"Alright gentlemen, I want a simple game; clean. If I catch even one of you stupid Sides counting, I'll kick all'a'y'all out. Hear?"
"He's talkin' ta you, Deceit."
"Boys, boys, I would never." Deceit smiled coolly, sitting back in his plush seat. His ringed fingers gently tapped his arm rest in a slow, even rhythm. The other players around the table laughed; pounding on the wood and slapping each other - utter fools, all of them. They'd have to be to play a poker game against him. Deceit can always tell when someone isn't being honest; you can't trick a trickster.
The cards are dealt; around the table, one by one. Deceit's eyes follow each player as they pick up a new card; reading their reactions, calculating each player's tell. The lights were low; almost as low as the waitress' shirts. Deceit smiled flirtatiously at a woman as she passed, smoothly shooting her a wink. Someone - probably Addiction - was smoking in another part of the bar. She'll be kicked out soon enough. It should've been sooner; but the staff has a soft spot for her.
They played through a couple rounds; Deceit winning a hundred bucks in the process. Few could keep up with him around these parts. He sighed as he collected his money and slowly made his way across the bar, towards the exit. He swiped a shot of something from a waiter who was distracted by their table. Not missing a beat, he threw it back and dropped it off on another waiter's tray. With a high-five to Addiction, he was stepping out the doors and into the bright, beautiful world.
He turned down the street towards his flat and counted the money he won. This, plus that pool game last night, adds up to only half his rent. He sighed and shoved the money back into his pocket. He needed more…
A group of people had stopped to watch the TVs through the window of some electronics store. Deceit slowed down, glancing at what was on the screen. It was some newscast discussing how some celebrity had found their last Side and was now going to have an Established celebration. Rich people always throw big-ass parties that cost more than houses to celebrate their Establishment. It was just another way they were slaves to capitalism; throwing money into useless extravagances just to fit the status quo.
"Isn't that sweet." Deceit cooed, earning agreeing comments from the small cluster. Without looking away from the TV, Deceit slipped the wallet out of the nearest woman's purse. Once the TV screen started showing fireworks and the Established celebrity's smiling face, Deceit casually strolled off down the street. He only picked through the woman's wallet when he was far enough away. Forty bucks. Ugh. Why doesn't anyone carry cash anymore?
He tucked the forty dollars into his pants before he walked into the Police station. He waited in line and smiled kindly at the reception worker. "Hi, I found this wallet on the ground outside. I think someone dropped it. It has an ID in it, but I wasn't sure what to do… can I leave it here?"
"We can make sure it gets to the right person. Thank you so much, sir!"
Deceit walked out, tapping his new Orlando Police Department pen against his leg with each step. God, this was easy. He was blessed with a face people trust and the wit to use it to his advantage.
He continued his stroll home, unwilling to risk more pick-pocketing. Rent wasn't due for a while; he had time. He frowned when he saw the road was blocked off up ahead. He thought through his probabilities; could he lie his way around the barrier and continue down his normal route? Seeing that it was a huge car crash with tons of police and medics around? Unlikely.
Deceit huffed, but rerouted and turned to go down a block. It was a sunny day; afternoon. The schools were letting out, and that was great. Deceit hated kids.
"Be careful, kiddo! Wait for your dad!"
Deceit glanced up, doing a double-take at the man he saw. It was his face, but genuine. The man, who was helping small kids into their parents' cars, laughed loudly; his smile taking up half his face.
Deceit tripped.
Face red, he scrambled around a corner, out of sight of his doppleganger. Deceit took a moment to think.
What the fuck.
Whatthefuck.
What. THe. FUCK.
Did one of Deceit's Sides live near him…?
He had never once pondered the possibility that one of his Sides would be near him. He didn't stay up all night when he was young, imagining what it would be like to have people who understand him because they are him. He never dared to dream that maybe, one day, he'd be Established and he'd never be disrespected again. No. Not once. Didn't even cross his mind.
He was entirely prepared for this situation.
He peered around the corner to look at the man in question. Yup. That was his Side alright. They had the same nose; same hair; same build and expressions. How very uninteresting. He needed to know less right now.
He snatched up a newspaper from the ground and held it up to his face as he walked closer. Being careful to hide from the other man's sight; Deceit snuck some pictures on his phone. Once he was satisfied, he dropped the newspaper and stepped back into the dark alleyways; thoughts running wild the entire walk home.
Tell me what you think!