InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "Who are you People!?"

Oscar (oscar_ontherun) wrote in vie_en_guerre,
@ 2008-01-26 21:06:00

Who: Oscar, Joséphine
When: Evening
Where: Le Passant
Summary: Oscar arranges to meet Joséphine after dark
Complete
Rating: PG-13

Oscar made the route in record time, despite the detour he had to make to bypass a German patrol. Spotting Le Passant from one of his jumps between roofs, he slowed his pace. Rattling down a cold metal fire escape, he dropped to street level and slipped his plimsolls on.

Le Passant, after 8. That's what the card had said. He'd left the little potted plant, bought from a florists just off the high-street and with the note enclosed on Joséphine's doorstep.

He'd noticed a lot of activity surrounding the little café, and at least he could check it out with the pretence of meeting someone.

Shuffling to the end of the narrow alleyway, he scanned to each end of the road, before briskly crossing to Le Passant, hoping he wasn't too late.

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oh_nurse
2008-01-26 09:21 pm UTC (link)

Joséphine had been pleasantly surprised by the plant and the accompanying card. She'd dressed with care and arrived at the cafe before curfew, not minding that she'd have to wait a bit.

She'd settled at a table by the stage, where the evening's entertainment was performing.

Her eyes were on the performance, but every now and then she glanced towards the door to keep an eye out.

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oscar_ontherun
2008-01-26 09:26 pm UTC (link)

Oscar stopped at the door and tidied his clothing before entering. The little bell tinkled innocuously as he eased in, hoping any soldiers wouldn't notice him enter.

He quickly spotted Joséphine sitting at one of the smaller tables near the stage, and scuttled in her direction. He was thankful she'd reserved him a chair, it was so crowded in there.

Her eyes were on the performance whilst he approached, and was able to sit down before she noticed him.

"Hello,"

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	oh_nurse 2008-01-26 09:31 pm UTC (link)
	Joséphine jumped slightly at the 'hello', and laughed softly. "My goodness, I'm sorry - I was so wrapped up in the music. I didn't even hear you come over..." Her smiled warmed, and she reached across the table to pat his hand. "I'm glad you're here, though. Thank you so much for the plant! It's very lovely." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	oscar_ontherun 2008-01-26 09:34 pm UTC (link)
	Relieved, he let slip a quick smile. "Oh I'm glad. You should have seen me in the shop, never was one man so out of place!" Somehow, all those years of his father explaining each plant he kept in the vestry to the young boy, he'd never cultivated much of a knowledge of plants. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

oh_nurse
2008-01-26 09:41 pm UTC (link)

"That's so sweet of you," Joséphine said "to have gone through the trouble of picking it out like that. I really love plants, too- so it's extra thoughtful."

She smiled again, thinking of how cute the plant was. "You picked out a good one," she assured him. "And - I'm glad you invited me out, as well. I was hoping to get to see you again. Tell me, how are the lodgings working out for you?"

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	oscar_ontherun 2008-01-26 09:46 pm UTC (link)
	"I actually had very little to do with it," he paused whilst he searched for the words, "I let slip that I knew very little and before I knew it I was on the street with the offending article in my hands." He added, "Thank you for taking up the invitation. And the lodgings are just great. I'm glad I trusted your judgement." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

oh_nurse
2008-01-26 10:12 pm UTC (link)

Joséphine giggled, picturing Oscar perplexed and pot-holding in the streets.

"Oh good, I'm happy things are working out for you there. You might want to consider getting a houseplant for yourself, you know- they add such a homey touch to a room. I've got some cuttings from a few of my plants that I'm rooting if you'd like me to fix up a little windowbox for you."

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	oscar_ontherun 2008-01-26 10:18 pm UTC (link)
	Would it hamper his getting in and out of the window, he thought. Probably not. "That would be nice," he said, "Perhaps next time you could back me up in the florists. The woman in there is like the blitzkrieg." He immediately realised the lack of tact, and promptly shut up. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	oh_nurse 2008-01-26 10:23 pm UTC (link)
	Joséphine laughed, taking no offense to that analogy. "Oh, I'm guessing you went to Madame Arnal's shop, then. A stout woman with a very disapproving face and a ridiculously feathery hat?" She knew of no other woman who matched the description so vividly. "I swear, she'd give the Germans an even match- she's the Floral Nazi." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

oscar_ontherun
2008-01-26 10:32 pm UTC (link)

The description brought back the horrors of that morning, the wrinkled scowl shouting at him in French he barely caught.

"Sounds about right. Though I thought her disapproval was with my attire," he indicated the well-worn coat he was still wearing though he was inside, and the overalls with faded kneecaps.

His attention returned to the time at hand, "So how have you been this last week? I'm sorry I haven't seen you sooner."

