InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "No, now!"

fancy_lamorne (fancy_lamorne) wrote in la_vie_rpg,
@ 2002-01-01 01:47:00

Current mood:	gloomy
Current music:	Loreena McKnight

In the Dark of the Night
Who: Charlie, Marie, Vito, Open
What: Resistance Activities
Where: The Black Death Tavern/Streets of Paris/Marie's Bakery
When: 15, August 1941
Completed: No

Fancy sat on the side of bed, opposite the American Captain. They were both still dressing with their backs to each other. Like an old married couple who had had a fight or a couple on the first morning after when they were both full of regrets. Only they were neither, Fancy couldn't even say they were friends. Merely allies, bedfellows, like their countries; willing to work together but not quite ready to admit that they need each other to survive.

As she sits, buckling her high heel shoes, she wonders what Marie is doing, who the 'photographer' is, and if this will all work out ok. She's frightened, in more ways then one.

"Are you decent Charlie?" She calls over her shoulder in French, knowing he needs all the practice he can get. "I have something for you before we go."

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	iceskatecharlie 2008-08-15 12:56 pm UTC (link)
	Charlie was slowly buttoning up his shirt. Even after all this time, his muscles still ached every once in a while, and he moved slow when he could. "Oui," he said, not turning around. He looked up as she walked around the bed to face him, continuing to button the last few on his shirt. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	fancy_lamorne 2008-08-15 03:23 pm UTC (link)
	On her way over Fancy had stopped by her wardrobe and retrieved a package she had hidden inside. It was a plain white box, wrapped with brown ribbon. Inside held a black silk necktie. "Pour vous." she said, handing him the box. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	iceskatecharlie 2008-08-16 04:09 pm UTC (link)
	He glanced down at the box and then back up at her as he buttoned the last button. "Pour moi?" he asked, a little confused, taking the box slowly. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	fancy_lamorne 2008-08-16 06:23 pm UTC (link)
	"Oui, pour vous." Fancy replied, smiling down at him. "C'est un cadeau." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

iceskatecharlie
2008-08-18 10:46 am UTC (link)

He opened it slowly, untying the ribbon and placing it next to him before he opened the box. Charlie's first tie had been the one that came with his Army uniform. He'd never owned one as a child - his father had dismissed it as an extravagance.

He took it out of the box, the silk feeling smooth and cool against his fingers as it unrolled. He turned his collar up, adjusted the tie against his neck, and began to tie the standard Windsor knot his first squad leader had taught him. When he finished, he turned his collar back down, smoothing it against the tie. He looked up at Fancy.

"Je ne sais pas autre que quoi dire vous remercie."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

fancy_lamorne
2008-08-18 05:52 pm UTC (link)

Fancy smiled, touched at how gently he handled the box and it's wrapping. She watched as he put on the tie, hoping he liked it.

"Vous êtes bienvenu. You've been living on borrowed everything since you....ended up in France. Borrowed time, borrowed shelter, safety, clothing; I thought you should have something that was your own." She reached out to straighten the tie, which in her oponion always needed a woman's touch; for luck.

"Vous regardez très beau."

