Multi-Fandom One-Shots Part 2

Diner Man - Scorose (Harry Potter)

"Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine."

-Casablanca, 1942

.:.

She's too overdressed for this side of town, that's the very first thing Scorpius thinks when he sees her.

It's a Thursday evening and the diner is unexpectedly sparse, save for a couple of regulars huddled together in the corner booth and an old man on a stool at the counter, muttering loudly to himself as he peruses the faded menu. Scorpius is wiping down tables, stacking dirty dishes and cups together as he goes. The door swings open and shut to the sharp rattle of a silver bell and Scorpius looks up at the noise.

Standing in front of him is an angel.

Her dress hangs on her like a second skin, the red, velvet material molding to her curves as luscious, straight black hair cascades down her back, engulfing her delicate features. Her face is painted, causing the already startling brown eyes to appear bigger and more luminous as they scan the diner, come to a quick stop as they fall on Scorpius before widening ever so slightly. The chatter from the regulars dies down to almost nothing as Scorpius rises from his bent position and wipes his hands on his apron, self conscious about his pale blue uniform, name tag pinned above his heart.

"May I help you, ma'am?"

Outside, a few cars roll by with a rush of air and the soggy press of rubber to wet asphalt as the traffic light in front of the diner changes in flashes of yellows, red and greens. A shrill horn sounds as a car decides to push around the corner too quickly, paying no mind to any notion of right away but inside the diner no one hears it, their focus is all too consuming on the lady in red. Scorpius watches as she takes a step forward and then almost seems to hesitate, as if frightened of something (or someone) but a second later the moment passes as the woman seems to gives herself a shake and then opens her mouth to say, with a cheery laugh.

"Pardon me but I've seem to have been turned around. Could any of you lovely gentlemen tell me where The Starlight Lounge is located at?"

Her accent is cultured, refined but there's a hint of something in the undercurrent that tugs at the edges of Scorpius' memory, calling out to him. There is something familiar about her, as if Scorpius knows her from somewhere but he can't quite put his finger on it. He frowns softly at his inability to place the intrusion, even more so when he realizes the regulars in the corner have now all crowded around the newcomer, offering her directions.

"Oh, thank you. Thank you!" the woman replies after a moment, a slight smile tugging at the end of her lips as she listens to their instructions, each man shouting over the other to be heard. "I should have no problem finding it now."

She heads towards the door but at the last minute turns, as if to give more thanks or gratitude to the men -Scorpius is not quite sure. Because just then her eyes suddenly meet his and there is a trace of something in them that's sad, tired, lonely and all too familiar, making Scorpius wonder what wore her down first; a man, her job or the world.

For it's always one of those three things he thinks to himself as she exits the diner.

.:.

He lasts until Saturday night.

After his shift is over Scorpius suddenly finds himself across town, in a bar that's masquerading as a trendy jazz club. It's hidden away in the basement of an old red brick building. The walls on either side of the entrance are peeling, but as he enters he can see that the faux painted columns and heavy velvet curtain are brand new, as if someone is attempting to add light to the dismal place. The glowing arrow over the words 'Starlight Lounge' lends a nice cheesy touch as it points down the darken staircase, almost mocking Scorpius to enter.