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oh_nurse
2008-01-26 10:37 pm UTC (link)

"Oh no, she disapproves of everything, just on principal. The best way to deal with her is to just get your business done quickly and don't back down when she tries to get you to purchase something different - usually something of a much higher price. Unfortunately, she has the best flowers in the city - so she knows she can get away with being so rude to her customers."

Joséphine shook her head. How silly that was, being rude to people for no good reason.

"Oh my week? I've been well, if busy. We had a government inspection at the hospital- so everything had to be clean and in order, top to bottom."

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	oscar_ontherun 2008-01-26 10:46 pm UTC (link)
	"Government?" he furrowed his eyebrows. Even though he'd settled in Paris, he still didn't know the state of play in the political sector. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

oh_nurse
2008-01-26 10:51 pm UTC (link)

Joséphine nodded. "They're very strict these days, wanting to make sure our papers are in order for all our patients, and that we're not hoarding any supplies or anything..."

She sighed softly. "If anything, we're short on so many things - I don't understand why they would think that. It's very difficult to do our jobs as it is, giving the proper care under such circumstances."

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	oscar_ontherun 2008-01-26 11:02 pm UTC (link)
	He instantly soured, "That's disgusting. Hoarding supplies...Heaven forbid you treat your own patients!" He was seething, and he knew it was going to exacerbate the Strigoi. He could hear something rumble in a deep cavity of his brain. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

oh_nurse
2008-01-26 11:07 pm UTC (link)

"I know, it's so frustrating..." Joséphine frowned, the sadness and worry she rarely let show coming to the forefront.

"I try to keep optimistic about things, but it truly worries me, Oscar. There are some necessary medical supplies that are near-gone, and sometimes even simple things are hard to find. We make due with what we have, but when they tell us that we must cut corners even more, deny our requests for assistance..."

She wrung her hands in frustration. "And worse, there's been so many illnesses this winter, so we are also becoming overcrowded...."

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	oscar_ontherun 2008-01-26 11:18 pm UTC (link)
	He signalled for the waitress and ordered a coffee. The taste would help subdue the slowly growing scent of flesh. "What are you running out of?" He asked. Was he really doing this. If she told him, what, he was going to track some down? He scolded himself in his head. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	oh_nurse 2008-01-26 11:22 pm UTC (link)
	When the waitress came over, Joséphine ordered a tea for herself. "Oh, a whole list of things - from basic iodine and peroxide to all sorts of medicines," she said. "I'm sorry- I didn't mean to bother you with my work troubles. Really, my week has been fine other than that. I even went to the theater to see a new friend of mine sing.It hasn't been all bad." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

oscar_ontherun
2008-01-26 11:40 pm UTC (link)

Iodine, that wasn't too good. He couldn't help scowling at the various uniformed bodies sitting around them.

The waitress returned, bringing the two drinks. He took a quick sip of the coffee, despite the heat, letting the bitterness wash over the sweet tang the thing inside him was looking for.

Wincing, he continued, "That's alright," he took another sip, before adding, "The Theatre? Sounds nice."

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	oh_nurse 2008-01-27 12:16 am UTC (link)
	"Yes- her name is Jacqueline Pearson, and she's very talented," Joséphine said. "Perhaps you'd like to come with me to see her perform sometime? It's American music - a lot of jazz." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	oscar_ontherun 2008-01-27 12:20 am UTC (link)
	"Jazz," he sighed in his head. He thought he was supposed to disapproved of it in some way, though he didn't know why. His father would certainly have disapproved. You don't want to be your father, not anymore, he told himself. "Yes. I'd like that." He finally answered, "Do you know Ms. Pearson well?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	oh_nurse 2008-01-27 12:28 am UTC (link)
	"Not very," Josephine said. "I only just met her last week in line at the butcher, along with a fellow named Eric. He went to her show, too. But she seems nice- she's from America, originally." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	oscar_ontherun 2008-01-27 12:37 am UTC (link)
	"An American?" He'd never met an American before. He'd always considered himself well travelled, but come to think of it he'd never even left the continent. Perhaps it was because he hadn't been home in over half a century. He hadn't even spoken with someone in English for years. "I've never met an American." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	oh_nurse 2008-01-27 12:45 am UTC (link)
	"I hadn't either," Josephine said. She smiled a bit at them having that in common. "I think they have an interesting culture, though" she said. "With Hollywood and Indians and Cowboys and all that..." She didn't really know much more about America beyond that. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	oscar_ontherun 2008-01-27 12:50 am UTC (link)
	He knew even less. When he was still in touch with the world, America was barely a Country. "Maybe we could ask her," he smiled, "and take notes." The commotion in the café had begun to die down, and he could hear her gentle voice a lot easier. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	oh_nurse 2008-01-27 01:00 am UTC (link)
	"That would be fun!" Josephine said, and smiled warmly. "We should do that." She took a sip of her tea, then rested her head on her hands to peer across the table at Oscar. "Not to change the subject, but I'm so glad we met that day," she said sincerely. "I'm enjoying your company very much." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

oscar_ontherun
2008-01-27 01:11 am UTC (link)

He leaned back, allowing himself a degree of comfort. He knew he'd be paying for this later, but he couldn't help forgetting himself for a change.

