Sorry about forgetting the double spaces! On my writing program thing I only have double spaces for scene changes, then when I put it on it adds a whole lot more, and I always forget to add them. Again, sorry about that!
Disclaimer: I forgot about these. I do not own Chrono Crusade, or Chicago. At least, not yet.
I forgot to mention this, but liquor isn't on probibition in my story. It just adds too many complications.
Chapter 4 All Part Of The Job
Rosette was getting used to the pattern of events. She would spend most of the day sleeping, or lounging around, so she would always have enough energy during the night. Serving at the club was extremely stressful, but it was the kind of stress she lived for. Ducking around the other women and patrons in the bar without spilling a drop, arranging the people in the bar in a specific order, it made everything more fun. She had realised the women made a game of arrangment, and it was delightful.
"Rosy, hon, come over here." Called Sally, motioning her over. It was her fourth day working at Sinners, and she didn't know everyone's name yet, but was working on it, as everyone seemed to know her. Sally smiled at Rosette as they spoke together in a corner, wearing the matching red Sinner's uniform. "Watch carefully, hon." She pointed over at two other ladies. They were carefully directing people to tables. There was something about the way they did, but Rosette couldn't put her finger on it.
"What is it?" She asked softly, unable to figure it out. Sally laughed.
"Watch."
"I am!"
"Alright, alllright, Rosy." Drawled Sally, reverting to her habits. "It's a competition. How many people can you get in different parts of the club? Anyone with a hat goes in one corner, ruffled skirts in another, weird couples in the middle and in love couples somewhere private." Rosette nodded slowly, amused. It sounded fun. "Wanna try, hon?" Asked Sally.
Rosette shook her head. "I don't think I would manage it right." They sounded for all the world like they were discussing a sport, or a chess tournament. Sally grinned at her.
"Try it out tomorrow night." She whispered. "Then we'll see if you have the nessssicary skills to play." That purposely sounded like a sporting lecture. Grinning, Rosette nodded.
It was the next night, and Rosette was having the rules of arrangment explained to her by a red-headed woman.
"Alright, now see that couple over there?" She whispered, pointing at an elegantly dressed couple walking in smartly before the rush. "They're dressed to match. See his jacket and her purse?" It was true. She held a small blue purse the same colour as the man's jacket, down to the thin silver pinstrips. "You're gunna want to seat them near the front, where Jackie put those two ladies in matching dresses." Rosette nodded, and moved forward. The rules had just been completely explained.
"Sir," She said sweetly to the couple. "Madame? Welcome to Sinners. If you'd just like to follow me, I'll show you to a table." They nodded, and Rosette was feeling confidant, till the man spoke.
"Um, could you seat us near the back?" That was when she realised the challenge of the game.
Careful negotiation got a compromise, and Rosette discovered she had a flair for barginning. So began her career as a sophisticated waitress.
"Now, say it again slowly." Said Aion warningly. Genai had brought in one of his police officers, who seemed to have some important information. The man was trembling, he obviously hadn't thought that simple bribery would lead up to the big boss.
"That Joshua kid. The one that's supposed to be in that witness thing. He's been trying to leave the house. Getting recklace." Aion nodded slowly. That would be bad. Very bad. "And the girl-"
"Rosette Christopher?" Asked Aion rapidly. The man looked at him quickly, then made a sound that seemed to mean 'I'm interested, but don't want to get in too deep'.
"No." Replied the cop, still looking shaken. "The kid's protecter, Fiore something... Anyway, I think she's getting suspicious, looking after a kid for three years. And the guy who had been looking after him first just disappearing like that."
"And what do you suggest?" Asked Aion, deceptivly calm.
"Uh, I don't know, sir." Gulped the man. "I'm j-just telling you." The fear of being murdered then having it blamed on a stupid accident almost reduced the man to tears. Aion was a man of taste, sophistication, and couldn't stand seeing a grown man blubber in front of him. Yet having his clean white suit get speckled with blood never seemed to concern him. Go figure. Anyway, partially disgusted by the cop in front of him, Aion waved his hand, turning towards a door as the policeman was dragged away.
"Well I'm glad that's over." He muttered to himself. "I have more important things to deal with." He stepped out through the door that had been behind him, but, in his current direction, was in front of him. Sorry, I just had to phrase it like that. Opening the door, which was black on his side, he walked from the back room into the bar, which was considerably brighter and more red in colour. Every bar in Chicago seemed red or black in one way or another. Looking over, he realised the bar tender was one of the criminal Sinners, the one that drank way more than all the others, but instead of getting drunk, seemed permanatly tipsy.
"Anything good?" Asked Shader cheerfully, pouring Aion a gin and tonic without his asking. She held out the drink, and when he didn't take it, swallowed the lot in a gulp, and went back to serving.