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	iceskatecharlie 2008-08-19 10:50 am UTC (link)
	He felt his cheeks flush slightly at her compliment, and ducked his head slightly to hide it. "Merci," he said, glancing back up to look her in the eyes. "Merci beaucoup." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	fancy_lamorne 2008-08-19 03:42 pm UTC (link)
	Charlie's tie striaghtened, Fancy's hands fell back to her sides. She moved away to get her hat. "Sommes-nous prêts?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	iceskatecharlie 2008-08-19 05:14 pm UTC (link)
	He nodded and stood, smoothing out his shirt. He reached for his jacket, and eased it over his shoulders. He buttoned the top few buttons, and then gestured towards the door. "Après vous, Madame." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	fancy_lamorne 2008-08-19 05:18 pm UTC (link)
	Her hat straightened, her hand bag on her arm; Fancy led the way down the back stairs and out onto the street. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	iceskatecharlie 2008-08-19 05:28 pm UTC (link)
	He followed her down the stairs and out the door. Once out on the street, his eyes scanned the alley and street beyond out of sheer military habit, and that same habit forced his shoulders and arms into a relaxed position that belied the tension in them. He matched her step for step, but stayed two steps behind to carefully watch the shadows around them. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	fancy_lamorne 2008-08-19 05:43 pm UTC (link)
	Fancy, lost with thoughts of how this was poor Charlie's first breath of fresh air in weeks, didn't notice at first that Charlie was two steps behind her. When she did she was confused and stopped so he could catch up. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	iceskatecharlie 2008-08-19 05:55 pm UTC (link)
	When she started moving again, he closed the gap to about a half step, still scanning the area around them. His gait was slow and calm, his demeanor smooth and confident, but his muscles were tense and ready to spring. A single thought of So this is what the military has done to me crossed his mind before he shut it out, and focused on the task at hand. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	fancy_lamorne 2008-08-19 06:04 pm UTC (link)
	Fancy sighed in frustration when Charlie refused to walk beside her and reached back to grab his arm and pull him up close. She spoke in French, slowly, and as close to his ear as her five foot seven inch frame would allow her. "A gentleman always escorts a lady, I don't know what you think you're doing but you look suspicious so stop it!" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	iceskatecharlie 2008-08-25 11:01 pm UTC (link)
	He shook his arm loose of her grip and shook the sleeve straight. "Following my training. I can't get a good scan of the area standing next to you. It's before curfew, but that doesn't mean much right now," he whispered back, trying hard not to sound as angry as he felt. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

fancy_lamorne
2008-08-26 09:03 am UTC (link)

"You look ridiculous following behind me like a petulant child. No one has followed us from the tavern and anyone seeing us now would think we're just out for a stroll," Fancy sighed in frustration "the time for training is done Charlie it's time for you to act like a normal young man on a normal evening." Fancy didn't know how to make him understand. He was acting like an allied pilot behind enemy lines, the SS would spot him from a mile away.

"Please..." she pleaded, reaching out to him. "please just relax and go for a walk with me."

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	iceskatecharlie 2008-09-08 11:34 am UTC (link)
	Training isn't that easy to overcome, he thought, but it wouldn't do either of them well to be seen arguing in the middle of the street. He held her arm, slipping it under his, and placed her hand on his forearm. Every muscle in his body strained to obey it's training, but he calmed them, and scanned the area as best he could. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	fancy_lamorne 2008-09-08 12:38 pm UTC (link)
	Fancy smiled softly and rested her head against Charlie's arm as they walked to show her appericiation for his effort. They continued onto the bakery. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	vittorio 2008-08-15 07:35 pm UTC (link)
	Vito headed into the bakery and started browsing pastries. He smiled a little to himself, trying to look as harmless and provincial as possible. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	boulanger 2008-08-16 01:15 pm UTC (link)
	"Ah good evening," Marie said, smiling to Vito after she sent a customer on her way with a loaf of bread and a sweet cake for her child. "I trust all is well?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	vittorio 2008-08-16 06:45 pm UTC (link)
	"Mais oui, tres bon," Vito said, nodding. "And you, Madame?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	boulanger 2008-08-17 01:27 pm UTC (link)
	"I am well, thank you." She lowered her voice, despite the lack of customers. "We are still waiting for our friends to arrive..." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	vittorio 2008-08-17 04:19 pm UTC (link)
	Vito nodded. "I figured. How's business been? Have you had any trouble?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

boulanger
2008-09-04 03:10 pm UTC (link)

"There has been no trouble," Marie said. "Which in itself can be troubling..."

