Runaway Train, Lock 2
Series Title: Runaway Train
Rating: PG (for now)
Pairs: Still none for real but there’s a Matsumiya moment?
Genre: 1920’s Historical AU, soon-to-be action
Summary: Nino’s made his choice, and readies himself for the consequences
DC: Not real, not mine. In this story, the train station (and train) is located in a fictional country though there are toss backs to the US’s roaring twenties. As such, this fic is about as far from historically accurate as Nino is from looking old, so please do not read if you’re anal for history.
Note: For the sweetest ariange . Beware of suckage. An index of the chapters has been added to my lj's fic library.
The last warning whistle shrilled, signaling eminent departure, and the doors were being closed all along the train. My eyes darted from the train, to the briefcase, to the coin purse, to the man named Jun.
I thought fast as the seconds ticked away loudly on the large station clock.
What a tricky dastard, how do I know what this offer of his involves?! If it’s illegal, and, I bet it’s not just some ritzy party with his flapper girlfriends, I could go to jail. If I decline, I’ll probably end up getting arrested anyway.
Why am I in this situation? What have I done to deserve this? It was just a worthless briefcase damn it! I’ve done nothing wrong…nothing wrong enough for this kind of gamble at least!
“Two minutes.” He flicked ash from his cigarette, glancing mildly from his watch to the luxury locomotive Ariange.
What should I do? Is it worth it? I don’t know anything about this weird man or what kind of service he wants me to do….I mean, if it were anything legal or safe, he wouldn’t hesitate to tell me what he wants. Just…how illegal is it? There is always a trick to these kinds of things…if I were smart I’d kick him in the balls and run for it now.
“One minute, and my time to leave.” Matsumoto snapped the watch closed, slipping it into his pocket, as he stomped out his cigarette. With a slight farewell nod tinged by a sly smile, he turned towards the station manager‘s booth.
Go to prison now, or possibly later. Possibly later is also possibly not at all…and be most likely richer at the end of the day. Most likely richer is leagues better then were I am now.
Before he had even taken another step, I grabbed his arm. “Fine. I accept or whatever.”
“Excellent, but we better hurry.” With an urgent wave, he lead the way to the barriers, giving the guard a second ticket from another pocket.
Handing the guard the ticket from Matsumoto’s briefcase, I followed in suit slightly unsure, having never properly boarded a train before. Of course I’ve ridden my fair share of trains, but jumping in a boxcar, and casually stepping into a train exclusively for urbane well-to-do-ers were two very different things.
The last whistle sounded, and my heart jumped. Jun was strolling swiftly to a car near the middle, and it was all I could do to chase him down. Unrushed, as if the train wouldn’t dare leave without him, he paused outside the door, waiting for me.
I jogged to catch up, jumping into the car without pause, and the rich man stepped in right behind me. The instant we were inside, the outside door was slammed shut by an attendant in a maroon vested uniform, and Jun ushered me into the nearest cabin.
It was strange, being in a place so refined, exclusive and clean. It was obviously a private cabin, and Jun casually settled into one of the velvet covered benches bolted to the floor with sculpted sterling sliver fixtures. I took a chance to look about the cabin, and found there were no luggage trunks among the empty cushioned seats, or even over head.
He spoke again, and my gaze shifted back to his face. “Please have a seat, the train is about to depart.“ With a wave of his hand, Matsumoto indicated for me to sit on the bench across from his.
Rolling my eyes, I set the cursed briefcase aside before plopping into the seat. And couldn‘t help but blink. So….soft and squishy. I could definitely get used to this. Ah ah ah! This must be part of his plot…get me comfortable and make me loose my guard. Too bad I’m smarter then his average nincompoop gang lackey. “Tell me what I’ve signed up for.” I demanded, comfortably uncomfortable as the train lurched suddenly into motion with a thunderous bellow of steam and another shrill whistle.
“Since you want me to be so upfront, I guess I’ll get straight to the point.”