"Nothing of any interest, no." Said Aion absently, seeing his favourite chair empty and deciding to relax for a while. "And Shader, no more gin and tonic. I prefere something strong."
"Vodka, right." She nodded, pouring a large glass before delivering it. Shader, was the least evil of the Sinners, never acually killing anyone, just obliterating their hopes and dreams and cash flow. And, occasionally, sanity. When there was time.
Aion was in The Globe, obviously, and though more than one person saw him enter and leave the back room, no-one cared. If someone was being beaten to death in the other room the music would just be turned up. That was how he liked it. Looking up at the stage, he realised he had no idea whatsoever about who it was singing. Shader and Rizelle took care of that most of the time. The music got louder, and checking the time on a clock above the bar, Aion decided to go home with one or two of the dancers and Rizelle. Wait, Rizelle woldn't share. Damn. He headed back stage, which turned out to be a much less friendly atmosphere compared to Sinner's.
"Give me back my brush!" Screamed one woman, making the others stare at her. The woman brushing her own hair, currently the target for the rage, just smiled.
"I don't see your name on it." She chuckled childishly, loosening a slight tangle with her fingers. The first woman ground her teeth together, both fists clenched.
"Rizelle." She said slowly. "I don't care if you are the boss's favourite. Give me back my fking brush." Rizelle delicately lifted an eyebrow.
"Temper, temper." She crooned. "Now, if you just asked nicely I might change my mind."
"..."
"Rizelle!" Called Aion, before someone got a black eye. If he had realised that, he would probally have stayed silent to watch. "Rizelle, my beauty, come." He murmured, holding out an inviting hand. She smiled at him, taking the hand, the other loosely clutching the brush. He walked out the door ahead of her, but just before Rizelle left the room completely, she used all the force she had to chuck the brush at the offending woman, catching her between the eyes, equaling an instant concussion.
Anna, Claire, and Mary were smiling together as they entered Sister Kate's office. They had requested to be put up on the surveillance mission together, and using Claire's plan, they got to spend time in one of the fanciest clubs in Chicago. As backup singers, but still. Sister Kate was sitting solemly, as usual, in her chair, but she had a small smile on her face. Whether that was a good omen or bad, they didn't know.
"So," Began Mary, not liking the silence. Kate blinked, seemingly somewhere else when they walked in.
"Ah, girls." She began, trying to sound like her absent moment had never happened. "Is all going as planned?" She sounded a little like an evil doctor saying that, and coupled with her uniform and inheritally strict appearance, they could all picture her with an eyepatch and fluffy white cat. But, despite that, Sister Kate was a kind woman. "Have you seen Rosette Christopher?"
They nodded together, but only Mary spoke. "Yeah, we saw her each day. I think you only need to go three or four times a week, but she's been there every day we have."
"We've been there three days." Drawled Anna. "She might have taken other days off." Mary pouted. Kate put her hands up, and Claire spoke.
"She hasn't sung, so we aren't sure if she does more than waitressing. I think she might be a singer, but I'm not sure." Explained the brunette.
Sister Kate nodded. "Well, we'll see." She murmured, almost to herself. "Keep up the work, girls, and don't forget, we need to find out as much as we can about not only Miss Christopher, but Chrono." Mary began to speak then shut her mouth. Kate looked at her. "What is it, Mary?"
"Well," She asked carefully, not sure if the question would make her sound like an idiot. "About Chrono..."
"Yes?"
"Is that his first name or his last name?"
Sister Kate looked stumped. "I'm not actualy sure."
Sorry to keep pointing it out, but I'm just trying to make it perfectly clear that no-one but Aion knows Chrono's last name. It will be explained soon, probally next chapter.
Rosette had completed her full ten days of working. She was enjoying waitressing, but was still a little scared to sing. Yet, as no-one had asked about it, Rosette asumed that there was a plan of some sort. Well, actually, she didn't, she just smiled and nodded mentally. It was evening, the stars coming out, when she reached the club. She was eager to get in, as she was going to ask Chrono if she could borrow one of the dresses. She had no idea where she would wear it, but knowing she was allowed to was a delightful feeling. So, she was smiling blissfully as she entered the Sinners club through the back door. Chrono was already inside, smiling blissfully at the other ladies. Rosette felt the smallest, almost unconcious, twinge of jealousy, though she couldn't fathom why. As she strolled in, Chrono turned to her, momentarily stunning her with a radient smile. Rosette recovered quickly, and was sure no-one was the wiser.
"Rosette," He smiled. "This is your eleventh day, is it not?"
"Uh, yeah." She nodded, smiling weakly. Was he going to ask about the singing?
"Well, as such, would you like to join me for dinner tonight?" She just stared at him. His smile faltered. "Or another night, if you want to get chang-"
"No!" She gasped, and he looked at her curiously. He had no idea for what she was saying no too. "I mean, no, tonight's fine, but do you usually-?"
