Rag-A-Muffin
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I've found a new family. And here, it's all for one and....
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Post by Artemis Kesley on Jun 15, 2017 23:20:05 GMT -6
Arty yawned a little and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Even though her hair was tightly secured and hidden, she still was slightly paranoid it might come out. If someone she knew was to recognize her that, it would lead to a whole lot of questions she didn't feel like trying to explain. The reason for her venture outside this evening was more than just checking out the lovely scenery. She had been cooped up inside all day attending to various responsibilities that required her full attention. Now was her chance to get out and cause some mischief for whichever unfortunate person she chose as her target. The task had been easy enough, she'd "accidentally" bumped into a woman and with a quick movement had managed to swipe the wallet. She had to admit she was slightly impressed with herself, the first dozen times she'd tried pick pocketing someone she'd almost been caught. Improvement was slow but it was happening.
Now Artemis was leaning against a wall, trying to camouflage with the surroundings in the alleyway. While it was nice to catch a breather, the only problem was what was she going to do with the wallet now? She couldn't very well take it home, and there was actually a nice bit of cash inside. Part of her felt a little guilty for swiping it, but then again this amount wouldn't be sorely missed by the woman. Maybe dropping it by the police station would work? No, they would take one look at her disguise and either see right through it or detain her and call the woman in to identify her. Nope, walking in to the police station was not an option. She absently tossed the wallet up and down as she tried to figure out a solution to this predicament.
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Flapper
53
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Some of us aren't so lucky...
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Post by Peter Jones on Jun 15, 2017 23:49:59 GMT -6
Peter had been leaning back against the cold metal of the fire escape, letting his leg dangle freely as he whistled a cheerful tune. It was one of those days where the sun hit just right that a bit of sunlight reached between the buildings a few floors up, bathing anyone who happened to be in it's way in warmth. And right now that was Peter, just happily napping with his cap pulled low over his eyes to avoid the sun's glare.
It was rather quiet, despite the traffic that was constantly humming through the streets of the city. Some alleys, like this one, were rather tucked away and hidden from it all, which made it one of Peter's favorite places to go to for that very reason. Good for both relaxing and plotting for new schemes to pull on unsuspecting passerby.
Like this fellow, he thought as the sounds of footsteps reached his ears from above his perch on the metal platform. He tipped his cap up to get a good look at the alley below, just in time to see a ragged fellow duck around the corner and move towards the wall, leaning against it while pulling out a wallet and tossing it up and down in the air.
Well ya don't see stuff like tha' ev'ryday, he thought as curiosity got the better of him. The lad didn't look like he was that much older than Peter. Though his clothes looked a little clean for someone who lived and breathed out on the streets, that wallet was definitely not an accessory that came cheap. And if a kid could afford something like that to put his money in, he obvious had enough to buy himself some clothes.
Might have 'nother fella to add to the crew, Peter mused, now thoroughly entertained at the idea; a kid dressed that poorly with a quality wallet like that had probably swiped it off of someone. Now the question was: did he really steal it? And if so, how good was he at it?
"Hey, you!" Peter called out from above the boy, a mischievous grin on his face. "Where'd ya get tha' wallet from, huh?" He got up from his spot on the fire escape and nimbly climbed down it, landing with a soft thud on the ground by the guy's feet.
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Rag-A-Muffin
40
posts
18
likes
I've found a new family. And here, it's all for one and....
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Post by Artemis Kesley on Jun 16, 2017 9:06:13 GMT -6
The wallet was flipped another time and then another. By this point Artemis had almost decided to just throw the wallet toward the direction of the police station and be done with it that way. Maybe this whole charade was a bad idea. If she wasn't careful it could completely spiral out of control. It wasn't difficult to imagine the possible outcomes of these actions. The moment of thought was interrupted by a voice calling out. She instinctively turned, looking for the source and feeling slightly panicked. If it was a cop or some other person she was going to have to bolt. But then the voice spoke again and a soft thud behind her told her where he was. Not a cop, in fact it was a boy, and he looked about her age. She felt herself relax slightly, but was still suspicious. Where'd ya get tha' wallet from, huh? Artemis blinked in surprise as she looked between the boy and the wallet in her hand. "I uh stole it?" she said, altering her voice to try and sound deeper than it actually was. Who was this kid and what did he want? The clothes made it obvious he was a street urchin, but why was he bothering her? Crossing her arms she tucked the wallet out of sight and shot this intruder an annoyed look. "Why do you want to know anyway?"