“It would have been nice if you got straight to the point five minutes ago. Obviously you don‘t treat your associates with any level of courtesy.” I scoffed. For some reason, even knowing this man could be nothing but bad news, I wasn’t scared anymore. As if I could hold my own against whatever he had hiding up his sleeve, at least on this train. I am a Magician after all, I know a thing or two about sleeves.
And apparently he needs me. That right there gives me ultimate security until the job is done. Should I choose to do it when he needs me too of course.
“I had my reasons.“ He began. “You see…I am the leader of a small band of people who tend to partake in less then honest activities and trade.”
“What are we talking? You manufacture Moonshine? Operate an illegal bar? Ah, you want me to perform at a Speakeasy or something?”
Matsumoto chuckled, an intelligent and cunning edge now coated his words. “Oh no, nothing small time like that. You see, I have this bet going on with another Boss. Jin is his name…….at any rate, whoever commandeers the most trains, but kills the fewest people wins. It would be too easy if we just opened fire on all the passengers and took their treasures you see.”
For such a crucial moment, my mind went blank and I stared at him dumbfounded. “You mean to tell me….you’re a Boss….like a Mob Boss….and you’re going to hijack this train?”
“You certainly catch on quick. Yes, this is a hijacking, though more of a heist since we will be appropriating every item of significant value on this train.” With his lips curled in a smile, Matsumoto crossed his legs and leaned back as if the train were already his. “Ah…this one will be such a great haul, I was lucky the Ariange came to the station on my side of town, and not Jin‘s.”
“Um…I’ve never hijacked anything, I’m not entirely sure why you brought me here.” My recently gained confidence suddenly evaporated.
“You will break into the Safe car, where the very, very, very valuable items are kept safe.” He explained with a regal wave, and I laughed thinking he was joking. Then he raised an eyebrow in a most disturbing way, and I knew he was serious.
“Listen…. Matsumoto Boon or whatever…I hate to break this to you when you seem to have such a great plan…but I’m a Magician, not a locksmith or a burglar. I can’t break into any kind of safe, I just do card tricks, and the like!”
He leaned forwards, and pulled my hand out of my lap. I didn’t bother suppressing a shudder from the touch. “You don’t need to lie, I’ve seen what these hands can do. I watched you break into one of the best locks money can buy for a briefcase in less then a minute at the train station. Breaking into a Safe car will be like warm up exercises, won‘t they?”
“What the hell are you, a palm reader?” I snatched my hand back with a snarl. The Safe car? Is he joking? So what if I could break in as easy as opening a kitchen cabinet, there will be security guards. And they are bound to notice the stringy man dressed in little more then rags working wires into the lock. I cleared my throat and looked out the window as the town whizzed by. “Weren’t you listening? I can’t do that kind of thing. Briefcases and Safe doors are in entirely different classes. I can’t do this and…and certainly not alone.”
“You will have assistance, of course.” Matsumoto laughed and rolled his eyes, while I fought hard to hold back a snarl. “And I’ve had men keeping an eye on you for a couple of days. You’re quite the experienced thief.”
What?
…He’s had me followed?
The creep.
It makes sense though, I sighed, disgusted in realization. If he’d been scoping for lockbreakers, of course he’d leave such an obvious trap like an unattended gold clad briefcase.
And I…I’m such a blind greedy bastard. I walked right into it.
Self, as awesome as you are…I really hate you on days like today.
But I‘m already stuck on this train…if I do what Matsumoto says, and stay on his side, I probably won’t get hurt, and I do stand to make money, regardless of how fair the cut. He doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who would kill associates when he’s done using them at least.
It’s just casual thieving on a grand scale, no one will get hurt anywhere except in their wallets. And in the end, if he doesn’t succeed, I’ll just feign ignorance to the law.
Perhaps it’s not to late to change my luck today.
Matsumoto checked his pocket watch again, and stood up. “Alright, it’s time for phase one. You’ll need to change into your uniform.”
