MARGOT, NIGHT & SABRINA: THE DOWNTOWN DISTRICT

[Wolfy]

This was just her luck. There was Sabrina, sitting at a table in a fancy downtown restaurant. But instead of being a pleasant experience, she wanted so much to leave and head back home. Looking down at her left hand, Sabrina saw the rope tied to her wrist, holding her to the bottom of the table. With a sigh, she once again began to fiddle with the rope, trying to untie it from her wrist so she could go home. The situation wouldn’t be so bad, but her ‘date’ had run off to do a ‘job’.

As she waited for an opportunity to escape, she went back in her mind to earlier that morning. She hadn’t been doing anything out of the ordinary. She had only been outside on a lounge chair, reading a book peacefully in the shade of a willow tree when a car pulled up by her. In the car was none other than Smile, asking for a date. After gently telling him that she wasn’t interested in a romantic relationship with him, he obviously showed her that he wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Just as he did last time, he grabbed her into the car and drove off. This was a mere annoyance to Sabrina – she knew that Smile wouldn’t hurt her; he was just desperate for a date with her. She guessed that he thought she would be more interested in him if she spent a little time with him. He would keep her there, yes, but he wouldn’t hurt her. And so, since she didn’t have much choice at all, she complied to go into the restaurant with him.

He tied her wrist with a coil of rope, then tied the other end to a metal rod on the bottom of the table. However, right after they had ordered, one of Smile’s Mafia associates came to their table and told him about the ‘job’ he had to do. Smile, of course, couldn’t say no, and so he left her there, tied to the table, with no way home. Finally, when their food came, Sabrina saw that a sharp knife had been included with the eating utensils. Smiling, she grabbed the knife and cut the rope holding her in place.

She placed money on the table and apologized for the trouble to the waitress, then promptly left the restaurant. Now to tackle her next task – getting back to Memini’s house. However, that was miles away. Much too far to walk – especially in what she was wearing, which was a blue day dress and fancy, slightly uncomfortable shoes. So, she was stuck downtown all alone. That wasn’t the worst thing in the world. She was sure her time spent downtown would not be wasted, and would be very entertaining.

[Ellie]

It was a rainy day, and the drops of warm water flew into Margot's face as she ran. feet barely touching the pavement in her haste. This kind of day was her favorite. Margot lived for the days when the sky was gray and cloudy, and hot rains fell down to those roaming throughout the city. It was calming, soothing. Running through the rain supplied Margot such an intense feeling of freedom and happiness. Her hair stuck to her face, and water had begun to soak through her typical attire, which made her flannel jacket fall heavily on her small frame.

Every so often Margot attempted to wipe the rain from her glasses, which were her own today, a fact that irked her so. Margot despised her own hefty frames, and found herself searching for an acceptable alternative. For every person Margot passed, she found herself looking immediately at their face. On the surface level she was hunting for new glasses, but she loved studying their faces, learning about the lives they lead. One woman was particularly striking. She had admirable lines stemming from the corner of her eyes, a strong sign of a happy life. She was hunched over and walked with a smile, toting two children (presumably her grandchildren) by her side. Margot wanted that one day, she did.

And following right behind that woman was a young man sporting small, rectangular frames, exuding an efficient, business-like manner. Margot knew she had to have them, and so she would. Narrowing her eyes and shoving her glasses up her nose, she flung herself forward dodging people as she sped towards her target. And about as quickly as he was seen, his glasses were gone, sitting comfortably in the palm of her hand. With a large, victorious smile, Margot picked up the pace, hurrying away from the irate man. Feeling cocky, Margot looked back at him. not red-faced, and offered a wave of grandeur before running in to a familiar face. Literally.

[Rad]

A single door was located at the end of an exceedingly narrow alleyway, the green paint peeling off the structure and revealing the rotting wood beneath. A ragged fissure ran diagonally across the thing, giving the impression that it had been slashed with a rather blunt knife. Three circular cavities were perceivable in the top left hand corner, the splintered wood around the holes practically screaming that the damage had been perpetrated with a gun. Really, there might as well have been a flashing neon sign pointing it out as a Mafia checkpoint. Strangely enough, on the couple of occasions that it had been investigated by the authorities, the only conclusion that had been drawn was that it was an abandoned underground basement with no trace of criminal activity.

