Rue: Web of Deceit - Part 13

Life, Achievement/ Win

It's Christmas and Doug has an important mission for Rue; Find a can of Cranberry sauce! A mission that takes them to the Railyard's very own Chapman's Bargains.

The next few days pass pretty predictably. Spider is annoyed about the lack of report, but is quickly placated when he receives the picture of Alec Upton and Amelia Abel, Doug was a little concerned by Rue's injuries but couldn't say much when told it'd be fine, and Rue decided to take a few days off to recuperate and, for the first time they can remember, enjoy Christmas.   Christmas day rolls around as it always does on or around December 25th, and Rue spends much of the day sat in the living room, getting a front-row seat to the sight, sounds and smells of Doug cooking up a Christmas dinner, refusing all help despite multiple offers.   "Have you cleared the table yet?" He asks from the kitchen, unable to see the book pile that currently covers the dining area, "I told you, we've got a few guests coming over."   ''Uhhh...'' Rue slowly gets up from the sofa, the stitches pulling slightly as they move. ''Working on it.'' They start taking a few books at a time, walking back and forth between the already over-stacked bookcase and the dining table, ''Who did you say was coming over again?'' They ask as they try to find an empty spot for one of the books in their hand.   "Just a couple of people I know." He says, dismissing the question as the front door buzzer goes off, "Mind grabbing that?"   ''Yeah yeah...'' They grumble, leaving the last few books precariously balancing on the edge of the sofa as they walk past it towards the door.   As they trudge towards the door, their sensitive nose picking up a familiar scent as they reach up and turn the handle. Smells like home cooking and pancakes.   "Rue!" Comes the excited voice of Rani as they open the door. Throwing her arms open and rushing forward before her mother holds her by the shoulder.   "Good evening, Rue," Nadia says, smiling warmly, "Doug invited us to come have Christmas dinner with you two tonight."   ''Rani! Nadia!'' Rue smiles in surprise. They look around to see Doug peeking around the corner, a pleased smirk on his face. They give him an appreciative nod before turning back to their guests. ''Come on in.'' They step aside to let the pair inside.   "Welcome to casa del DougandRue," Doug calls from the kitchen, "Make yourselves comfortable. We've got one more guest coming and dinner will be ready momentarily."   Rani plops herself down on the couch and is quickly joined by her mother, "How are you feeling, Rue?" Nadia asks, "Doug told us you got injured while working."   "Yeah," Rani chimes in, hoping to be part of the conversation, "You okay?"   ''Doug shouldn't have mentioned that,'' They reply, shooting a glare at the kitchen. ''I'm fine, it's nothing serious.''   They take Rani and Nadia's coats from them, hanging them on the hook by the door before guiding them to the dining room. ''Can I get you something to drink?''   "Aww, he's just worried about you." Nadia says, hoping she hasn't just caused an argument down the road.   "Ah shit!" Doug cries from the kitchen, before popping his head out the doorway, "Rue, could I borrow you in the kitchen for a moment?"   ''He's blown it way out of proportion, it's really no big deal.'' They give a reassuring smile, hoping not to worry Nadia or Rani any more. With a shrug, Rue disappears into the kitchen.   "Rue, I need a big favour, and I need it now," Doug says, his eyes frantic with worry, "I forgot the cranberry sauce!"   ''Ah yes, a real life or death matter.'' Rue deadpans, rolling their eyes. ''I'll go get some, but you'd better get them a drink in the meantime, can't have our guests going thirsty.''   They walk past the dining room, explaining that they'll be running a quick errand. At the door, they grab an oversized black coat - one that Doug gave them when they explained that theirs got ruined when they got injured - slipping it over their red hoodie.   ''I'll be back in a minute!'' They call out, heading out the door.   As the door swings open, they're confronted by Doug's final guest. Wearing that same pink coat and perfume that makes Rue gag slightly. Their eyes widen as they're confronted by a smiling blonde woman as she says, "Oh hi! You must be Doug's roommate! I think I've seen you around the club! I'm Tara!"   ''Uhh... Hi.'' Rue stammers softly, feeling panicked. ''I'm Rue...'' They step aside just as Tara pushes their way into the flat, shrugging off her coat to reveal a glittery gold and green dress.   Recovering their composure after a moment, Rue fights through the confusion and what pain they still feel about their injury, stepping out once again into the cold December air. The snowfall of the past few days has seemingly settled, leaving the landscape blanketed in a thin layer of snow. The task proves to be more hassle than Rue had anticipated, with many of the local shops closed for the holidays. Rue finds themselves stumbling further and further afield as they try to stave off the cold and keep their eyes open for signs of cranberry sauce. They're considering giving up the whole endeavour and returning to Doug empty-handed when they spot a local convenience store with its lights on and a sign saying 'Chapman's Bargains'.   