“U-uniform? Wait a minute, I’m still not confident about this job…can I guard a door or take over the coal car instead?”
“No, and don’t complain.”
Jun stood and opened the cabin’s door. To my surprise the train attendant who had closed the entrance door to the car earlier was standing guard. He turned to face us upon hearing the door slide open.
“Anyone walk by while we were talking?” Jun asked the train attendant in a murmured whisper.
“Nope.” The attendant whispered back.
“Do you have the spares?”
“I snagged them earlier, here.” A brown parcel exchanged hands between the two, and after a brief inspection, Jun tossed it to me without looking. I could tell instantly that they were clothes, most likely the uniform Matsumoto had mentioned earlier.
“Alright, rendezvous at the next stage, Aiba. Don’t let your heart get in the way again.” Jun whispered, and the train attendant nodded before the door was snapped closed.
Noticing that I hadn’t unwrapped the parcel, Jun took it from me again, and ripped the paper off, pulling two sets of white and maroon uniforms from the wreckage. Again he tossed a set of clothes to me, “Now put this on.”
“Why?” I asked, incredulously, looking at the train attendant uniform in my hands. “And who was that Aiba guy? Is he a member of your gang?”
“Just do it.” Jun was already taking apart his three piece suit, folding the removed components carefully. “And before you go asking questions like that, keep in mind that the less you know the less guilty you’ll be.”
“Guilt is guilt as far as I’m concerned…“ I mumbled. We must be going undercover. Sighing, I removed my tattered overcoat and laid it on the arm of the bench. I can see why I would need to change to fit in on this luxury liner, but he was dressed fine. I unbuttoned my single shirt, and glanced at Jun again.
He was looking at me with an evaluating gaze, as he fastened his uniform pants. “You’ll look good in maroon.”
“You think?“ Nervously, I swallowed, and dropped my gaze. Well that’s wonderful. Not only is he a crazy mob boss…but he’s gay too. “H-hey…you lay a finger on me, and I-”
“And I should be attracted to you because…?” Matsumoto fastened his bowtie, rolling his eyes.
“I’m as tempting as stealing the coins in a wishing fountain, and you know it.“ I frowned, keeping my back to him all the same as I finished buttoning. “Happens all the time in those old stories….some high standing person or royalty falls for the street rat or bumpkin. You seem like the sappy romantic type who’d be all over that stuff.”
“I’m a Mafia Boss, not the Prince of Persia.” He scoffed, but I sensed a bit of shyness in his voice, and could have swore he whispered, “I just haven’t found the right damsel in distress yet…”
Deciding to let it drop, I dressed quickly and fortunately didn’t feel his eyes on me again. It was strange being in such crisp, clean, and patch-less clothing. Handing me small mirror produced from his pockets, Jun smiled in approval.
If I may say so myself…I do look good in maroon.
I combed my hair with my fingers, using the mirror. Thank goodness I had gone to the bath yesterday, now I almost look presentable. Jun chuckled, plucking the mirror from my hands. I frowned, and turned down my collar. “What? What are you laughing at?”
“Here, let me.” Matsumoto smiled, pulling an ivory comb from his pocket, before he attacked my hair. “What you really need is a hair cut.”
I stuck my tongue out at him, trying to swat his hand away but he wouldn‘t have it. “Looking raggedy is in a street magician’s best interest.”
“There’s a big line between raggedy and caveman. Are you homeless, or just poor?”
“Does my answer change how much money I walk away with?”
“No.”
“Just poor.”
“If you do well, you can join my gang. We can always use more lock pickers.” He stated simply, tucking the comb back into his pocket with a smile. “You certainly wouldn’t be poor after a few weeks of working for me.”
“With a promise like that it makes your lack of staff utterly suspicious.” Unsure if he was being serious, and less certain if I should respond in kind, I straightened the maroon vest, and tugged on the crisp white sleeves of the under shirt to buy time. “We’ll talk about future jobs after this one pays off. Give me the details for the heist so we get this over with.”