Well, there certainly was activity today as a youth cautiously opened the door, peering out at the alleyway before finally making his exit. The lad’s name was Night and today for once he was solemn; his usually flamboyant optimism gone. Ever since Alice’s ‘friend’ had recruited him into the dastardly business Night’s knowledge of the city’s layout had given him the task of being both a spy and an informant. He hated it, absolutely abhorred himself for doing it…yet…what alternative did he have? He couldn’t flee and abandon Alice…as a gentleman he just couldn’t bring himself to repay her generosity with his indifference. He had to protect her, he had to acquire the means of maintaining her current lifestyle, and in particular her addictions. This was the only way he’ll ever be able to earn enough for that. Besides, it wasn’t like either of them could refuse a job offer from the Mafia and live to tell the tale.

Hopefully, the information he had provided them wouldn’t be used to perpetrate some sort of tragedy. Oh! He truly was a villain! Desiring, only to depart the wretched place as swiftly as possible, Night closed his eyes and hurtled towards the light at the end of the tunnel, he probably thought that the radiance of what little sun could be perceived through the clouds would be suffice to cleanse him of sin. However, having shut his eyes to the world he was oblivious to the passersby on the sidewalk. Collision was inevitable. Practically toppling one of the businessmen with what appeared to be a tackle; Night picked himself up off the ground and offered his most sincere apologies. Unfortunately, as he turned to leave a firm hand gripped his shoulder and forcefully swiveled Night around.

The man in question was a respectable businessman who appeared rather irate. However, after a superficial scrutiny of Night the expression of irritation swiftly morphed into one of prejudice then rage. “Aha! A slummer! I should have expected it! You ruffians always journey downtown with the intent of causing trouble! Now return those glasses you stole from me, immediately! I can barely see without them!”

“Glasses? What glasses? If you can barely see without them how do you know it was me who took them?” Night replied, squirming nervously, he was used to this sort of discrimination but he had never been openly accused before. As such he hadn’t known how to properly react and with what he had said it sounded like he was mocking the gentleman, an act of insolence that instantly framed him as guilty in the eyes of the onlookers who were gathering around them. “Oh, I’m sorry sir, I didn’t mean it but I really didn’t…”

Before he could finish his sentence, the man had reached into Night’s pockets and pulled out the wad of cash which was payment for his day’s work for the Mafia. “AHA!! You filthy thieving scoundrel! Where did you get this money eh? It’s certainly peculiar for a slummer to be so loaded! What unsuspecting person did you filch this from? This just confirmed my suspicions. You’re a bloody thief! Which of these presentable folk would resort to stealing? You’re the only likely suspect I see!” Gesturing to the assembled crowd, the man glowered at the now trembling Night. The fellow was scaring him but Night couldn’t tell him truth…the truth was worse. If he told the man that sum of cash was dirty money from the Mafia he’ll get an even longer jail sentence than the one he would get for stealing. Yet he didn’t want to be branded a criminal. Not so publicly. Not in front of all these people. He hadn’t stolen the glasses. He hadn’t!

Yet what could be do about the predicament? Would anyone even believe that a slummer like him was innocent? Tears were already accumulating in his eyes but he knew crying wouldn’t resolve this situation and it wouldn’t be gentlemanly to show such weakness. ‘Please don’t cry, please don’t cry.’ He told himself in desperation, his voice shaking slightly as he made an effort to defend himself. “I…I’m not a thief.”

[Wolfy]

Looking up at the cloudy sky above, Sabrina didn't see someone running right for her. As Margot plowed into her, Sabrina - with her shoes that wouldn't let her balance very well - toppled backwards and fell back on the sidewalk. Looking up to the person who had practically tackled her, she saw the familiar face of the girl she'd seen in the police station not long ago.

"Margot!" she said, a grin spreading across her face "Long time, no see!" She got up and gave her friend a happy smile. "I finally got out!" She was referring to how long the police had held her before finally just giving up and releasing her back onto the streets. Unlike what Margot had said, it had been about five days before that had happened.

She quickly brushed the dirt and wrinkles from her sun-dress before slowly making her way down the sidewalk with her friend in the direction that Margot had been going. "So, as you can see, I'm a bit more presentable this time," she laughed. "But before I go into what's happened to me, what have you been up to?"

