recognize_an_opportunity: (hehe drugs)
Meyer Lansky ([personal profile] recognize_an_opportunity) wrote in [community profile] tampered2013-10-10 06:33 pm

I'm feeling so good, so incredible...

When; Friday night, late.
Rating; Well, it's these two, so we're just gonna default to R. There'll be drug use and swearing, that's for sure.
Characters; Meyer & Al
Summary; Meyer's got a new car to share with Al, Al's got some drugs to share with Meyer...
Log;
It's late at night, but Meyer's closed up the casino a little earlier than normal -- midnight instead of two -- because there hadn't been any customers there that late anyway. Maybe it was something about the curse that seemed to be going around the City, but either way, the casino had been looking like a ghost town since eleven. He'd sent everyone home, and then he'd closed up and headed back to his own apartment.

But not to go inside and sleep. No. He had other things in mind, things that would keep him up all night if he wasn't careful. Because he'd finally been able to procure a car. Sure, the thing was a hunk of junk, and he doubted if it'd run without at least three important parts falling off, but that was no concern. The point was that he had a car, and he finally had a project: he could fix it up and get it running again, get it shiny and new-looking, drive it around town or just tinker with it endlessly.

The problem with getting a new car, though, even one that currently has pieces of it strewn everywhere in the alley below his apartment, is that it somehow encourages the desire to brag about it. And he doesn't have anyone to brag about it to. So, sleeves rolled up and jacket and tie nowhere to be found, he's tinkering with the car under the light of a streetlamp when he remembers someone who might be very interested.

With only a moments hesitation, he takes out his communicator and sends a message to Al. It says simply:

I've got something you might want to see. My apartment.

Al'll show up, he figures. He might show up drunk, he might show up with other people, but he'll show up.
makingastatement: (pic#6824382)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-10-11 08:04 pm (UTC)(link)
The hour is the peak of Al's activity, a true night owl. When he receives the message, he's already in good spirits-- good enough to even refrain from making a smart remark or two in reply. From the local dive, it's directly to Meyer's apartment, his mind milling with curiosity.

In the past he's visited once or twice, and out of habit he heads for the usual door. The knock is hardly shy, in fact it's quite heavy and persistent. For any neighbors that might crane their heads out of their doors and windows to see what the fuss is about, Al's not above introducing himself. It's through indulging such curiosities that he spots someone under the streetlight that he barely recognizes sans tie and something rather remarkable that has him nearly flying down the steps to Meyer's level.

"You fuckin' pulled it off-- you really did!"
Edited 2013-10-11 20:05 (UTC)
makingastatement: (♠ JOKER)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-10-12 04:12 am (UTC)(link)
Despite the state of it, it's hard not to gush over the vehicle. Al's invited himself to a walk-around inspection of the car. He's no mechanic, but vision is one thing he definitely has in ample supply. It's easy to picture this hunk of metal from just beyond their time flying at a hundred miles an hour with the right amount of care.

"I can see you're excited about getting it there, jumping right into it."

He crouches down to get a look into the cabin.

"Does it run?"
makingastatement: (♠ THAT'S A DIRTY JOKE)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-10-12 04:39 am (UTC)(link)
Most of the technicalities are either reduced to mere background noise, but he can pick up on the important parts: it runs and a hundred miles an hour. What else is there to know?

"It's a real thing of beauty." The compliment is direct, bearing no trace of sarcasm aside from a relatively mild degree of envy. The City has its share of pros and cons and the pros are never something to be overlooked.

It's then that the state of Meyer's clothes sink in. He can't help laughing a little, this time definitely at the wearer's expense.

"You sure you know what you're doing there?"
makingastatement: (♠ PRIDE)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-10-12 05:07 am (UTC)(link)
There's no point in wasting breath on the surprise of the offer nor the amount of trust that it must require-- that would be frittering away precious moments of driving time. It's really about as futile as bringing any attention to the grime on Meyer's forehead. Some things are best left unraveled naturally.

"It'd be a sin to say no."
makingastatement: (pic#6824383)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-10-12 05:41 am (UTC)(link)
"Cross my heart," Al mimics the gesture to emphasize his understanding of the stakes. He figures that Meyer is wise enough to assume that he knows better. He has, after all, seen the side of the other man that is reserved for the gravest of consequences. Their proximity in terms of employment pretty much guarantees his acknowledgement, after all. Frankly, he's in too good of spirits to be worried at all.

When it comes to vehicles and handling them, Al has definitely learned his lesson and knows the precautions to take. All recreational activities aside, he has been the driver for a prominent man for some time now and is coming into his own. With confidence, Al catches the keys to the car and takes to the drivers seat in no time at all. Once the passenger is seated, he turns the ignition key and allows the sputter and purr of the engine to sink in for both of them.
makingastatement: (♠ I GOT THIS)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-10-12 01:34 pm (UTC)(link)
"Relax, it's gonna be fine."