Rating: PG (for now)
Pairs: Still none for real but there’s a Matsumiya moment?
Genre: 1920’s Historical AU, soon-to-be action
Summary: Nino’s made his choice, and readies himself for the consequences
DC: Not real, not mine. In this story, the train station (and train) is located in a fictional country though there are toss backs to the US’s roaring twenties. As such, this fic is about as far from historically accurate as Nino is from looking old, so please do not read if you’re anal for history.
Note: For the sweetest ariange . Beware of suckage. An index of the chapters has been added to my lj's fic library.
The last warning whistle shrilled, signaling eminent departure, and the doors were being closed all along the train. My eyes darted from the train, to the briefcase, to the coin purse, to the man named Jun.
I thought fast as the seconds ticked away loudly on the large station clock.
What a tricky dastard, how do I know what this offer of his involves?! If it’s illegal, and, I bet it’s not just some ritzy party with his flapper girlfriends, I could go to jail. If I decline, I’ll probably end up getting arrested anyway.
Why am I in this situation? What have I done to deserve this? It was just a worthless briefcase damn it! I’ve done nothing wrong…nothing wrong enough for this kind of gamble at least!
“Two minutes.” He flicked ash from his cigarette, glancing mildly from his watch to the luxury locomotive Ariange.
What should I do? Is it worth it? I don’t know anything about this weird man or what kind of service he wants me to do….I mean, if it were anything legal or safe, he wouldn’t hesitate to tell me what he wants. Just…how illegal is it? There is always a trick to these kinds of things…if I were smart I’d kick him in the balls and run for it now.
“One minute, and my time to leave.” Matsumoto snapped the watch closed, slipping it into his pocket, as he stomped out his cigarette. With a slight farewell nod tinged by a sly smile, he turned towards the station manager‘s booth.
Go to prison now, or possibly later. Possibly later is also possibly not at all…and be most likely richer at the end of the day. Most likely richer is leagues better then were I am now.
Before he had even taken another step, I grabbed his arm. “Fine. I accept or whatever.”
“Excellent, but we better hurry.” With an urgent wave, he lead the way to the barriers, giving the guard a second ticket from another pocket.
Handing the guard the ticket from Matsumoto’s briefcase, I followed in suit slightly unsure, having never properly boarded a train before. Of course I’ve ridden my fair share of trains, but jumping in a boxcar, and casually stepping into a train exclusively for urbane well-to-do-ers were two very different things.
The last whistle sounded, and my heart jumped. Jun was strolling swiftly to a car near the middle, and it was all I could do to chase him down. Unrushed, as if the train wouldn’t dare leave without him, he paused outside the door, waiting for me.
I jogged to catch up, jumping into the car without pause, and the rich man stepped in right behind me. The instant we were inside, the outside door was slammed shut by an attendant in a maroon vested uniform, and Jun ushered me into the nearest cabin.
It was strange, being in a place so refined, exclusive and clean. It was obviously a private cabin, and Jun casually settled into one of the velvet covered benches bolted to the floor with sculpted sterling sliver fixtures. I took a chance to look about the cabin, and found there were no luggage trunks among the empty cushioned seats, or even over head.
He spoke again, and my gaze shifted back to his face. “Please have a seat, the train is about to depart.“ With a wave of his hand, Matsumoto indicated for me to sit on the bench across from his.
Rolling my eyes, I set the cursed briefcase aside before plopping into the seat. And couldn‘t help but blink. So….soft and squishy. I could definitely get used to this. Ah ah ah! This must be part of his plot…get me comfortable and make me loose my guard. Too bad I’m smarter then his average nincompoop gang lackey. “Tell me what I’ve signed up for.” I demanded, comfortably uncomfortable as the train lurched suddenly into motion with a thunderous bellow of steam and another shrill whistle.
“Since you want me to be so upfront, I guess I’ll get straight to the point.”
