#thebistro

I gave up on the idea of sleep - knowing very well that whoever was here to see me wouldn't let me catch up on my so needed beauty sleep - so I might as well manage my own place. I slipped into the back room and took a moment to wash my face and check myself in the mirror. It always bugged me how pale and thin I was, especially with the obvious dark circles under my eyes making me look like a zombie from that stupid game JJ plays. My bright yellow eyes didn't help either, most idiots would think I was related to some lizard. Jerks. At least my black hair stayed straight no matter what, falling on my shoulders smoothly, the only part of me I liked. I arranged my muscle tank top - an ironic name, considering -  as it fell loosely on me, tucking it into the waist of my ripped skinny jeans and ran my fingers over the twirls and colors of the tattoos that covered both my arms. Colorful designs of various shapes and forms playfully hiding many scars behind them that only I would ever know about. A cry coming from the bar shook me back to earth and I walked back, looking around for whoever was being so loud. My glare fell on the fool leaning against the counter, waving happily at me.

"Pro Hero: Bird Brain." I feigned innocence as I worked on his usual order. "Oh, oops! I mean, Hawks, the chicken hero."

"It's always a pleasure to be insulted by you, my dear Ramon. You look as beautifully dead inside as ever." I rolled my eyes as I handed him his drink.

"Alright, Kei." I leaned forward, searching his face. "Business or pleasure?"

"Sorry, Sugar Plumps! I'm here on business." Hawks sipped, taking a serious tone. "I've got someone who wants to meet you, but we need to talk first."

"Alright, let's talk. Go wait upstairs and behave."

The bird winked before making his way to the backroom and up the stairs that lead to my apartment, as he had done many times before. Watching him made me feel a tad sentimental. He might be an asshole, but he was still someone I used to love. I downed an expresso and prepared myself for whatever stupidity he had in store for me this time. I found him lounging on my bed like he owned the place, staring mindlessly at his phone. I kicked his feet off the bed and crossed my arms, waiting for him to apologize, only to receive a stupid smirk in return. I gave up on him and sat down on the couch.

"So, what's up? It's not like you to think before doing anything, so I assume it's important." I grabbed the cup of whiskey I'd been sipping on last night from the coffee table and kicked my shoes off.

"You're all business and no fun, as always. Why don't you join me in the bed?" I answered his playful wink with an uninterested glance and he took that as his queue to get up. "As you wish... Remember when I said I was going undercover?"

"Sure. I thought you meant you'd be gone years, not weeks."

"If you missed me you could've said so, babe." Keigo plopped down next to me, his arm falling around my shoulders lazily, only to be kicked away from me. "Okay, okay, I'll stop! The League of Villains wants to recruit you."

"WHAT?!" I dropped my cup and grabbed onto his neck, hard. "Keigo, did you lead those idiots my way?! You know they've got eyes on them and I can't afford the spotlight, Keigo! It's bad for business! Now they'll annoy the living shit out of me. Both villains and heroes, if I'm lucky." I got up with a scoff. "For for fuck's sake, bird brain."

I walked over to the drink cabinet and pulled out one of the bottles. I felt Keigo move closer to me, his chest against my back and his hands rubbing up and down my arms tenderly. I elbowed him back but he chuckled and closed the distance between us again, no doubt enjoying annoying me.

"Come on, Ramon... You can't expect me to share information without a source." He placed a soft kiss on my shoulder, batting his stupid eyes up at me as if those puppy eyes wouldn't feed my anger further.

"Why are you always dragging me into your bullshit? You keep using me then leaving me in a tight spot." I clicked my tongue and turned too him. "This is why we never worked out. You can't respect my one and only rule. Keep your business to yourself."

"But you'll always be there to support me no matter how many times I screw you over! That's why I know you won't mind meeting a member of the League of Villains tomorrow night." He smiled sheepishly as I took a step closer to him.

"Bird brain..." My tone was low and intimidating. "Did you already set that meeting up?"

"Well... No?"

"Okay... Let me rephrase." I grabbed him by the shirt. "Did you come here to ask me or warn me?!"

"Guess you caught me there, darling." I shoved him slightly and he flung his hands up. "Wow there, tiger! Careful with the merch!"

"I swear to God, Keigo... I'm so tired of your shit." I dragged him down the stairs by the shirt and shoved him towards the door. "Get the fuck out."

"Come on, sweet cheeks! You can't do me like that..." He bargained as he composed his outfit. "You know I'll be back tomorrow."

"Keigo, if I see your stupid face again you might as well bring your own fucking sauce 'cause I'm turning you into chicken nuggets!"

I yelled at his retreating back as the idiot stumbled out of my shop as quickly as possible, leaving me with a few surprised clients to apologize to. I mumbled a half-assed apology as I made my way back behind the bar to prepare myself another drink, this time I made my own concussion of caffeine and alcohol - a secret recipe I'll never share.

I wandered back to my apartment, my annoyance fueled my motivation while I sat on the sofa reading the file I compiled the night before. The guy had paid me to get information on his 'business partner', something about some investment gone wrong or whatever. It should've been some easy money for me, but it turned out to be a long file filled with hard to get sensitive information the police would rather not fall into any hands at all let alone bad hands.

I considered what could happen if I didn't deliver the file. I couldn't lie so there was no way I'd hide this from my client and I wouldn't get paid if I didn't share it. Someone had to pay for the booze. It's not like I cared whatever happened, worst-case scenario someone ended up dead. Sure, it was dirty work but it paid the bills and kept the bar running.

I had to admit I liked it but it wasn't easy living, especially when the cops came knocking on my door complaining about how I sold to sensitive information to someone they were looking for. In my defense, I didn't know the information would-

Psyche.

I knew. I didn't care. Especially when I get paid extra for keeping my mouth shut.So, I slid the file into an envelope, glued it shut and added it onto the pile of files on my desk. I knew JJ would complain when he found out I didn't order them again but he'd do it for me nevertheless.

Thankfully business was slow and I took that opportunity to close up early and catch up on some needed sleep. The next morning JJ took care of opening The Bistro and I'd took over when I came back later that evening. Today I had to stop by the police station to drop and pick up a few files, just another one of my deals with our finest law enforcers. When I opened the door to the shop, a feeling of dread sent a shiver down my back.

It was way too quiet for happy hour.

"W-Welcome back, B-B-Boss..." JJ stuttered. He sat at the table on the far back, some freak's arm hung over his shoulders as the asshole sipped his beer calmly. I instinctively pulled my gun off the back of my pants and pointed at the bastard who responded just as quickly, lighting his hand with a blue flame burning way too close to JJ's face for my liking.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." The man's raspy voice echoed in the bar and I lowered my weapon reluctantly. My disgusted glare dug holes into his smug face as I moved leisurely to sit in front of him.

"Thought so." He wrapped his hand around JJ's throat and chuckled lightly. "Good girl."

A/N: Hello and welcome to The Bistro! I hope you enjoy your stay and be careful :^D Thanks for reading and drop a vote or comment if you can <3