"Me too," he said, running his finger around the rim of his coffee cup. The clatter of the band had slowed to a far more relaxing pace.

"It was a twist of fate, wasn't it? If we hadn't, I'd probably still be roaming the streets!"

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oh_nurse
2008-01-27 01:24 am UTC (link)

"I'm sure you would have found something," Josephine assured him. "But maybe not such a nice place. And then we would have never met, and how sad would that be?"

She reached across the table and patted his hand gently. "And if there's any other help you need getting settled, let me know. Have you found employment yet? I could perhaps assist, if you tell me what sort of work you do..."

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oscar_ontherun
2008-01-27 01:32 am UTC (link)

"Neither would Madame Arnal and I. I think we really might hit it off," he had to stifle a laugh. It wasn't a particularly good joke, but then he never was one for telling them.

He wasn't sure what to do with her outstretched hand. Eventually, he decided on nothing.

"I don't really do anything." He realised that that wasn't much of an excuse, and added, "I mean, I'm still not sure how long I'll be here, and I have... relatives who can help me out if needed."

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oh_nurse
2008-01-27 01:36 am UTC (link)

"Oh, that's good then," Josephine said, drawing her hand back to pick up her teacup and have a sip. "I didn't know you had relatives in town."

"Though it sad to think about you leaving the city someday. I do hope you stay a while, at least - why, you've only just arrived after all. And we have to go to the theater, and have you even seen Eiffel's tower? You can't come to Paris and not see the tower."

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oscar_ontherun
2008-01-27 01:43 am UTC (link)

"Not in town," Oscar replied, "though I've given them my address at the boarding house. I've already had a couple of letters."

He shifted into a more grave tone, "And you shouldn't worry, I don't have any plans to leave yet. There are things that still need to be done. As for the tower, it is hard not to see, no?" He didn't really want to explain to her that he could see most things from a choice rooftop in Paris. The least of his concerns were the larger sights.

"Though the theatre would be nice. I would like to meet your American."

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	oh_nurse 2008-01-27 01:56 am UTC (link)
	"Perhaps later this week?" Josephine said. "I can contact her and ask if she can get us tickets - she's so nice about that, too." She smiled. "I'm glad to hear that you have no plans to leave, Oscar." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	oscar_ontherun 2008-01-27 01:59 am UTC (link)
	"This week?" It was not as if he had anything to do, "this week would be great." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	oh_nurse 2008-01-27 02:10 am UTC (link)
	"Good then, it's a date!" Josephine said, smiling brightly. She reached across the table again and took his hand in hers, emphasizing how pleased she was with this. "You'll like her performance, I'm sure - she's really good. And jazz music is so moving." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

oscar_ontherun
2008-01-27 02:16 am UTC (link)

He was unsure, as last time, over what to do with the hand. This time he ventured a quick squeeze.

"I'm looking forward to it already," he said, smiling more at her than at the prospect of the performance.

Then he remembered himself. He had things to do, things to prepare, and it was late already.

"I'm sorry, but I should be getting back," he lied reluctantly, "I don't want to disturb anybody when I creep in tonight. It's best if I don't leave it too late."

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	oh_nurse 2008-01-27 02:20 am UTC (link)
	"That's very considerate of you," Josephine said with a smile. She stood up from the table to bid him goodbye, offering a gentle hug if he would take it. "I'll see you in a few days, then. And thank you again for the plant, and for the company this evening..." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	oscar_ontherun 2008-01-27 02:23 am UTC (link)
	"I try," he sighed as he accepted the offered hug, embracing her with his right arm as his left thumbed in his pocket for his watch. "Feel free to drop in any time, though I'd rather it were after six." He didn't want to elaborate. "Or I could come see you?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	oh_nurse 2008-01-27 02:28 am UTC (link)
	"Either way is fine," Josephine assured him. "I'm sure we'll see each other again soon. Have a good evening, Oscar." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	oscar_ontherun 2008-01-27 02:30 am UTC (link)
	"I will," he beamed a knowing smile. He crept across the road to the alleyway he'd arrived in, and once more slipped off his plimsolls before taking off into the blackened cityscape. (Reply to this) (Parent)