A little further down the road, Sabrina saw a group of people surrounded in a big cluster in the middle of the sidewalk. Curious about what was happening, she tried to peek over the heads of the crowd to see what was in the center of the attention of the crowd.

Seeing a boy about her age being accused of being a thief, she instantly sided with the boy. The crowd was murmuring things like, "Filthy slummer," and "Slum mongrel." Since she had been in a similar situation not two weeks ago, she couldn't let that continue to happen to the poor, nervous boy. She glanced back at Margot, silently asking for help.

[Ellie]

Margot's happiness in the discovery of a familiar face was cut short by the sounds of yelling. Margot froze and looked to Sabrina, who was already peeking curiously over the heads of many others. A feeling of dread entered Margot's body, and it occurred to her that the incident that was occurring likely had something to do with her. "Darn," Margot whispered. And with wide eyes, she pivoted on her feet slowly, bracing herself to meet the crowd. Making eye contact with Sabrina, she knew they had to intervene.

Ah! But first! Margot shoved the newly acquired glasses into her flannel shirt, shielding them from view. And in an impressive haste, Margot grabbed Sabrina's hand, and shoved through the crowd. Finally free of the people, Margot looked around to see the confused and scared face of a boy her own age, and of course, the owner of her new glasses. Margot really had a hunch for trouble. She always knew when something was her fault, and could feel the trouble coming before there were any signs. Margot knew she had to think quickly, as people were beginning to turn to her to see what the most recent commotion was all about.

Provided the situation and speed required, Margot applied very little thought, letting the words flow out of her mouth. Oh, how she loved acting.

"ALEXANDER," Margot shrieked, contorting her face into an expression of anger and irritation. "Dad says to hurry up! It's time to go home!" Margot continued her stint with passion, making sure to use impressively exaggerated hand motions. With fists flying everywhere, Margot kept right on going. "I TOLD him not to give the money to YOU. I just want to go HOME, and we can't pay the driver without you!" After seemingly exhausting her rage towards "Alexander," Margot turned on her heels to face the man, the next target of her simulated fury.

"And you!" Margot grimaced. "How DARE you call my brother a SLUM MUTT. I'll have you know that we're from a very well-to-do family!" Margot loved this game. To enhance her fun, she stalked forward placing herself in a position immediately in front of the businessman, enabling her to look straight up into his face. "If you're going to judge people by their appearance, then you will rot in Hell one day." Margot nodded, officially using up all her steam. She was a tad shocked with her performance, especially provided she had never one uttered a curse word before. Margot then turned to face Sabrina, who had yet to utter a word and nodded, suggesting it was her turn.

[Wolfy]

Keeping a grin from playing on her face, Sabrina stepped forward to Margot and the boy they were determined on saving. "Margot!" she yelled in her best imitation of a French accent. She strode up to her friend and the businessman, looking very lofty and rich. "Monsieur, why are you keeping my cousins in such a manner?" placing her hands on her hips, she gave him a very angry look.

"I'll have you know, you scoundrel," she continued, "That I only have one week to spend with my dear American cousins. And I will not have this time interrupted by the likes of you!" She turned her nose up to him, raising her eyebrows in a very demeaning posture to the man. "And did I hear you utter something about a mutt? Well, I never!" With a loud 'Hmm', she turned her head. "If anyone here is a simple mutt, it would be you, Monsieur!"

She started rambling off in gibberish, since she didn't actually speak French. She tossed in the few words she knew throughout her tirade. She was surprised that it actually sounded like she was a furious French woman. "Good day, sir!" she yelled suddenly after a couple minutes of that. She turned on her heels and departed from the center of the crowd. Surprisingly, people parted from her way, giving her a big path through the circle of spectators.

Obviously, no one wanted to tangle with Sabrina's "short fuse". She turned her head to Margot and the boy, she called, "Come, dear cousins! We needn't waste any more time in this dreadful place!" She waited just outside the crowd, waiting for Margot and "Alexander" to make their escape.

[Rad]

As luck would have it, just when Night was certain that he was about to be hauled off to prison, a couple of posh young ladies appeared in his defense. However, it soon became apparent that this unexpected compassion was merely the result of a case of mistaken identity. The two elegant creatures simply thought he was their brother/cousin and thus were reacting out of their obligation to assist a member of their family. Nonetheless, quite how the misconception had occurred was beyond him, especially since he was dressed in such tattered clothes. Well, perhaps the boy, Alexander, whom he had been mistaken for had a hobby of pretending to be a slummer.

