writer

Later in the week the day before she returns to work Kento bumps up his visit, at least for them. There he sat with Amai, exchanging drinks and quips. Signe stood outside the door with a tray of goods; packaged up in a nice box. Her landlord suggested the treats as a thank you. Even Signe couldn't completely disagree, but boy was she tired of being near this man. She took a quick breath before entering the room. Both men looking at her, Amai gestures her to the chair.

"Signe, there you are, come now, don't be shy."

She makes her way over to the table. Amai just sitting there smiling like a proud father. Kento just sat there in his typical power pose. The ankle over the knee and the double shot of Whiskey held by leather clad hands. His eyes follows her movement. Curly hair all the way down, with a comb on either side of her head keeping it back. A lovely, long dress that flared out at the bottom and a sweet heart neckline. A simple chain necklace with a pendant that fit right in the neckline, lips up turn slightly at the corners. Eyes drift upwards towards her face. He leans closer to her and eyes on her lips now and after looking her face over leans back.

"Like it never even happened."

"Indeed." Amai agreed signalling to Signe. She gives a slight bow towards Kento and hands over the parcel.

"Oh, but you didn't have to, it is my job after all."

"I really don't mind." She replies.

"May I?"

"Yes."

He opens up the parcel to find an assortment of tea cakes and cookies. A small bundle of her dried tea leaves and lavender.

He replaces the lid. "You truly are a woman of many talents." (And the feminine skills of a housewife.) He can't help but briefly picture her baking in a kitchen and letting him try some treats. Feeding him fruits and cheese at a picnic.

Signe blushed slightly, "Um, thank you."

"I also have a little gift." He takes out a large velvet box placing it in front of her.

(Well, at least it wasn't a ring box). But still, she opened it to see a choker: velvet ribbon with silver trim. Hanging from it was a Cameo pendant, carved out rose with a purple background, her favorite color. She held it up and it had a golden clasps with a small chain that hangs from it.

It was beautiful, but how did he know, her favorite color? No, it is just a coincidence.

"Lovely." said Amai, "Want to try it on?"

"Yes, I would like to see how it looks."

Signe attempts to put on the choker. A couple of failed attempts later and Kento was behind her.

"Hmm, allow me." He helps out with the clasp. The cool metal hitting the back of her neck. The velvet soft against her neck. Before he stands up he whispers in her ear. "You should wear that to work tomorrow." He stands up fully and moves to the side. Her hand to the pendant stopped mid air at the sudden feel of his breath at the back of her neck.

"It is lovely on you." He declares lifting up the pendant with a finger. He sat back down and they chatted like nothing happened.

Signe had to excuse herself, claiming she was tired. She went up stairs towards her apartment, stopping in the hallway and got a good look in how the choker sat at the base of her neck. How the pendant lays on her chest lined up with the lower pendant. It is beautiful, but made her felt collared. (I have to leave ASAP.) tears welled up in her eyes. Entering her studio apartment took of the choker. It took awhile to get the clasp unlatched. The longer it took the more if felt like it wasn't meant to come off. She placed it on the nearest table and long with the other necklace. She immediately went to take a shower and do her nightly routine.

She double checked the door and then the window. Laying on the bed she quietly sobbed in the pillow. Even Amai acts like nothing is wrong, but perhaps that is how most owners are. "I really have to get out of here." She tells her self, her voice shaky. During the time of her shower someone had climbed the fire escape.

The man stood at an angle away from the window and waited until he was sure she had laid on the bed. He remembers how it was separated with a divider. He leans over a bit to look inside and indeed that are two decorative dividers, with a space between them allowing moonlight to filter into the room and reach a bit of the bed he could see.

Her shoulders were shaking. Kento was tempted to lift up this window, perhaps, he could jimmy it free being such a simple and old window, but she might hear him. Instead he just sat there at the top of the steps. Thinking back to how she looked and wonder how she would look with nothing but the choker on. But he had to shake that thought out of his head for now. He had to leave before he does anything stupd.

Later he will have to take a long, cold shower. One arm bracing against the shower wall. Trying hard to imagine her kneeling In front of him and nothing but that choker.

It looked good on her, but also showed that she is spoken for.

The renovations were almost done, soon, she will move in with him. One day he can experience her actual touch. Being patient is getting harder and harder when he can still feel the resistance she holds onto. That stubborn streak will be interesting to try to control.

He takes deep breaths as he relieves his desires down the drain.

One day.

In the meanwhile Amai was making preparations to move in with his daughter. It was at her insistence that he moves in with her. She lived on the far end of the city and out of reach of the gangs, but his age also worried her. He stubbornly refused despite also noting how harder managing store was, but he didn't want to leave Signe behind with a new landlord that might not allow her to stay.