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Flapper
53
posts
8
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Some of us aren't so lucky...
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Post by Peter Jones on Jun 16, 2017 10:13:48 GMT -6
Peter watched as the boy tucked the wallet away and stood there looking at him, his arms crossed and obvious annoyance on his face. The sight made Peter laugh a little and he started nonchalantly walking the perimeter around the lad.
"Why do you want to know anyway?" the boy asked as Peter circled around him with his hands in his pockets as he studied him. The fellow didn't look like he was packing a lot of muscle, though it was hard to tell when his clothes were so bulky. It would make doing the more elaborate schemes that required heavy lifting or pulling oneself up and over walls much harder. But if he has fast fingers and a knack for misleading, he could work, Peter thought, the corners of his mouth turning up into a smirk. This is gonna be fun!
"Cause I wantya to do it agai'," Peter said as he came to a stop on the other side of the kid, taking his cap off and twirling it on one finger as he studied the boy in front of him. "If ya did steal it, then show me how ya did it."
Before the boy could react, Peter had ducked under his arms and swiped the wallet out from where the lad had tucked it earlier and held it up for him to see. He waved it humorously in the air with a grin on his face as he placed his cap back on his head with his free hand before slowly depositing the leather object in his own coat pocket. The newcomer now knew where it was hidden; now all he had to do was take it back.
"If ya want it," Peter replied, the amusement clear in his voice as he gave the fellow a wink, "then come an' get it! I'll give ya three tries to take it withou' alertin' me." He held up his hand to indicate three fingers before shoving his hands deep into his pants pockets, leaving himself as an open target. "But if ya run outta tries, then the wallet is mine."
Let'us see how good this guy is, huh? Peter thought as he waited for the lad to make a move.
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Rag-A-Muffin
40
posts
18
likes
I've found a new family. And here, it's all for one and....
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Post by Artemis Kesley on Jun 16, 2017 13:04:55 GMT -6
Artemis had been annoyed before, but then the boy laughed at her? Before she could react, he had swiped her wallet! Well it wasn't technically her wallet, but she still was caught off guard by the boy. At his challenge her eyes narrowed. Just what was he up to? "You're awful confident in yourself, aren't ya?"
His face was smug and she was half tempted to try and punch him. It was certainly not the most ladylike response to being challenged, but she wasn't technically a lady right now. Better to not start a fight, she'd probably end up with a few bruises and be out of the money, not that she really needed it but it was more a pride thing anyway. What a cheeky little boy. Worst case she would be out of the money, but best case she could have it and buy herself something new. "Fine." She muttered, "you want me to show you, I'll try."
Slowly she began walking toward him and in a well practiced yawn, raised her arms knocking the boy's cap off. It was a little difficult because he was a few inches taller than her but with a swift movement she caught it in one hand while the other reached into his coat pocket and latched onto the wallet. She took a few steps back, smiled apologetically and tossed him his hat. "I thought you might like this back."
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Flapper
53
posts
8
likes
Some of us aren't so lucky...
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Post by Peter Jones on Jun 16, 2017 14:08:19 GMT -6
Peter eyed the boy carefully as he approached, doing evaluations in his head during the performance. He was curious and overly excited to see how well this guy did, as not many people got passed him, even with three tries. But as the lad knocked his cap off of his head and quickly swooped down to pick it up, Peter could only feel the slightest breeze in the opening of his coat pocket where the wallet was tucked away, certainly not enough wind for anyone to pick up on if they weren't paying attention. He had to admit: he was impressed!
"I thought you might like this back," the lad said in an apologetic tone that a play director would be proud of. Peter smiled as he caught his cap now being thrown at him, tucking it quickly under his arm to clap his hands in applause.
"Not bad a' all!" he said with a nod of approval. "Not many fellas make it on the firs' try! Ya earned yaself tha' wallet." Peter fixed his cap back on his head, raising his eyebrow towards the lad as he did so. Once his hat was snug securely, he stretched his hand out towards the boy in a friendlier, non-deceptive gesture. "Wha's your name, slick fingers?" he asked as he tiled his head quizzically.