Noting the uncertainty in his accuser’s eyes, Night contemplated whether he should utilize this opportunity to his advantage. Perhaps this duo would be more reasonable than his current prosecutor, particularly since they appeared to be approximately his age. Then again, he almost abandoned this idea when the French mademoiselle started voicing her complaints. Wow, she was scary! Her demanding and raucous temper even caused the gentleman cower and obediently return the bundle of cash to Night. Perhaps by pretending to be Alexander he would simply be leaping from the frying pan and into the fire.

Still…he didn’t want to go to jail and if he took his chances with these two refined ladies he might be able to escape if it came to ‘push and shove’. Taking a gander at imitating a sophisticated English accent which, surprisingly, wasn’t too difficult, Night stated, “Good sir, I agree with my sister and cousin. It is MOST uncultured to evaluate another’s worth by their attire or appearance. In fact, to my knowledge there are numerous proverbs advising against this form of prejudice. ‘All that glitters is not gold’ & ‘never judge a book by its cover’ are only two of many examples. I, myself, often like to meander the streets in a slummer’s costume just to see what reactions I get from the general public. Well, I hope you have learnt a valuable lesson from this experience, ta-ta.”

Waving dismissively at the gentleman, Night clung to Margot in what he hoped was a display of brother-to-sister affections as he made his way through the throng. The French mademoiselle was far too intimidating to approach. Hopefully, the American one wouldn’t be too repulsed by this contact once she realized that he wasn’t Alexander. Amazingly enough, the onlookers had swallowed his bluff and he was able to escape without further obstruction. Sighing with relief, he permitted the two girls to lead him in a random direction, away from the mass of people.

Once a safe distance had been established, he released his hold on Margot and promptly broke down in tears as he tried to explain himself. “I’m so sorry I used you two like that…but I’m not Alexander. My name is Night…and I really am a slummer…although I’m certainly not a delinquent or a thief. I’m sorry! I really am sorry for wasting your time. I understand if you want to hand me over to the police for misleading you like that…if your brother is dressed like a slummer you should hurry! The downtown citizens aren’t at all generous to people like me. Your brother might land in some grievous trouble all because…because…” Oh he knew it! He really was a terrible person! First he was now involved in the Mafia (albeit against his will) and now Alexander might be lost, frightened and alone all because his sister and cousin had mistook Night for him!

[Ellie]

Margot really hadn't any idea what Sabrina could add on to her little show, and she was even a tad worried that it could ruin their plan. Margot shuddered, imagining what the crowd of angry people would do to them if they found out they were just acting. However, Margot's worrying was all in vain. She was caught off guard by Sabrina whipping out a French accent, and even going so far as to "speak" the language. Oh, the hilarity!

As the boy clung to her, Margot moved quickly to follow Sabrina out of the throng of people, careful not to shove into anyone, provided their rowdy mood. Their success was almost stunning, and while she was glad, Margot couldn't help to wonder how dimwitted those people were. "I guess those three different accents didn't give 'em a clue, haha," Margot laughed, nudging the boy with her elbow. He seemed like an alright guy, but it wasn't as if Margot was a particularly good judge of character. Given her nature, Margot often enjoyed almost everyone she met, with few exceptions.

The crowd thinned, and soon the trio had pilled away from the mass. At a decent enough distance away, Margot looked at Sabrina and broke down in to hysterical laughter. The hilarity of the situation they just survived was too much to bear, and it soon became too much to hold her composure. "Qu'est-ce un accent merveilleux que vous avez! Bien, je ne pouvais pas dire ce que vous disiez!" Margot wiped small tears from the corner of her eyes as she shared the actual French language with Sabrina. "Brilliant," Margot sighed, shaking her head in disbelief.

Their celebration of their antics was cut short by unexpected hysterics from the young man with them, who seemingly didn't catch the mood of the circumstance. From the words she could make out, he seemed to believe she and Sabrina were actually looking for Alexander! Whoever that was... Either way, Margot reacted instinctively, trying to clean up this mess as soon as possible. Margot pivoted to face him and placed her hands on his shoulders, leaning in close. With wide eyes, and strong assuring nods, Margot spoke with a deliberate voice. "Hey. Hey, calm yourself. It's okay. My name is Margot, and that's Sabrina. She's not French, although it's awfully convincing. I, however, am French. And I have no idea who Alexander is," Margot insisted, "And neither does she," she finished, nodding her head toward Sabrina. "We just wanted to help a friend out!" Margot laughed and cocked her eyebrows in amusement.