One almost expected now that the Germans would come in and poke their Teutonic noses into things every now and again. That the bakery had been more or less untroubled of late was a source of some concern that perhaps they were watching in a larger way. "Perhaps though, I worry too much."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

fancy_lamorne
2008-09-10 05:06 pm UTC (link)

Charlie and Fancy arrived at the bakery on time. She paused at the doorway and waited for Charlie to open the door for her before stepping inside. Seeing that Charlie would pass as a Frenchman took more than just language lessons and a phony passport. He had to be able to fit into the culture. To know to say 'hello' to a shopkeeper when he entered a store, and not to squirm if someone served him a plate of snails at a fancy party.

Fancy thought it was an awful lot to cram into the poor boy's brain so quickly and prayed it would all stick.

"Bonjour Marie," she called with a smile that did not reach her eyes, "
ma ordre est-il prêt?"

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	iceskatecharlie 2008-09-10 05:28 pm UTC (link)
	He held the door open for her, and stepped in after her, moving to take her overcoat for her. He draped it over his arm and nodded politely to Marie as she came around the counter. "Bonjour, Madame Chabert." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	boulanger 2008-09-12 05:05 pm UTC (link)
	"Welcome, both of you..." Marie smiled kindly and led them over to where Vito had gone into the back room with the equipment they would need. She turned the shop sign around to 'Closed', and locked the door and drew the shades. "Just come right into the back and we'll get started." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	vittorio 2008-09-12 07:01 pm UTC (link)
	Vito had a tripod camera set up. It had seen better days, but it would do the trick. "Bonjour," he said in his Mediterranean accent, and eyed both the soldier and Fancy with nervous good humor. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

fancy_lamorne
2008-09-12 11:01 pm UTC (link)

"Merci." she said to Charlie, looking up at him with an affectionate and proud smile as he took her coat.

Fancy followed Marie into the back of the store. She parroted back a hello to Vito. She was only half surprised to see him here. Vito was a good black market dealer, indeed she did a lot of business with him, but she wasn't sure she liked him all that much as a person. He was a little to arrogant for her taste. Still, any displeasure was greatly overshadowed by her nervousness and did not show itself on her face. Of playing pretend around men she was very skilled.

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	vittorio 2008-09-12 11:10 pm UTC (link)
	"Go ahead and have a seat," Vito said to Charlie. "I'll get a picture and get it over to my guy. The paperwork's mostly done. You need a more local name, and I need to get your signature on one or two things, then I can get this finished up. And later today, you'll have some very convincing documentation." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	iceskatecharlie 2008-09-14 11:52 pm UTC (link)
	Charlie sat as instructed, adjusting his jacket as he did. "I'm not sure what you mean by 'more local' name. Does Charles not fit in here in France? I can go by Daniel or Édouard if necessary. Or do you mean family name?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

vittorio
2008-09-15 12:07 am UTC (link)

"Family name. Or you could say your dad was an expatriate, after the last war ... and honestly, if that was the case, it might explain away imperfect language skills. On the other hand, it'd throw up red flags all over the place."

Vito walked around behind the old Linhof camera and made minute adjustments to the focus. "Okay ... take a breath and hold it ... this lens is slow as molasses."

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fancy_lamorne
2008-09-15 12:12 am UTC (link)

Fancy followed Charlie over to his seat and ran her fingers through his hear to straighten out the strands that had been displaced by the summer breeze on their way over.

She wrinkled her nose at Charlie's latter suggestion of a name. She liked calling him Charlie, would miss it. It was a nice name with a nice sound to it.

"I thought you were going to pass him off as your grandson." She questioned Marie, once she had taken her coat back from Charlie and gone over to her.