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Rag-A-Muffin
40
posts
18
likes
I've found a new family. And here, it's all for one and....
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Post by Artemis Kesley on Jun 16, 2017 19:28:26 GMT -6
Artemis felt a little proud of herself. She hadn't expected that to actually work, but regardless it had and she was pleased with the result. At the boy's applause she felt the urge to dip into a curtsy just for a moment but quickly realized it didn't make sense, so instead she did a quick bow."You know I aim to please. Glad to know I impressed you." She placed the wallet in her pocket and grinned at him. "Name's Arte-" she caught herself mid sentence and corrected herself. "Arty. Just call me Arty." She took his outstretched hand and shook it. "And what's your name anyway Red?"
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Flapper
53
posts
8
likes
Some of us aren't so lucky...
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Post by Peter Jones on Jun 16, 2017 21:15:19 GMT -6
Arty, huh? Peter thought as he shook the lad's hand. He hadn't heard that name around the city before, but then again, it didn't matter too much to him. The kid had talent, and that's all there was to it.
"I'm Peter," he said, releasing Arty's hand before nodding his head towards the waterfront part of town. "Follow me, I 'ave somethin' to show ya!" He started to move towards the entrance before he called back, his tone cheerful. "Don' worry, I'm not takin' ya to a dangerous join' or anythin'."
Leaving the sunlight behind him, Peter led the way though alleys littered with old crates, garbage, and all manner of other objects. It was an alley that was rarely traveled, as it was filthier than most people would care to deal with. But for those less fortunates that were used to such conditions, it meant a safe place of travel without much scorn from other citizens.
As they walked, Peter occasionally glanced behind him to make sure Arty was still keeping up the pace. He hoped that what he was doing would be a wise choice, but he believed in his judgment. As they began to near their destination, the sound of water hitting against wood and brick filled the air and reverberated off the walls. The sounds getting increasingly louder as they jumped over piles of debris, they finally broke free of the shadows and out onto an open space littered with old buildings and shelters that had long been abandoned by their original owners. Now they were what many people one the streets called 'home.'
Peter turned towards the lad and pointed towards one building in particular, which stood at the very center and was slightly taller than the rest. "If ya're lookin' for a place to escape to, there ain' no better place than this!" he said smiling as he started walking towards the shelter. Ducking under some wooden boards nailed to the doorway, he tilted his head back and crowed. His voice echoed back and forth between the walls until a whole army of voices answered back with all manner of whoops and hollers and other more animal-like sounds.
"This is wha' we call paradise," Peter said with a bow towards Arty as several people started to make their way towards him. Reaching into his pant pockets, he started to pull out packages of food and handed them out to the waiting hands. Most of the people that came were scrawny and underfed, but they were family to Peter; after all, it was his job to help take care of them. Especially the ones that weren't very able to take care of themselves.
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Rag-A-Muffin
40
posts
18
likes
I've found a new family. And here, it's all for one and....
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Post by Artemis Kesley on Jun 17, 2017 17:47:23 GMT -6
Peter huh? Despite how he looked, the guy didn't seem that bad. Though she really couldn't judge that from their brief meeting. She couldn't help but laugh a little at his cheerful tone, especially at his request to follow him. Had it been anyone else making this request she might have been worried. However while he was a rather unusual person there was something about him that made her feel like trusting him. Which was rather odd considering his position as a thief. Then again she wasn't really in a place to judge. She shook her head in amusement and followed Peter. What did he want to show her?
The answer was crystal clear the moment they started clearing debris and walking away from where most people would willingly go. Then they stopped and people, no, kids, started appearing from various places around them practically swarming Peter. Then he began handing out food. The looks of happiness, excitement, gratitude and hunger all mixed together made her feel something she couldn't quite place. Peter was right, in its own way, this was paradise. She couldn't help but smile a little. "You're not kidding. This is pretty neat."
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Flapper
53
posts
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likes
Some of us aren't so lucky...
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Post by Peter Jones on Jun 17, 2017 21:58:53 GMT -6
Peter smiled back as the last of the food packages flew out of his hands and into a waiting mouth. Now finished delivering the goods, he jumped up onto the edge of an old desk that had long been discarded, one leg dangling over the side of the desk with the other propped up for him to place his elbow on.