With one arm around his shoulder, Margot moved forward, trying to navigate away from the scene of the incident. "Night, does this happen to you often?" Margot looked toward Sabrina who surely was as amused as she. "I mean really, this was crazy, wasn't it?" Margot looked expectantly at Sabrina, hoping for her to confirm her thoughts. Margot spent all her time roaming the city, but never once had something this bizarre actually happened to her!

[Wolfy]

Sabrina had been hoping to keep her composure, but that thought was thrown out the window when Margot hysterically began laughing. Of course she couldn't keep herself together with that going on. "Oh my gosh, you were brilliant, too!" she said through giggles. "And you, too, my friend." She glanced at Night with a grin.

When she saw that he was crying, though, her grin vanished and she carefully stepped toward him. "Hey, buddy, it's okay," she said. She kneeled down by him and gave him a comforting smile. "You see, I also lived in the slums. And I know how unfair people can be to people in your circumstance."

She stood up, though kept a smile on. "So we just wanted to give you a hand." She glanced at Margot and laughed. "And I thought we were brilliant, if I do say!" She looked around and was glad to see the crowd had dissapeared. "Well, it looks like there's nothing to worry about now."

She reached down her hand to help Night up from where he was sitting on the ground. "If you don't mind me asking, what was that crowd talking about?" she asked curiously. "Why were they calling you a thief?" She wasn't trying to be nosy, she was just curious.

[Rad]

“Eh? So it was merely a ruse? I don’t understand why you both, of such elevated status, would even consider coming to the aid of a denizen like me?” Night inquired, sniffling as he studied the faces of his saviors. {OoC: Sorry for the following convoluted sentences. Night is currently very confused and this is the way he’s thinking right now. xD} The American one who was not actually American but French but was staying in America which still made her American…was apparently named Margot and appeared pleasant and amiable. She possessed a pair of large, expressive eyes that gave Night the impression that she was seeing past his filthy exterior and deep into his soul. At this thought, he retreated a few paces, not wanting her to read his mind and discover that he had some affiliation with the Mafia.

The French Mademoiselle, who wasn’t actually French but could speak it and wasn’t actually scary but could act convincingly act as though she were, was named…? Well, he hadn’t caught her name but he noticed her pair of enchanting emerald eyes immediately. Oh, they were truly magnificent! People had always disparaged the unfortunate color ‘contamination’ in Night’s left eye and as such he had always admired those fortunate enough to have the full set. Suddenly self-conscious, he lifted a hand to his face, placing his palm over his left eye in an attempt to obscure the ‘disfiguration’. As she smiled at him, her eyes sparkled in childish innocence, fighting off the tears that had accumulated in his.

He instantly liked the both of them!

"Night, does this happen to you often? I mean really, this was crazy, wasn't it?"

“Not exactly…this is the first incident where I’ve been publicly accused and shamed…however…it is correct that Downtown citizens are generally prejudiced towards slummers like me. I suppose they think we’re desperate enough to resort to crime…which is frequently the case. I’ve seen what my fellow slummers will do on these streets…especially since during the day I work as a delivery boy so I’m out and about all day and have numerous opportunities to witness these things. Usually, after a delivery I can scurry back to the post office without too much trouble but I guess today I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Night whimpered as he replied, still hurt by even the mere memory of what had happened. “Yea…it was crazy-scary!”

"If you don't mind me asking, what was that crowd talking about? Why were they calling you a thief?"

“Well, I had the misfortune of crashing into a businessman when I was…” Should he lie? Should he? Especially to the people who had rescued him it just wouldn’t be justified if he lied…would it? “When I was escaping from the Mafia…” There! A half-truth! Better than a lie, at least? “Unfortunately, I must have knocked his glasses off and in his rage he was accusing me of having pocketed them…that was when he reached in my pockets and took the wad of dirty cash from the Mafia people I was fleeing from…no! Wait! I didn’t steal from the Mafia! I’m not a thief! The situation’s a bit hard to explain…er…they threw it away! Yea! That’s right! I found it in the trash! They were only chasing me because…because…” Oh he was an utter failure at lying, the whole story was coming apart even before he finished. Unable to continue fibbing, Night started crying again. There was nothing he could say that wouldn’t brand him as a criminal! Even if he told the truth he’ll still be counted as a thug! Was it impossible for him to continue being a gentleman now that he worked part-time for the Mafia?