“It would have been nice if you got straight to the point five minutes ago. Obviously you don‘t treat your associates with any level of courtesy.” I scoffed. For some reason, even knowing this man could be nothing but bad news, I wasn’t scared anymore. As if I could hold my own against whatever he had hiding up his sleeve, at least on this train. I am a Magician after all, I know a thing or two about sleeves.
And apparently he needs me. That right there gives me ultimate security until the job is done. Should I choose to do it when he needs me too of course.
“I had my reasons.“ He began. “You see…I am the leader of a small band of people who tend to partake in less then honest activities and trade.”
“What are we talking? You manufacture Moonshine? Operate an illegal bar? Ah, you want me to perform at a Speakeasy or something?”
Matsumoto chuckled, an intelligent and cunning edge now coated his words. “Oh no, nothing small time like that. You see, I have this bet going on with another Boss. Jin is his name…….at any rate, whoever commandeers the most trains, but kills the fewest people wins. It would be too easy if we just opened fire on all the passengers and took their treasures you see.”
For such a crucial moment, my mind went blank and I stared at him dumbfounded. “You mean to tell me….you’re a Boss….like a Mob Boss….and you’re going to hijack this train?”
“You certainly catch on quick. Yes, this is a hijacking, though more of a heist since we will be appropriating every item of significant value on this train.” With his lips curled in a smile, Matsumoto crossed his legs and leaned back as if the train were already his. “Ah…this one will be such a great haul, I was lucky the Ariange came to the station on my side of town, and not Jin‘s.”
“Um…I’ve never hijacked anything, I’m not entirely sure why you brought me here.” My recently gained confidence suddenly evaporated.
“You will break into the Safe car, where the very, very, very valuable items are kept safe.” He explained with a regal wave, and I laughed thinking he was joking. Then he raised an eyebrow in a most disturbing way, and I knew he was serious.
“Listen…. Matsumoto Boon or whatever…I hate to break this to you when you seem to have such a great plan…but I’m a Magician, not a locksmith or a burglar. I can’t break into any kind of safe, I just do card tricks, and the like!”
He leaned forwards, and pulled my hand out of my lap. I didn’t bother suppressing a shudder from the touch. “You don’t need to lie, I’ve seen what these hands can do. I watched you break into one of the best locks money can buy for a briefcase in less then a minute at the train station. Breaking into a Safe car will be like warm up exercises, won‘t they?”
“What the hell are you, a palm reader?” I snatched my hand back with a snarl. The Safe car? Is he joking? So what if I could break in as easy as opening a kitchen cabinet, there will be security guards. And they are bound to notice the stringy man dressed in little more then rags working wires into the lock. I cleared my throat and looked out the window as the town whizzed by. “Weren’t you listening? I can’t do that kind of thing. Briefcases and Safe doors are in entirely different classes. I can’t do this and…and certainly not alone.”
“You will have assistance, of course.” Matsumoto laughed and rolled his eyes, while I fought hard to hold back a snarl. “And I’ve had men keeping an eye on you for a couple of days. You’re quite the experienced thief.”
What?
…He’s had me followed?
The creep.
It makes sense though, I sighed, disgusted in realization. If he’d been scoping for lockbreakers, of course he’d leave such an obvious trap like an unattended gold clad briefcase.
And I…I’m such a blind greedy bastard. I walked right into it.
Self, as awesome as you are…I really hate you on days like today.
But I‘m already stuck on this train…if I do what Matsumoto says, and stay on his side, I probably won’t get hurt, and I do stand to make money, regardless of how fair the cut. He doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who would kill associates when he’s done using them at least.
It’s just casual thieving on a grand scale, no one will get hurt anywhere except in their wallets. And in the end, if he doesn’t succeed, I’ll just feign ignorance to the law.
Perhaps it’s not to late to change my luck today.
Matsumoto checked his pocket watch again, and stood up. “Alright, it’s time for phase one. You’ll need to change into your uniform.”