"Ou' here, no one cares if ya're tall or short, whi'e or color'd, a fella or a lass. Here we all be Amer'cans livin' the 'Ameri'can Dream,'" Peter said with a grin. He extended his free arm out in a gesture of humored bliss before giving a short laugh. "It may be an odd way o' livin', but it ain't mean we're weak, ya know? After all, on these here streets ya can be who ya wan' and not hav'ta listen to chaps tellin' ya whatcha oughta be."
He took his cap off his head and threw it at one of the younger boys who looked to be no older than 6. The child happily picked it up and placed it on his head, the cap immediately burying a majority of his face down past his nose. Peter started laughing at the sight, the kid joining in the fun before sitting down to play with it. "We take care of each othe' here," Peter continued, turning back to look at Arty. "An' seein' as ya got the fingers for it," he gestured, "ya're welcome to drop by anytime. We could use a guy like you 'round here."
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Rag-A-Muffin
40
posts
18
likes
I've found a new family. And here, it's all for one and....
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Post by Artemis Kesley on Jun 18, 2017 18:09:36 GMT -6
Artemis couldn't help but laugh at the sight surrounding her. She was sure some people would have a heart attack just with the thought of all this diversity in one place. The thought was hilarious. However as she heard him talk about the fact they were all essentially family was easy to see. Family huh? She hadn't thought about being a part of a family in a long time. However the thought was rather comforting, the more she looked around the more she kind of wanted to stay here. She shook her head in amusement as the boy Peter threw his hat placed it over his head. As Peter finished talking a smaller girl with red hair came up to her and looked at her curiously before sitting down next to Artemis.
She briefly considered admitting her identity to the red head but that would open a whole can of worms. While she doubted he would care about that fact, she couldn't be certain he would take kindly to the rest of her identity. She was sort of like him, but at the same time she wasn't. All she really knew was that it would probably be easier to keep up the illusion. She looked up when Peter started talking again and nodded. "I think I'd like that. I got my own place but I'd like to drop by." She reached into her pocket and tossed the wallet toward Peter. "So what's your story Red?"
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Flapper
53
posts
8
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Some of us aren't so lucky...
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Post by Peter Jones on Jun 18, 2017 20:17:35 GMT -6
"So what's your story, Red?" Arty asked, tossing the wallet at him as he sat beside a small, redheaded child.
Peter hadn't been expecting the guy to hock over the expensive object: most people who had any common sense would never dare to give away money to someone like him, mostly because they knew his reputation as being one to con a guy and run without a second glance. But despite how surprising the gift was, Peter couldn't help but smile at the kind gesture and he gave a grateful nod in Arty's direction.
This guy's not so bad, he thought as he put the wallet into his pocket for his next store run.
"Nothin' special, I s'ppose," he said in response to Arty's question. "Ma an' Pa fell ill one day and neve' woke up aga'n. Doc said it was typhoid feve'. The cityfolk wanted to burn the place down to keep the disease from spreadin', so my sis an' I took to the streets. Tha' was when I was 4. An' I've been out here ever since." He got a far-off look in his eyes as memories flooded in: Lina and him going from place to place for shelter... that day when he had left to go buy food only to have his sister vanished from sight... and of course the day he finally found her, adopted to some wealthy family in the city. He stayed silent for a few moments, his face frowning a little. There were few things that made him emotional, his sister being one of them.
However it wasn't the time for sob stories; after all, the past didn't matter much - only what lay ahead in the days to come.
Recovering his usual and cocky grin, Peter ran his hand through his hair as he gave a quick cough as an effort to to clear the lump that had formed in the back of his throat. He had to admit, he was curious bout who this Arty kid was and where he had come from. Especially since Peter had been out on the streets as long as he had and had never heard or seen him before. Perhaps he was a newcomer? Only one way to find out, he thought as he turned his attention towards the lad.
"So's," Peter said, giving Arty a quick smirk. "Wha's yur story? Wha' brough' ya out here to these streets?"
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Rag-A-Muffin
40
posts
18
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I've found a new family. And here, it's all for one and....