[Ellie]

“Eh? So it was merely a ruse? I don’t understand why you both, of such elevated status, would even consider coming to the aid of a denizen like me?”

Night's words fascinated Margot. She had a hard time grasping why it mattered what their social status was. Perhaps this was some cultural tradition here in America that she had gone unaware of. If it was, Margot didn't feel much like worrying about it now. Her body, now tired of the intense laughing, relaxed and Margot was able to think with a clear mind. "It was a ruse. And quite an impressive one, might I add." Margot smiled at Night, wanting to allow him to feel comfortable. "Elevated status," Margot scoffed, "That's ridiculous. Sabrina and I just wanted to help out."

Margot shifted her weight and took a deep breath, the exhaustion from her running finally catching up to her. She was now conscious of the hot, heavy, and wet flannel jacket that weighed down her shoulders. Knowing she couldn't cast her father's clothes aside, Margot made do by pushing up the sleeves. As Night disclosed his life as a delivery boy, Margot could only purse her lips in pity, upset at how distraught this situation made him. "It's really no big deal at all," Margot suggested, feeling like she ought to be doing more to assist him.

She soon, however, found her mind wondering to the prospects of new friendships. Margot was very pleased... nay, thrilled to have happened upon two wonderful people her own age. How could Margot possibly keep in touch with the two? While none of them were close, it was so rare to have company her own age! Especially such entertaining ones. Margot dreamed of how wonderful her days would grow to be if she had company with her. It just seemed too perfect. All too perfect to lose.

And without further ado, Night found himself in tears again, and this time, from what Margot could tell, he was now very concerned on their impression of him? No? Perhaps not. Margot, after listening very carefully was able to understand something concerning Night's involvement in the Mafia. Oh, well, that was unexpected. Margot, with her consistent faith in people, offered Night her brightest smile. "Look, it's okay. These are hard times, and you do what you have to to get by. Don't fret." Margot understood Night's concern entirely, and put in the same position, she would likely handle it the same way. "it must be a great adventure though. Is it, Night?"

[Wolfy]

With a little laugh about 'social class', Sabrina added. "Oh, please," she said. "Class has nothing to do with it." That wasn't entirely true, though. She wished that someone had helped her out when she lived in the slums. But, of course, people from higher classes wouldn't want to help out anyone lower than them, and other slum dwellers wouldn't be in a position to help anyone - probably not even themselves.

When he said that he had just escaped from the Mafia, she grinned a little. "Wow, really?" she asked with a quiet laugh. She was about to say, 'Me, too', but was cut short by him saying that he was actually a part of the Mafia. Slightly edging back from Night, Sabrina wondered if they should go. Probably, she didn't want another situation like the one with Smile.

"You know, Margot," she said, glancing at her friend. "You look like you're burning up... We should really get away from the heat." She reached over and grabbed Margot by the arm and backed away even further. Why did she seem to attract mobsters like she did? First Smile, and now this boy! She was really starting to wonder why she always seemed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

But, taking a second look at Night, he really didn't seem like a threat. He looked so innocent! Surely he wouldn't hurt even a fly. As she realized how rude she was being, she glanced down at her shoes and released Margot's arm. She really felt kind of bad for assuming he was just like Smile. She actually felt she needed to make it up to him.

"Why don't we all go somewhere together? My treat," she suggested, trying not to look as sorrowful as she felt. "Do you have a favorite place?" Oh boy, now she probably looked like she was a rich snob who thought that every slum dweller needed charity from the rich. Was that any better?

[Rad]

“Adventure?” Night had never considered his involvement with the Mafia in such a positive light. Probably this was a dangerous idea to introduce to that simpleton’s head of his. Who knew what he would do with this newfound perspective. Up until that point he had only thought of it as an obligatory duty to Alice to whom he owed so much…However now that Margot had referred to it as an ‘adventure’ he couldn’t help his mind from wondering down a self-destructive path. Oh that single word opened so many possibilities for him!

