview." She made a cutting throat motion behind Larva's back. Chisato raised her eyebrows. Right on cue she dipped into her shopping bag and pretended to grope about amongst the items. Rising quickly she snapped her fingers in fake frustration.
"Oh darn," she sighed in mock irritation. "I forgot the milk. Be back in a tick." She did a little regal wave and flounced at the door, pausing to wink at Miyu, or was it Larva? She did spoil the carefree effect a little by swearing as she tried to shut the damn stiff door.
Once she had gone Larva commented, "Lovely girl, that one."
"Yes," Miyu muttered. "Lovely." Larva must have noticed her slight annoyance so they hastily returned to the interview.
An hour later...
Miyu slipped her pad into her bag. She had managed to fill half of it up already, refusing to leave even a scrap of information out. They had taken up a good many pages on how the Greeks believed the Gods fitted into the battle of Troy. Larva stretched and leant back comfortably.
"You sure about having no coffee?" Miyu asked.
"No," Larva replied firmly. "I think I better get back to the apartment. Hasn't your friend taken a long time getting that milk? I'm slightly concerned about her." Miyu expression darkened quickly at this. Damn Chisato, she thought angrily. Spoiling her catch! She instantly felt bad for feeling like that and tried to look cheerful. She stepped over a crate of used newspaper and wrenched the door open.
"Goodbye, Larva," she smiled in what she hoped was cute way. "I hope to see you soon. I'll try and get your work published as soon as possible." Larva walked over to the door but paused by Miyu. He looked at her imploringly and softly eased the biro she was holding from her fingers.
"I would like to meet you tomorrow," he said smoothly. Miyu's cheeks heated up again.
"But I've written enough-"
"No, not for the interview. Just a coffee, possibly brunch."
"Brunch!" Miyu giggled. "How terribly fancy! I'm not sure I'd feel at ease."
"Just coffee then." Larva watched her decide. It was an offer she COULDN'T turn down. This con was going so well! Miyu pretended to look indecisive and then hesitantly nodded. Larva beamed. "Excellent. What's your number?"
"082-643-8906," Miyu replied automatically, giving him her mobile phone number in case Chisato answered the home phone when he rang. (I'm not sure if that's a technically correct Japanese number, but it'll do.) Larva noted the number down on the back of his clean pale hand.
"I'll get that on paper before I have a shower tonight," Larva laughed. Miyu quickly tittered too, trying to squash the image of Larva in a shower out of her mind. He walked out into the corridor, coat sweeping behind him, turning one last time to face her.
"Goodnight," Miyu whispered; slipping her hands round the door, ready to close it.
"Goodnight, Miyu Yamano," Larva replied and began to pace away towards the lifts. Miyu shut the door, gracefully. The perfect end to a perfect evening. She tried to shut the door, tried again and eventually rammed her elbow into the wood, causing excruciating pain.
"BOLLOCKS!" Maybe not the perfect end.
* * *
But it's not the end! To Be Continued...
Please review! Every review is like honey to me. Hmm, honey... If you don't like it however, please don't flame me. I get scared of flames. i_i