Chapter Text
It was another dreary looking day in Paris, though le météorologiste on the local news channel didn't mention any sign of rain for once. Just another overcast day with amicable weather, or so Carmen hoped. The last thing she needed was to worry about getting drenched in the rain on her day off, while on a special excursion.
The morning was rough. She was physically exhausted, but mentally awake. Being up all night, riddled with thoughts had kept her restless and antsy as she laid in anticipation for the next day to begin. But, all that aside, it was okay. Today was a day she couldn't have waited any longer to come.
"Okay, let's do this," she thought to herself as she walked into the Shakespeare and Company Café.
Typically it was a busy place, but, for the moment, it was peaceful. She had gotten there just as they opened, so there were very few guests. She eyed her surroundings, eventually coming to the conclusion that she was in the clear. For now. It allowed her time to get acclimated before "the meeting". It was a quaint space, rather small, with a few tables and chairs inside. The long white counter anchored the place and housed a small refrigerated section of delectables. Above it laid the cafe machines, as well as the typical items you'd expect to find at the counter of any coffee shop. The walls surrounding the area were decorated with minimalistic bookshelves that, true to the nature of the café, held books, but its shelves had other various items for sale, as well as some complimentary decor.
"Bonjour, comment puis-je vous aider?" said the woman at the counter.
"Oh, ah...," Carmen looked at the small, yet descriptive menu that was placed on the counter. "Un Americano, s'il vous plaît."
"Très bien, rien d'autre?"
"Non, merci."
Carmen happily paid the woman, left the change in the tip jar, and waited for her beverage. After a few short minutes, she was presented with a mug, steaming hot with the freshest brew she'd ever smelled. She smiled and nodded casually to the woman and took a seat in the far corner of the shop. She hopped up on a barstool, took a sip, then looked out through the bright windows and watched people walk by. It was a quiet and calm day, at least for the moment, and she was apt to take advantage of it while she could. She was slightly taken aback by the sudden ringing of her phone.
"Hey, Player," she said in chummy voice.
"Hey Red. Just checking in, as usual."
"You know, you don't have to check on me all the time. Especially on my day off." she said in a teasing manner.
"I know. I know. I just got bored. Thought I'd see what you were up to. Pretty rare that we have times like this."
"Tell me about it. I wish V.I.L.E. had more of these holidays..."
Carmen trailed off for a bit, as her mind started to wonder once again, if a quiet day like today, was actually for real. She couldn't help but think that there were actually times when her ex-organization wasn't up to something, but, Player did do his magic, and found nothing on the hard drive, nor had any other intel indicating otherwise. Half relieved, but half suspicious, she tried to keep her head out of the game for a bit. Player was right, they rarely had a moment to just relax. Carmen herself hadn't even had the time to enjoy simple moments like she was having right now, sitting at a local cafe, sipping on a fine brew, and just watching and doing...nothing.
"Yea, I hear ya Red, but, for me, I get too bored. I'm actually working on a few side things at the moment..."
"More white-hat type stuff?"
"You betcha. There's always something to do."
"Don't you ever want to just...you know, take a break? Go outdoors? See the world?"
"Maybe? Honestly, I'm quite content here."
"In your hole," she said sarcastically.
"Hey, works for me."
"I could never do what you do. Hats off to you, Player."
On the other side of the call, Player smiled and tipped his head to his partner for the pun.
"So, speaking of things to do. What's your plans for the day?"
"Well, I've actually got some...plans of my own. Some...sights in mind."
"Which are....?"
"Nothing special...," she said, though it was truly a lie. "Just finally taking some time to check out Paris, you know? Without scaling walls, or breaking into buildings, or..."
"Catching thieves?" he chuckled.
"Exactly."
"Okay...sounds nice, I guess."
"Oh, I'm sure it will be," she said, as her thoughts floated off to the secret meeting she had in mind. "So, with that said. I do enjoy your company Player, but, I do have a date with an Americano."
"You're...not actually referring to a real date. Are you?"
A small smile broke through the surface, as she thought about the idea. For a split second, her cheeks felt a tad warm, and her heart skipped a beat.
"No, Player. It's a drink. I'm in a cafe, remember?"
"Ah....right, right. Okay then. I'll let you be. Remember, if you need me..."
"You're only a call away. Got it. Thanks Player."
"Anytime, Red."
At that, Carmen ended the call and stared at her phone debating whether or not to turn on silent mode. Feeling committed to what she wanted to accomplish today, she did.
"Alright," she said, taking a deep breath. "Game on."