"Oh yes." He said lightly. "A dinner for a job well done."
"Yep." Broke in Sally. "It's a cute little thing he does. A short, private celebration for your first ten days." Rosette nodded, a little more at ease.
"Um," She began hesitantly. "I have nothing to wear, period. Could I use one of the dresses here?" He smiled.
"Of course. I'll be in the bar." He left the room, and Rosette was caught up in a flurry of activity in which she had her dress changed to the one she'd seen, makeup applied by four sets of hands, and her hair re-arranged in ten minutes flat. It took a few deep breaths, but she was able to leave the dressing room in a state of radience, according to the other ladies. Rosette couldn't help wondering why they were doing so much, but all thoughs were driven out of her head when she saw Chrono, standing by the bar. Evidently he had managed to change too, from the black pants, white shirt, and suspenders.I wouldn't mention that, but in Chicago, a few guys are in shirt-suspenders, and it looks way better than it sounds. Anyway, he now wore a stylish suit, a dark blue colour, with his violet hair in the inescapable ponytail. Rosette had a feeling he didn't know how to do it up any other way. He smiled at her, another dazzeling smile, and stood straighter, holding out his arm. She took it, and they strolled together out the door.
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In the dressing room, just after Rosette walked out:
"The dinner was a lie, right?" Said Alex, a girl who had only been there a few months.
"Of course it was!" Laughed Sally delightedly. "But you know men, they can never manage to ask a girl out without an excuse, or a really big bunch of flowers and chocolate, and our Chrono's a little more subtle than that, bless him."
Alex laughed along with the other woman. "Wow, well you two are both pretty good liars." Florida grinned, joining the conversation.
"You gotta be, it's show biz. And, for Chrono, a nun would lie to a saint."
"For Chrono, a nun would lie with a saint." Everyone in hearing distance prompty burst out laughing, and it took a good ten minutes to get over it, and by then, both Chrono and Rosette had left the bar, arm in arm.
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In the bar, just after Rosette and Chrono walked out:
Three girls, each in the Sinner's 'uniform' stared at the blonde and her boss. "That doesn't seem like a normal work relationship." Murmured Anna, watching them go.
"Mmm, Sister Kate should hear about this." Agreed Claire.
"Don't they make a cute couple?" Asked Mary, recieving glares from the other two. "What?"
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In the bar, just as Rosette walked out of the dressing room:
Chrono turned to face her, and stood straighter out of reflex. She. Looked. Beautiful. That said, Rosette always looked beautiful. The dress she'd borrowed was one he remembered another woman buying, and though it looked good on her, there was something missing about the dress, though he had no idea what it was. Maybe that it was bright pink, which, though it highlighted her hair, didn't quite match her complexion. But, though he pretended to be when asked advice by his girls, Chrono wasn't a fashion expert, and decided to spend most of the evening figuring out the wonder that was Rosette, and wonder about how hard she would hit him when the girls said he didn't usually do the dinner thing. For the dress, think the casino pink dress.
"M'lady." He murmured softly as she reached him, looping her arm around his. She smiled saucily then almost tripped over something, making her blush scarlet, but he just smiled, tightening his grip on her arm. "Would you like to walk, or take a car?" He asked softly as they left the club, recieving curious looks from those in line. Some, from those who knew Chrono and found the newfound romance interesting, others just wondered why a well dressed couple would be leaving the club at that time.
However thought what, Rosette decided she wouldn't mind walking, if they could drive back. It seemed safer and more comfortable. Happy to oblige, Chrono chose a restaurant that wasn't too far away. Arm in arm, they strolled lightly down the semi-busy street, exchanging small talk about the weather, the club, and life in general. This was less awkward than you'd expect, because to Rosette's surprise, she and Chrono were extremely different people, yet instantly liked each other.(if you ignored Rosette's first impression, and the whole punching scenario, which Chrono admitted to finding completely hilarious when she mentioned it.)
They reached the restaraunt quickly, it wasn't too far from downtown's seemingly panicky nightlife.
A suave man in a dinner jacket greeted them. "Ah, yes sir, right this way sir, please follow me, madame." And they ended up sitting in a reletively empty area, with a simpering couple nearby.
"No, I love you more."
"No, I love you more."
"NO, I love YOU more."
"Nuh-uh, I love YOU more-"
"Good grief. I should warn you, if they say shunukums I'm punching the guy." Muttered Rosette, and Chrono had to swallow his laughter as they sat down. Not an easy task, but he managed with a brief understanding of the phrase 'choke on your own words'. "This place is fancy." She said softly, then gave Chrono a slant eyed look. "So, you do this with all your girls?" He managed to hide the panicky feeling he suddenly felt quite well.