He could now consider his affiliation to the Mafia as an opportunity for him to repay his debt to society. He could be a solitary knight combating evil from within its own heart! He might even be able to dismantle and destroy the very connections and inner workings which made the organization what it was! He could break apart the core structures of evil itself! In his position he could secretly work as an agent for justice! He could infiltrate the Mafia, uncover its most clandestine secrets and expose its most venerable side to the authorities! He could…he WOULD be the hero! Oh Margot was pure genius!

As he was contemplating this, his gaze locked on Margot, his eyes sparkling with admiration, idolization and adoration. Would she join him as a comrade in his fight for justice? Surely with her intellect and his honor they would bring an end to all the Mafia organizations in the city. They could, they would, there was nothing stopping them, right? “Margot, I…”

However, before he could finish his request, his attention was drawn back to Sabrina by her offer. Night had been enthralled with the task of devising his plan of how to dispose of the various Mafia groups plaguing the city that he hadn’t really noticed neither Sabrina’s sudden aversion of him nor her subsequent look of shame. Thus, Sabrina’s offer of treating him came as a pleasant surprise. Under normal circumstances, he would have refused simply due to the fact that his code of honor as a gentleman meant that as a man he was obligated to pick up the tab for ladies and not have circumstances the opposite way around.

Yet, in spite of this stringent code of conduct to which he so fervently adhered, his sudden elation at having found a heroic purpose in life meant that he temporarily forgot all about the stipulations involving who could treat who. Instantly, his mind was filled with the thought of heaven in the form of a meal at a café. Ever since that day he had stopped in at Donny’s, the word ‘café’ had, in his mind, become synonymous with ‘heaven’ and it was with unhidden childish delight that he exclaimed, “Oh, I would just LOVE to go to a café!”

[Ellie]

Margot nodded enthusiastically, happy she was moving Night into a more exuberant mood. Margot didn't like to find people unhappy, as it often ended up weighing down on her, as well. "Yes, of course!" How hadn't Night thought of it this way before. Oh, what Margot would give to be able to do what Night was! "Oh, you're so lucky! Perhaps you can show me what it's like sometime?" Margot bounced onto her toes, hardly able to contain the excitement.

As Margot and Night made eye contact, she decided right then and there, that she was going to hang around Night an awful lot. He made it seem as if his life was filled with incredible adventures. Those would serve as wonderful stories when enough time has passed, and Margot knew she would need those. Maybe. Night's words called Margot's attention, but as soon as he began, Night seemed to retract his interjection. Pursing her lips, Margot made note to ask him about it later, as the curiosity would soon begin it's cruel, cruel torture.

When the idea of eating at a restaurant was finally tossed around, Margot instantly began scanning the streets. She had never actually been out to eat before! Her parents, while the funds were available always created different excuses not to take Margot out on such an excursion. And while she was out and about downtown, the cash was never readily available to her. At Night's suggestion of a cafe, Margot could only stand there in awed silence, nodding her head vaguely. Speaking slowly, and with a hint of a smile, Margot looked to Sabrina. "I've never gone to a restaurant before!" Margot was a enamored with the idea, as if she was a mere child.

[Wolfy]

Staring at Night as he seemed to be staring off into space, Sabrina wondered what he was thinking of. Nothing mob-related, she hoped. Suddenly, she wondered why she was so paranoid about mobsters. Smile had never really hurt her. Sure, he threatened a lot, but she was fairly certain she was safe with him. So why should she be so scared?

Her thoughts were cut short, however, by Night informing her that he wanted to go to a cafe. "Of course," she said, not being able to stifle giggles as she saw his child-like excitement. It was almost refreshing to see someone get so happy about something simple such as that.

Sighing at the fantasized opinion of the mob by her friend, Sabrina wished she could blatantly tell her that she was wrong, and that the Mafia was nothing to be trifled with. But, she didn't want to offend Night any more than she already had. So she just said, "Margot, do you really think that's a good idea? You already get picked up most nights, and if they find out that you're with the Mafia in any way, they may not let you go." Margot, also, was getting so excited over something so small. She decided then, to see everything as they did - with a more positive light.

She looked around to find the nearest cafe, and saw that it was just across the street from the restaurant she'd just escaped from. "Oh boy," she murmured, but wasn't about to turn them both down. "Okay, come on!" she said, smiling a little. It would be an adventure, she was sure, so she might as well enjoy it. "I know of a great one right over there!"