But then Kento started to show increasing interest in her. And surely, could take care of her. It was a well-time opportunity.

Some time before her shift and she begrudgingly puts on the choker. It pairs well with her uniform, that he also picked out. She felt collared with it on.

She says goodnight to Amai and leaves.

At work quite a few co-workers came up to her; glad to see she is safe. They also complimented on the necklace, which was awkward. She just told them she found it at a second-hand store. Which she did quite often during the evening.

Kento was here, but without his usual entourage. She was actually talking to a guest that happens to be seated near where he was, watching her. Eyeing her choker and grinning with satisfaction. He overhears a bit of the converstion.

"Oh my what a lovely necklace, reminds me of something my grandmother used to wear."

"Thank you, I found it at a second hand store and got it for a good deal." She glances over at him."

"Oh my, you have a good eye."

"Thank you enjoy your evening." She walks by close enough to see Kento staring at her, annoyed.

"Oh, is there something wrong, Sir?"

"What could possibly go wrong; just enjoying the view." *Chuckles* He then requested her personally to serve his drinks.

(shit.)

Again, he pats the seat next to him. She really didn't want to; she really doesn't want it to look like she gets preferred treatment or anything. Like before she sat with space between them. Kento sides eyes her and with his arm around her waist pulls her into his side. Arm now on her shoulder, pinned her against his side in a diagonal lean. Legs on the couch.

She attempts to use her hand on his shoulder to push herself off. The grip grew firmer.

"Sir?"

"Kento." He sips at his whiskey. He just swirls the glass a bit, ice clinking against the side. He starts combing his fingers through her hair. She stiffens, tries to get up again.

Kento growls, "Hold still, is it that bad being near me?

Her fingers grips his shirt. *scoffs* "It's not ordeal to be treated like a trophy and for their boss on top of it."

Kento slams the whiskey glass down making her jump. He re-positioned her to sit on his lap now; face to face. The arm still at her back and with his other hand places it under her chin to force eye contact. His lips in a thin line. Eyes scanning her face; landing on her lips, corner of his lips upturn slightly and for a moment she thought he was going to kiss her.

He then puts a finger beneath the choker. Lightly tugging on it and making her head tilt back a little more.

Using his other arm to tether her more. He starts to comb his fingers through her hair again. He leans a bit near her ear.

"Darling, trust me I want you to be more than arm-candy. Ever since I first met you actually. Why do you think I allowed you to sit in with those monthly visits." Signe just shivers. Kento places a small kiss on her neck. A hum rises from his chest. "I-I..." He just places his hand on the back of her neck; not to harm, but to hold. He gives a quick peck to the bottom of her jaw. "Yes?" his breath against her skin. Goose bumps appear along her skin. Her breath catches and words caught in her throat.

"My sweet Signe," His hand on her knee, " Despite all the power I possess you alone keep me in a choke hold." He gets her facing towards him, face-to-face kneeling on the couch cushion.

(What the fuck?!) Her mind is going a mile a minute and eyes trying to lock on something within reach. His heavy whiskey glass sat on the table by his knee. Kento's hand moved down to her lower back.

And he takes out her hair stick, simple and made out of resin. "This cheap thing." He snaps in half, "Is not suitable for a Goddess like you."

"Y-yes?" her hand reaches for the glass.

"This job, well I can't complain about the uniform, but you shouldn't have to work so hard for basic needs."

"Kento?" She leans closer to his face. The syllables rolling off her tongue.

"Yes?"

*Crish!* All of her adrenaline went into smashing the glass against his temple. It broke right on impact causing shards to fall on him. A cut on her hand as well. The sudden movement caused him to stand up and let her go. She makes a beeline off the platform.

"Shit! Fuck!" Kento's hand on the side of his face, blood trickling down his face. He is barely seeing out of his good eye due to the blood and his bad eye, definitely struggles to pick anything out in the dark.

"Signe! Dammit!" Kusabe places a hand on his shoulder.

"What are your orders sir?"

"Let her go." He commands.

"Fine, but we need to get you first aid." Kusabe leads him to the back area of the Bar/Club. Kento just fumed while someone gave him first aid. He winced when someone dabbed a bit of anti-septic onto the cut. They had to rinse out the would several times just to make sure there was no shards in his face.

Someone else starts to pour another glass, but one gestures tells them to stop.

Kento is looking or attempts to look through the accounting books, but became distracted.

A week of cold showers had done just enough to keep him from going feral. He managed to take care of his urges but it's not the same. Making him crave her actual touch more. But he somehow convinced himself to give her space.