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Post by Artemis Kesley on Jun 19, 2017 0:36:58 GMT -6
Artemis almost laughed at the expression on Peter's face when she tossed him the wallet. He looked almost shocked that she had given him the wallet. It wasn't like she needed that money anyway, she had more than enough to take care of herself and for some odd reason she found she trusted the boy. There was just something about him that made her certain he wouldn't take the money just for himself. In the time she had spent in this place so far, Artemis had become determined she was going to do everything in her power to be helpful here. She cast a quick glance over at the red headed girl who smiled up at her with such warmth it made her feel as though she might melt. She responded to the smile by ruffling the girl's hair. It looked like she was already making a friend here.
For a second she wondered if she'd made some mistake in asking about Peter's family, but quickly realized as he began his tale that he was simply reliving what had happened. He stayed silent for a moment and Artemis took the chance to speak. "I'm sorry, about your parents and sis. Must've been awful. What happened to her?"
The moment passed quickly as he coughed to try and hide his emotions. Before long Peter's smirk was back. What was it with this boy and smirking? She made a note to ask someone later if all boys liked to smirk, or if this one was just the rare case. Though the meaning behind this smirk became pretty clear as he asked "Wha's yur story? Wha' brough' ya out here to these streets?"
He was curious about her and fishing for any information she would give him. At the question it was Artemis's turn to pause and think. What is my story? she wondered briefly, silently scolding herself for not thinking this far ahead. She knew she should probably answer before the silence turned awkward. When no good cover story came to her, Artemis decided to tell at least a little of the truth. "I don't remember much about my parents, they died when I was about 8. As for how I got here, I've been around here and there, all sorts of different places. I just kind of found this place and decided to stay." She shrugged slightly, fiddling with her hands, a trait she sometimes did when she couldn't think of a better lie. The story was for the most part true. It gave him the answers so hopefully he wouldn't snoop into her present life more.
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Flapper
53
posts
8
likes
Some of us aren't so lucky...
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Post by Peter Jones on Jun 19, 2017 9:07:56 GMT -6
Peter listened as Arty began telling his story, not fully convinced it was entirely all that true. Especially since it took him so long to even start talking and all his answers he gave were so vague. But hey! Who was Peter to judge? After all, most people kept their history close to the vest for a reason - specifically in a place like Gatsberry where your life usually depended on it. Being vague was an act of common sense and Arty was wise to follow it.
Peter had many secrets himself, even ones he kept from his fellow street survivors. It was a necessity out here; giving all of one's secrets away made it easier for people to blackmail you and take advantage of your weaknesses. 'Trust no one' - that had been the advice he was given from the moment he was shoved out on the streets. But it didn't take long living in the filth to understand that sometimes family reached beyond the blood that ran through your veins, and despite the fear and the worry that your next move could be your last, you did what you could to protect those under your responsibility while trusting your gut at all times.
Either way regarding Arty's backstory, the kid was skilled and seemed to have a lot of heart. And more than anything, a part of Peter felt like he could trust the guy; that was enough for him at the moment.
"Well, slick fingers," Peter said with an amused sigh. "Welcome to the high-class life tha' is Gatsberry! Where i' be survival of the fittest."
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Rag-A-Muffin
40
posts
18
likes
I've found a new family. And here, it's all for one and....
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Post by Artemis Kesley on Jun 19, 2017 12:39:21 GMT -6
Artemis could tell Peter didn't entirely believe her, but for the time being she didn't need him to. A smirk if her own spread across her face at Peter's amused sigh. "Yeah I can see that, it's such a luxurious life." she remarked sarcastically. It certainly was survival of the fittest around here, she'd seen that first hand. There wasn't much around here that was glamorous to her, but this dirty old area with all the kids and teenagers shoved in one place together, this was actually pretty appealing. It was so simple but sincere, the way they all cared about one another. It was a sharp and welcome contrast to the world in which she lived. There was so much she wished she could do to help out. A few ideas started forming in the back of her brain and Artemis stood up. It was getting too late, she had to get back soon or else risk being late to her social engagements that evening. "I gotta get going, got people to see and things to do. I'll see you around, Red. Try not to get into too much trouble without me." She grinned at him over her shoulder one last time before heading back toward the main crowd of people. The fun and games were over for now, it was time to go back to reality once more. Of course now that she had this new found sort of friendship, life was going to become a lot more entertaining.
{Thread Ended}
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