The Guild of the Forsaken

CHAPTER 27 - A Murderer and A Snake

Carried Away - Passion Pit

September 26th 2024

GOTHAM CITY

"Could I get a large Americano and..."

Marinette blinks rapidly in an attempt to stay awake as another customer rattles off their order to her. Taking in their hard spoken words Marinette's hands move on auto pilot as she records their order and sends it over to Luka.

With a fabricated smile she gestures to where the customer can stand to collect their drink when it is ready. Running her hand absentmindedly down the braid that somewhat successfully contains the mane of hot pink hair that sprouts from her scalp, she can't help but wonder what will be next to break. Or who will be next to die.

Maybe morbid thoughts but death has always been a part of Marinette's life, it was like a second parent. One that nurtured her and showed her the true meaning of life. Isn't that ironic.

Greeting their next customer with the same level of enthusiasm that one would use with an irritable toddler, she once more takes their order and repeats the process.

It is not that Marinette hated the job her and Luka had been generously assigned by Max, rather she was entirely exhausted and had not been spared a moment to down some of her precious alcohol. The juice that held her fickle soul together.

There was a bottle in her bag, but even that was stored away in her locker that is located in the staff-base. And rather unluckily Marinette was the only one on till duty this morning, so there wasn't even another she could palm off the duty to for a moment.

Her now hazel eyes scanned the industrial style of the café. Metal pipes created patterns on the walls as they branched onto the celling where light bulbs held up by chains hung from them.

A few of the walls were exposed red brick. Metal canisters contained vibrant green plants that grew with reckless abandon.

It was a nice place to work and the owners were kind people which was perhaps rare for such a dark city. Marinette was grateful for the job as was Luka. It helped them blend in and gave them something to occupy themselves with while they waited for their plan to form.

The tasks she was given came easy to her, working in her parents bakery seemed to pay off after all. Swallowing a bitter laugh Marinette dismisses the unpleasant memories that surface at the thought of her years spent under her parents care.

If care was even the right word.

Maybe that is why the lack of alcohol in her system bothers her so. Being in such a familiar environment is as much of a blessing as it is a curse. In her case especially. Drumming her fingers on the metal surface of the desk she worries her bottom lip between her teeth.

Trying to distract her mind her eyes begin to wander once more. All to quickly they catch onto coffee-coloured eyes that no longer resemble the comforting teal Marinette is used to.

Even with Marinette hiding her song from Luka the now blonde male is still able to tell her emotions through her body language. Admittedly she probably made it easier for him today if her agitated actions are anything to go off.

Preparing a drink he raises a questioning brow in her direction, 'you okay?' it says. Momentarily distracted by his piercing free brow her posture remains tense.

Shaking herself out of her stupor she smacks an easy grin on her face and sends an exaggerated shrug his way. A rolling of the eyes and a quiet huff of laughter is his response as he completes preparation on the coffee he was making.

Glancing momentarily at the clock she allows herself to briefly bask in the realisation that her scheduled break was soon. Her fingers itched with the familiar need to wrap themselves around the neck of a bottle.