The purr of the engine, despite all sputtering, is nonetheless encouraging. It feels like an eternity since he's heard such a thing, therefore Al is more than willing to have some patience with the car. A few short toggles of the pedals and Al is right at home with the vehicle. Like riding a bike, as they say...a pretty fucking dilapidated bike.

He's mindful at first of pulling out of complex and onto one of the paved streets, moving carefully and at an even pace. It's after these brief precautions that, true to Al's spirit, he feels it's high time to escalate from a walk to a run. The car takes off, the driver somewhat mindful of its owner's warning, steadily escalating in a speed ready to push the limits of the vehicle.

After all, what better way to get to know a new car?
makingastatement: (pic#6824385)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-10-12 11:27 pm (UTC)(link)
"Flies for sure," he replies, gaze far-off over the steering wheel now as well as his train of thought. The businesses and landmarks of the city begin to fly by at a new and exciting speed. He's still well in control of the car and conscious of the passenger's concerns. Mood is crucial to enjoyment, after all. If this is the beginning of the line of questioning leading to some kind of feedback that inevitably leads to statistics, something must be done. Sure, it's well and good and sometimes interesting, but it's a sure way to break the thrill of this rare opportunity.

Then there's a smile, small and slow-developing that speaks of ideas quite clever. How fortunate they're both in generous spirits.

"'Course there is a way to enrich the experience."
makingastatement: (♠ UP AND COMING)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-10-13 01:30 am (UTC)(link)
One of his hands is off the wheel for a few seconds, busy rummaging through the pocket of his coat. Once Al finds what he's looking for, he tosses the object in Meyer's general direction.

Contained in a cloudy baggie is a fine white powder paired with a pocket knife. It's definitely been dabbled in (and approved of, for that matter) and though there's not much in mind in terms of presentation, it's an offer all the same. He won't even be stingy about the amount-- there's plenty of gas left in tank and the city is large enough.
makingastatement: (♠ ATTENTIVE)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-10-13 01:48 am (UTC)(link)
"Usually," yeah, he caught that Meyer and he sure as hell means to exploit it. He knows by now that underneath that put-together exterior that you're really some kind of rage-fueled, miniature man who isn't afraid to put his nose out there.

"You're a business man, you oughta know what's going on in your market, right? And this? It's your competition."
makingastatement: (pic#6824383)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-10-13 02:04 am (UTC)(link)
"You think I don't know that?" There's a brief pause as if he's waiting for a real answer. Truthfully he's not particularly interested in hearing Meyer explain himself further, so as soon as he's given the opportunity, he continues to speak.

"All I'm sayin' is it's a good hit. Touch on the other end of the market, people that need more than a cup of joe to wake 'em up."

A turn, for a change of pace, controlled and smooth.

"Or you can give it back."
makingastatement: (♠ YOU'RE ALRIGHT)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-10-14 04:40 am (UTC)(link)
A triumphant cackle follows the sniff. This is the Meyer that Al has become acquainted with and finds amusing, good company even. It's beyond ball-busting and cementing a business resource: there's ambition and a willingness to live a little. Take risks. Al can admire that.

Meyer's offer catches Al's interest, perhaps not at the best time. He leans over to steal a quick pinch from the bag which causes the car to swerve. The maneuver is corrected as quickly as the powder disappears and not a bit is wasted.

"Hang onto it for a while," he dismisses through a couple of satisfied sniffs.
makingastatement: (♠ SHADY BUSINESS YOU SAY?)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-10-14 07:25 am (UTC)(link)
He shrugs. "Couple of times a month. Let it sink in and another one in the same sitting will tide you over," it's a rough estimate, really, "but it depends on how the week goes."

Better to take life as it comes anyway.
It's then that something else catches his attention.

"You've got a radio in this thing?" Don't mind if he's fumbling around with the dials trying to see if it works.
makingastatement: (♠ YOU LOOK LIKE AN IDIOT)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-10-16 04:14 am (UTC)(link)
It must be a great idea because the peer review of the action earns a thunderous howl of approval coupled with a slug to the arm.

"Now you're livin'!"

You've come a long way, Meyer Lansky. The car seems to provide its own input of approval through some vague, upbeat music behind the static.

"Tell me you've got some good plans for it besides letting it sit around like it's in a museum."
makingastatement: (♠ JOKER)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-11-09 09:00 am (UTC)(link)
The antsy movements must be contagious or emit some sort of vibe into the car.

"Thatta boy," Al praises and pats the steering wheel heartily as if it were the recipient of the remark rather than Meyer.