"This place isn't as expensive as it looks." He grinned cheekily. "Not to be cheap, but it's much nicer than most of the upperclass clubs. I think the butler is either new to this place, or very full of himself. That's the first time I've seen someone act so, well, just generally idiotic." Rosette chuckled, and he pushed the menu toward her.
"Mmm, it all looks good." Murmured Rosette.
Chrono smiled at her. "Well, order whatever you want." He said lightly, flicking through the menu briefly before putting it down. She raised an eyebrow.
"What are you getting?" She asked, looking at him from over the top of menu. The red-eyed man grinned sheepishly at her.
"Soup."
"Just soup?"
"Well, to be honest, I'm a dessert man." She smiled at him, bemused, while he continued grinned sheepishly.
"I'll have the ravioli, then." She said smilingly. I don't know about Rosette, but I LOVE ravioli, and it's what I would have chosen. That, or soup with Chrono to leave room for dessert.
It didn't take long for the food to come, but as it was a different waiter, Rosette saw a friendlier side to the restaraunt. "Mmm." The couple said together, as the food came, making Chrono and Rosette blush and grin at each other. The food was good, though Rosette grimaced as Chrono elegantly sipped his soup, but, still with small talk, they passed the dinner portion of the evening. Then, at the end, a second menu, to Rosette's surprise, arrived. It was a dessert menu.
"Now I get the small dinner." She gasped, staring at the variety.
"This is the reason this is one of my favourite places." He chuckled, flipping through the second menu. Rosette, not entirely sure about some of the desserts, chose simply.
"A sundae for me, please." She said softly. Chrono had ordered something she wasn't sure she could pronounce. When the dishes arrived, she saw it was a slice of... Something. Whatever it was, it looked deliciously creamy.
He grinned at her. "Everything they make here is magnificent, but this is my favourite: Tiramisu." She looked at it curiously before digging into her own dessert. He was right, it was delicious. Though, as she ate the couple behind them were reaching the 'get a room' stage.
"Oh, I wuv you sooo much, baby." Crooned the man. Rosette shuddered.
"No, I wuv you, shunookums." At those words, Chrono lunged across the table, grabbing Rosette's hands.
"What-?"
"I'm not taking any chances, thank you." He snickered, she obviously knew what he meant, because she grabbed her hands back, glaring at him playfully but blushing.
"I won't go crazy just yet. And what's that like?" She gestured at his plate with a fork. He grinned.
"Magnificant, as always. You?"
"Really good, but what do you mean, 'as always'?"
"Tiramisu's my favourite food." He chirped. "I tend to get this dessert whenever I can." She laughed. "Want to try?" She blinked.
"Um, sure." He spooned some of the cake onto a spoon (obviously) and leaned forward. Rosette opened her mouth, and tried it. "That's delicious!"
"Told you so."
A car picked them up, and Rosette asked to be stopped a little way from her apartment. She hated where she lived. "Thanks for dinner." She smiled at Chrono, who smiled and nodded back. "But next time, I'm doing your hair. It's a mess." That made him blink, but not for the reason she expected.
"Next time?"
"Oh, no, I meant..." She flustered, eventualy ending with: "You know what I mean."
"No, I don't." He stepped out of the car briefly, taking her hand and bowing over it and kissing her fingers. "Goodnight, dear Rosette." He murmured, making her blush.'
"Uh, goodnight Chrono."
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"How was it?" Cried seventeen, maybe eighteen ladies when Chrono got back to the club. Chrono burst out laughing.
"You were all waiting for me, weren't you?" He accused, still laughing. "Well, thank you Sally, I think I'll have a shower. See you later."
"A cold shower?" Called three women, creating more gales of laughter. Chrono was used to being the subject of giggles, so he just laughed.
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The next chapter will probally be shorter, sorry. Please forgive my spelling of shunookums. I've never used it and hopefully never will, so I wouldn't know how to spell it right, but now a message from our sponser: me.
Chrono: Well, that was interesting. But I've been wondering.
Me: Yeah?
Chrono: When do I get a last name?
Me: Oh, shut up.
Artemis: If you two are done, I'd like to get my message through.
Rosette: Who the hell are you?
Artemis: Artemis Fowl, child prodigy.
Rosette: And you're here, why? Wait, this isn't turning into... A Cross Over Story!
Artemis: No. I have better things to do than hang around with a bunch of manga characters.
Chrono: Right. Sure you do.
Artemis: Shut up. I just wanted to say, MY story, An Alternate Artemis, is now open for reading in Books - Artemis Fowl
Rosette: Good for you.
Artemis(ignores her): It's self contained, to you don't need to read the books to understand it. If the insanity is getting too much...
Rosette, Chrono, Author: Hey!
Artemis: ...Getting too much, please come read my story. Both that and this tale will be continued at the same time, though not together. Thank you, and good bye.
Rosette: (Slaps Artemis)