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	boulanger 2008-09-16 10:55 am UTC (link)
	"Yes, I have the information on my grandson here," Marie said, offering that over to Vito. "His name is Henri, if that would be acceptable - and this would likely make things easier." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	vittorio 2008-09-23 06:13 pm UTC (link)
	"Henri, it is," Vito said. He took three photographs, hoping that one of the three would come out looking as boring and lifeless as only passport photos seemed to, pulling the sheet of film between shots and replacing it with a fresh one. "Okay, I think we're good, here. Sign the form, and I'll go get this assembled and aged." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	iceskatecharlie 2008-09-24 02:35 pm UTC (link)
	Charlie stood, and walked over to Vito. He signed the form Henri Chabert and handed it to Vito. He turned and looked at Marie and Fancy. "Now what?" he asked in French. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	vittorio 2008-09-24 04:50 pm UTC (link)
	Vito gathered the documents and took down the camera. He had a truck parked around back. "It's going to take a few hours, but when I get back, you'll look very official," he said. "Au 'voir, Monsieur Chabert, ladies," he said, and put his hat on and headed out to get things done. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

fancy_lamorne
2008-09-24 05:18 pm UTC (link)

Fancy watched over her shoulder as Vito gathered up his things. She didn't like this, little hairs on the back of her neck were standing up. Something smelled fishy, though it could have been Vito's cologne. They were supposed to wait here till he came back? He'd be gone hours? Alone?

"Vito attente!" Fancy called after him. "Je marcherai vous dehors, nous ai quelques affaires à discuter avant que vous partiez."

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	vittorio 2008-09-24 08:35 pm UTC (link)
	"Mais oui, naturellement, mais s'il est au sujet du chocolat, moi n'en ont pas trouvé en presque semaine," he said. He started stowing the camera amongst crates in the back of the truck, concealing it. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

fancy_lamorne
2008-09-24 09:12 pm UTC (link)

"Non, il n'est pas au sujet du chocolat." Fancy replied. She watched him intently as he loaded the camera equipment in the back of his truck. It was rare that Fancy didn't know what was going through a man's mind before he did. And she hated it.

War made things so complicated. She was used to consorting with all kinds of unscrupulous individuals in her line of work. It had never bothered her before, but it bothered her now. She didn't know what made Vito tick. Not in the way it mattered when you were trusting someone's life to it.

"I was hoping you could get me some good meat, from a cow not a horse." She continued on, stalling for lack of the right way to question someone's politics.

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	vittorio 2008-09-24 09:22 pm UTC (link)
	"I can't guarantee it'll be a cow that was birthed this decade, but I'll see what I can do," Vito said. "So, what do you really want to talk to me about?" Vito took out his silver cigarette case and offered one to Fancy, took one for himself. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

fancy_lamorne
2008-09-24 09:31 pm UTC (link)

Fancy pursed her lips in frustration with comeback. Her face softened with the offer of a cigarette and she gratefully accepted.

"A girl can't help wondering what gets a man like you into business like this." she said, tossing a look over her shoulder to indicate the resistance. "I mean, I should think you'd be happy about the occupation, drives up business does it not?"

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vittorio
2008-09-24 09:43 pm UTC (link)

"My family's always been in the import business, it's just a more extreme version of what we've been doing all along," Vito said with a shrug. His eyes flicked back and forth from Fancys face to the walls, to the exits to the alley, not nervous, merely vigilant. "Profits are good, but half the contacts I had when I got here are dead, and there are rumors about some of the others that I'd rather not believe.

"Nope. Not happy about the occupation, not happy about he occupiers."

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	fancy_lamorne 2008-09-24 09:57 pm UTC (link)
	She had had things to say...some lame quip about him not being spawned from hell or better some kind words of relief hearing what she wanted, needed, to hear from him. But Fancy was far too distracted to say any of those such things. "What rumors?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	vittorio 2008-09-24 10:24 pm UTC (link)
	Vito looked at his watch. "As me another time. I gotta get Henri squared away. We can sit down and talk after I get back, if you like." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	fancy_lamorne 2008-09-24 10:32 pm UTC (link)
	Fancy nodded, any pleas or threats or worry about whom to trust and how to tell the difference were forgotten. She turned to go inside, unlit cigarette still dangling from her fingertips. (Reply to this) (Parent)