"Something like this has to see the world, every turn, every--"

There's a sudden break in his speech and the momentum of the car as they come upon a street corner. A gaggle of young women are enjoying the evening. Some eye the car with varying degrees of curiosities, but ultimately their priority remains within the group. If Meyer hasn't seen them by now, Al is nudging him and indicating to what he should be looking at.

"Get their attention."
makingastatement: (♠ GOOD TERMS)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-11-14 08:54 am (UTC)(link)
It's all you, funny boy. When asked about further actions to take, Al's face is as serious as a judge. He's happy that he doesn't have to spell out too much as Meyer seems to be taking action of his own. This, in Al's mind, deserves a little help. Just a little.

"Hey!" Al's yelling at the women despite the very distant concept of restraint nibbling at the back of his mind. If his voice isn't loud enough to get their attention (and it is), he adds another musical layer to their introduction by tapping on the horn. The rest is up to Meyer.
makingastatement: (pic#6824383)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-11-16 09:23 am (UTC)(link)
"Coglione," he mutters in what is about the best he can manage at a low voice at this point. It's closer to a normal speaking voice, but he's not terribly concerned about the chiding.

"Ladies," Al smiles cordially, surprisingly composed for the moment. "We were just admiring the view. Most of it anyway."

An extra moment is taken to eye a few girls that aren't of any particular interest to him: either they just don't have the build or they've got a sour face. A nod of dismissal is given to the few.

"Maybe you're tired of hoofin' it and need a ride?" Al revs the engine for incentive.

"In that heap of junk?" The alpha personality makes herself known with a raised brow and a scoff. Her eyes fall on Meyer, narrowed and calculating.
makingastatement: (♠ VAFFANCULO)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-11-18 01:25 am (UTC)(link)
The woman looks surprised at the defense, if not simply for the fact that the relay man is suddenly interested in defending the honor of the jalopy. He also looks a little off, but she can't quite place why.

"It ain't the driver," Al states for the record along with another now comfortably familiar shove awarded to the passenger.

"I'm not impressed," the woman shrugs a shoulder and leans away from the vehicle, stepping back in line with her friends who start to walk on their way.
makingastatement: (♠ WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-11-18 03:01 am (UTC)(link)
"What'd you call me?" He's not quite sure of the language switch himself just yet. Something seems odd, yes, but it's more of the gall that's hitting him at the moment.

"You're the one who can't seem to hold a conversation," the reprimand is half-hearted as his eyes are still following the women. They're heading up the street towards the crosswalk. Fortunately he doesn't need a pinch for his brain to formulate his next plan. The car stirs to life once again and they're speeding to catch up with the girls and to cut them off at the crosswalk.

"But I won't hold it against you, we'll just catch up!"
makingastatement: (♠ BITING TONGUE)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-11-18 03:17 am (UTC)(link)
...Yup. He understood that. The delayed realization meshes quite nicely with the sharp turns the car takes around the corner in an attempt to stop in front of the women. The car sputters quietly before coming to a halt in the most quintessential stall.

There's nothing left to defend, explain or recover. He's just going to give the wheel a rough slap of defeat with his two palms hoping it will drown out the echo of the hags having their laugh.
makingastatement: (♠ THIS SHIT'S GETTING OLD)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-11-18 03:31 am (UTC)(link)
A side-eye is cast at Meyer, stunned by the laughter. Thankfully it's a surprise, because it certainly mutes the steaming sense of betrayal and the injury to his pride.

"Better be the first thing on your list."

With that he snatches the bag back and stuffs into his pocket in an undignified manner.
makingastatement: (♠ SUCH DISRESPECT)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-11-18 04:15 am (UTC)(link)
Al hears that sarcasm in your voice, Meyer, and it's not appreciated. Really if the car was in better shape it would definitely not be a horrible way to spend the day.

"You want it back? Either you shape up or you're gonna have to take it back."

It's back to Italian now. If Meyer understands it then he'll know the threat is conveyed better with these words.
makingastatement: (♠ START OF A BAD STORY)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-11-21 07:19 am (UTC)(link)
"It means if you want any of this in the future, Chuckles, you come to me. We can work something out."

Involuntarily, Al's lip quirks up into a crooked smile. There's a strain of irritation to it still, but for all its obscurity the laughter is contagious. Someone is learning something about opportunities.
makingastatement: (♠ FUCK IT)

[personal profile] makingastatement 2013-11-26 08:56 am (UTC)(link)
It's hard to leave the wheel behind. The whole experience of driving, setbacks included, has been a sense of freedom, but he'll hop out as directed. He makes his way around the vehicle, hands trailing on its dilapidated exterior just in case there's any funny business involved like, say, driving him off and leaving him in the middle of the street.

It doesn't take him long to get to the other side of the car, but he's impatient with the progress of their situation, or the lack of. Shouldn't Meyer know this car inside and out by now given how much he talks about it?

"You got it yet? Let's go."