They walk into the small shop, a dingy radio by the counter playing an old Christmas song. There is a man sat on a stool in the corner, his face mostly obscured by a newspaper, a steaming cup of coffee next to the till. His eyebrows seem to raise in surprise as the bell above the door rings, announcing Rue's arrival.   They turn to the right down the first isle, looking through the condiments section for the cranberry sauce. As they grab the jar, the bell lets out a 'ding' again, two men coming in and heading directly to the counter.   They seem to be making an awfully fast approach to the counter as the old man takes a look over his paper. Rue positions themself to get a better look as the scene unfolds.   "Can I help you, gentlemen?" The man asks, not obviously perturbed by the body language with which the two men have approached him.   One of them pulls a small knife out of his pocket, "Open the register, old man, and nobody gets hurt."   "Now you boys can't seriously expect an old man to just-" He is quickly silenced by a sharp blow to the cheek, "Stop talking and open it!" One of the men shouts.   Seeing the old man’s head snap sharply to the side, Rue instinctively grabs a can from one of the shelves, telekinetically launching it at the head of the man with the knife.   They watch as the knife clatters to the floor when the can hits him, using their powers to subtly steer it towards their feet. They quickly pick up the weapon, ignoring the throb as their stitches object to the movement, before shooting a glare at the other man.   “Being on Santa’s naughty list is the last of your concerns if you don’t leave now.”   "What the fuck, Bro!" the first man shouts, clutching at a head wound that would likely need a few stitches, "It's just some kid throwing shit!"   "C'mon little girl, put that down before you hurt yourself," the other says, quickly advancing on Rue with his own blade drawn, "We don't want anyone to get shanked tonight. Just take your sauce and get out of here."   "Yeah! Our business is with the old man," the other says, turning to the counter, "Hey, where'd he go?"   Before anyone could respond, the shelf behind him tipped over, falling atop him with an almighty clatter as cans and other non-perishable foods fell to the floor, knocking the man down.   Utilising the moment of distraction, Rue uses their powers to disarm the other man, the knife clattering to the ground and under one of the shelving units. The man looks at his empty hand in confusion before looking at them with a flash of realisation. For a brief moment, they open their hand, the weapon hovering in mid-air, still pointed at the man, before wrapping their fingers around the hilt once more, “Get. Out.”   "Dude, this is some Carrie bullshit!" the man says, pulling his buddy from under the cans before the two of them scamper towards the exit.   "This ain't over old man!" the other shouts as the two run for their lives, leaving Rue and the old man alone in the shop.   "Why thank you for your help, Kiddo," he says as he begins to awkwardly lift the shelving unit back into place, "I always thought Suplex was the only superhero who frequented these parts. What's your name?"   “She is the only superhero.” They shrug, crouching down to help pick up the produce. They wince faintly at the movement, starting with the items on the lower shelves. Glancing at the shop owner, there is a bruise already starting to blossom on his cheekbone, “Are you alright?”   "Ah, Kiddo," he says, rubbing the cheek with a grin on his lips, "This little shiner is nothing. Those punks couldn't throw a punch if it were a paper airplane."   He quickly notices the wincing on Rue's face and puts his hands out to stop them, "I can handle this but, are you okay? Did those guys get you?"   “Oh, no, it’s fine,” They smile awkwardly, slowly moving to stand back up, “This is a few days old already…” They glance around the mess in the shop, noting the empty streets outside.   ‘Fuck it,’ they think, ‘it’s Christmas.’ Using their powers, the products start floating back up to shelves.   "Not a superhero, eh?" he says, crossing his arms and raising a brow as he watches the shelf rearrange itself, "So this is just a Christmas miracle?"   “Must be,” They smirk, the last can getting back in line. Despite using their powers, Rue doesn’t feel uncomfortable around the man, his demeanour strangely calming, “Do you think they’ll be coming back tonight?”   "Nah," he says, "Not if they think a superhero's hanging around." He turns back behind him to a small kettle and rattles it in Rue's direction, raising a brow to offer them a drink, "Now, you got a name or do I just keep calling you Kiddo?"   “Not a superhero,” They correct the man, nodding in acceptance of the drink. “Just Rue.” They lean against the counter, placing the jar of cranberry sauce to the side to pay for later. “I take it you’re mister Chapman?”   "Well, you used superpowers to save a civilian in distress, what else does that make you?" he begins, turning back around, "It's nice to meet you, Rue. And, Mister Chapman was my father's name," he refutes with faux snootiness as he sets off the kettle, "Most people around here just call me Arthur."   “Me? Superpowers?” They ask innocently, raising an eyebrow. “You must be mistaken, I just got lucky throwing a can at a guy’s head.” As the water boils, they pull their phone out of their pocket, sending a quick message to Doug.   ‘Running a little late.’   They draw their attention back to Arthur, eyeing him curiously, “Why are you open on Christmas Day anyway?”   The old man rolls his eyes and goes back to fiddling with the kettle, pouring out enough water to make a decent-sized cup of hot chocolate, "Here you go, mundane person..." he says, with dramatic flair, "Well, people like yourself always have something to get on Christmas, and I don't have much to do, so here I am."   Rue looks a little surprised to be offered a hot chocolate, but takes it gratefully, snorting softly at Arthur's dramatic reaction.   ''Thank you.'' They breathe in the sweet scent of the drink, their fingers curled comfortably around the mug. They're hesitant to press further on the matter of the shop being open on Christmas Day, and so they change the subject back to the attempted robbery. ''Are you going to report them?''   "Nah," he says, mulling over his own drink, "They're long gone, and it's not like the police come down this way anyways," he gives Rue a quick look over, "You don't seem like you're fresh around these parts. I'm sure you know that we just get on with ourselves around here."   “That’s true,” Rue takes a sip before reaching into their pockets, seemingly looking for something, “but if you ever need police backup, this guy seems to actually care.” They slide a business card across the counter.   Arthur takes the card and gives it a look, "Detective, eh? Looks like you've got some pretty serious friends, Kiddo," he remarks, "You some sort of undercover cop, then?"   ''Uhh, no,'' Rue dismisses the idea quickly, nearly choking on another sip of hot chocolate. ''He had some questions about a missing persons case and left his card behind. I've seen him around the area a few times since and he seems like he could be reliable.''   "Well, let's hope you're a decent judge of character, Kiddo," he says, pocketing the card, "Now, don't you have anywhere better to be on Christmas day than chatting with some old man?"   ''Don't sell yourself short, you're not so bad to be chatting with,'' They smile, finishing their drink with a large gulp. ''Plus you make a nice hot chocolate.'' They place the mug on the counter, sliding the jar of cranberry sauce closer to the till. ''How much for this?''   "Ah, well maybe you'll have to come back some time," he says before scoffing at their question, "For the person who saved my bacon? Not a thing. Take it and have a Merry Christmas."   ''I will,'' They promise with a nod, taking the jar and slipping it into their hoodie pocket. ''Merry Christmas, Arthur.''   They turn to walk away, but pause, seemingly pondering something, ''What time do you close today?'' They begin, looking back at the old man. ''My flatmate has made enough food to feed half of Bathala, I'm sure you'd be welcome to join.''   "Ah, you're a sweet kid," he says, smiling back at them, "Maybe another time, though. I've got somewhere I need to be tonight." He says, resting his hand on a small bouquet of flowers on the counter with a saddened look in his eye, "You have a nice time though."   ''Some other time, then.'' They nod in understanding, leaving the shop with a small wave.   They make their way back towards the flat, their toes freezing cold in their boots despite the thick socks. Getting to the front door, they can hear the chatter going on inside, the sounds of laughter and smell of turkey filling the air. They slip inside, shrugging off their coat and kicking off their boots in a messy heap before walking towards the kitchen, cranberry sauce in hand.   They return to find the table engaged in friendly conversation, with Rani and Tara engaged in a fairly intense game of snap, and Nadia helping Doug set the table. It feels almost too idyllic to be true, but it warms Rue's heart to see. Naturally, the first to notice Rue's return is Doug himself, who greets them with a jovial, "Hey! There's our hero!"   ''Ah yes, the Cranberry Sauce Hero, at your service.'' Rue rolls their eyes, placing the jar on the mostly-set table with a dramatic bow, ignoring the slight pull from their stitches. There's a cheeky smile on their face as they look back up at Doug. ''Please tell me we can eat now, my stomach has been growling ever since I smelled the turkey.''   "Of course!" Doug cries ecstatically, taking the cranberry sauce into the kitchen and returning moments later with one plate, and then another and another, all-in-all bringing out about fifteen different containers of meat and veg, sauces, stuffing, Yorkshire puddings and gravy. Its probably the most extravagant meal that Rue has ever seen and they can't help but feel a little overwhelmed. They notice that Rani has saved them a seat next to her and opposite Tara, with a good view of the whole feast.   Sitting down next to Rani, they look at the spread in front of them, the fragrances mixing together in a salivating bouquet they will forever associate with Christmas. They wait patiently as people start to heap scoops of meat and vegetables onto their plate, helping themself to a small serving.   They're a little surprised to see Doug practically fawning over Tara, and even more surprised to see what his bumbling interactions are welcomed by the blonde. That night, when Rue goes to bed, it's with a full belly, and an even fuller heart.   To be continued...