“U-uniform? Wait a minute, I’m still not confident about this job…can I guard a door or take over the coal car instead?”
“No, and don’t complain.”
Jun stood and opened the cabin’s door. To my surprise the train attendant who had closed the entrance door to the car earlier was standing guard. He turned to face us upon hearing the door slide open.
“Anyone walk by while we were talking?” Jun asked the train attendant in a murmured whisper.
“Nope.” The attendant whispered back.
“Do you have the spares?”
“I snagged them earlier, here.” A brown parcel exchanged hands between the two, and after a brief inspection, Jun tossed it to me without looking. I could tell instantly that they were clothes, most likely the uniform Matsumoto had mentioned earlier.
“Alright, rendezvous at the next stage, Aiba. Don’t let your heart get in the way again.” Jun whispered, and the train attendant nodded before the door was snapped closed.
Noticing that I hadn’t unwrapped the parcel, Jun took it from me again, and ripped the paper off, pulling two sets of white and maroon uniforms from the wreckage. Again he tossed a set of clothes to me, “Now put this on.”
“Why?” I asked, incredulously, looking at the train attendant uniform in my hands. “And who was that Aiba guy? Is he a member of your gang?”
“Just do it.” Jun was already taking apart his three piece suit, folding the removed components carefully. “And before you go asking questions like that, keep in mind that the less you know the less guilty you’ll be.”
“Guilt is guilt as far as I’m concerned…“ I mumbled. We must be going undercover. Sighing, I removed my tattered overcoat and laid it on the arm of the bench. I can see why I would need to change to fit in on this luxury liner, but he was dressed fine. I unbuttoned my single shirt, and glanced at Jun again.
He was looking at me with an evaluating gaze, as he fastened his uniform pants. “You’ll look good in maroon.”
“You think?“ Nervously, I swallowed, and dropped my gaze. Well that’s wonderful. Not only is he a crazy mob boss…but he’s gay too. “H-hey…you lay a finger on me, and I-”
“And I should be attracted to you because…?” Matsumoto fastened his bowtie, rolling his eyes.
“I’m as tempting as stealing the coins in a wishing fountain, and you know it.“ I frowned, keeping my back to him all the same as I finished buttoning. “Happens all the time in those old stories….some high standing person or royalty falls for the street rat or bumpkin. You seem like the sappy romantic type who’d be all over that stuff.”
“I’m a Mafia Boss, not the Prince of Persia.” He scoffed, but I sensed a bit of shyness in his voice, and could have swore he whispered, “I just haven’t found the right damsel in distress yet…”
Deciding to let it drop, I dressed quickly and fortunately didn’t feel his eyes on me again. It was strange being in such crisp, clean, and patch-less clothing. Handing me small mirror produced from his pockets, Jun smiled in approval.
If I may say so myself…I do look good in maroon.
I combed my hair with my fingers, using the mirror. Thank goodness I had gone to the bath yesterday, now I almost look presentable. Jun chuckled, plucking the mirror from my hands. I frowned, and turned down my collar. “What? What are you laughing at?”
“Here, let me.” Matsumoto smiled, pulling an ivory comb from his pocket, before he attacked my hair. “What you really need is a hair cut.”
I stuck my tongue out at him, trying to swat his hand away but he wouldn‘t have it. “Looking raggedy is in a street magician’s best interest.”
“There’s a big line between raggedy and caveman. Are you homeless, or just poor?”
“Does my answer change how much money I walk away with?”
“No.”
“Just poor.”
“If you do well, you can join my gang. We can always use more lock pickers.” He stated simply, tucking the comb back into his pocket with a smile. “You certainly wouldn’t be poor after a few weeks of working for me.”
“With a promise like that it makes your lack of staff utterly suspicious.” Unsure if he was being serious, and less certain if I should respond in kind, I straightened the maroon vest, and tugged on the crisp white sleeves of the under shirt to buy time. “We’ll talk about future jobs after this one pays off. Give me the details for the heist so we get this over with.”