He messaged his left temple his bad eye prone to cluster headaches; pulsating within the sunken socket. Today, he wore his eye patch to help block the light.

Not being able to focus switches his energy to a different project. A passion project that is getting set into motion. Files, saved websites, and plans. A guest room down the hall from his room currently, going through renovations.

Files of drawn plans of several different layout options; simple, with a bedroom, sitting room, and en-suite bathroom. Looking through different concept arts and color schemes he commissioned. Files of furnishing he is personally looking over himself. Beds and bed spreads with matching pillows. Indecisive of the type of bed; round, canopy, four post etc. The type of sheets: Silk, Satin, Egyptian cotton; most options he can envision wrapped around her form. He shakes his head, okay, maybe now isn't the time for the bed part.

Other types of furnishing-such as curtains, couches, tables, desk, wardrobes, etc. The different styles: whimsical, pastel, Norwegian a style suited for her taste. The opposite of his style.

Opposites attract, her shy exterior with a hint of stubbornness and calm. She disliked his occupation, fine, but needing her to like him, he can fix that.

Looking through catalogs of clothing and jewelry. A mix of hers and his preferred styles. The floor length dresses and skirts; flowing making her look like a princess. But lovely kitten heels like the ones she wore-pair well with the tights; his lips upturned thinking about those legs. Does she like to wear jewelry, perhaps something simple. What about an anklet wrapped around the ankle encased in tights or stockings.

Hair accessories, the possibilities with her long hair he wishes he could run his fingers through. Hair sticks perhaps ornate with gems of her blue eyes or his hazel eyes. Combs the kind that look like a princess or goddess, like her namesake. There are a few with the Nordic style art.

Necklaces, his favorite especially chokers. The ones with pendants that fit right in the hollow of the collar bone. Thin or thick ribbon held together by a clasp.

Soon, a guest room will be completed for her along with fine furnishing, bedding, wardrobe, and jewel befitting of someone on his arm. But more than arm candy; something befitting of her Goddess namesake. She is a goddess and not just in looks.

She will be his Goddess

His Beauty; his hand absently touches his scarred cheek.

His.

And he will work on softening her up a bit in the meantime of the project.

In the kitchen of the hideout. A new guy with a sword sits with the front legs of his chair slightly off the floor. And suddenly it gets tilted too far back.

"Whoa," he caught himself, front legs slamming back down to the floor. Hands landing on the table. "That was close."

Hiromi, who sat across from him look up "Seriously, you aren't in intermediate school, grow up." Kusabe slowly raises two middle fingers.

"Really? How did someone so juvenile gets hired."

"You can thank me for that." Haibara replies entering the room with Kento in tow. "He has quite the reputation."

"In what expertise, tomfoolery?" He deadpans

Kusabe just sighs; looking up at his new boss 'The Scarred Phoenix' Himself. That Shibuya incident about five years ago was news on the circuit lines. A rising, would be criminal's career almost cut short during the shoot out. A stray bullet hit an electric box. It was a miracle he even survived. Now, this fact is more word of mouth, but one of his eventual business partners, Gojo made a reference to the fictional character Scarface. Even gave him a card with a quarter taped to it and one side scratched out. The man was known for his pop culture refs though.

Just enduring the ordeal of burns is already a feat in itself; the physical, emotional, and mental toll one goes through. He knows a bit about it from a former nurse that worked in a burn unit described the process. And then to climb back up surpassing where he was pre-incident. His reputation definitely precedes him.

Tonight, he still had his eye patch on; it was subsiding, but prominent.

"We shall see tonight how well your reputation precedes you." declared Kento, "You will be on Hiromi's team tonight."

The two grown men groaned.

1 am rolls around; when most bars filters out and the drunks wanders around. They like to do patrols for safety of the area. Hiromi's team watches from the roof and Haibara's on the ground. They mainly go incognito just blending into the crowd. If they see shit go down, they break it up. Otherwise nothing really happens. It is usually done one a rotation, but the newbie needing training created an exception.

Kusabe practically skipped out all giddy for some action. Haibara follows suit racing to the car.

Hiromi fixes his cuff links and ran his fingers through his hair. With the same hand drags it down his face. The race ends with Haibara putting his hands on the car first shouting 'shot gun' Kusabe giving an exaggerated sigh opening one of the back doors.

Hiromi turns towards Kento and grabbing his label of his suit jacket in a faux annoyance pleads "Please switch partners with me."

He cracks a smile, "Heh, as if, you have him for tonight, just hang in there." He pats him on the back."

"Fine, but you owe me one." He strides over to the car.

Signe got used to walking at night, not to the point of absolute relaxed, just got used to walking and with confidence. It helps that the crowd doesn't thin out for a while. The crowd is either people going home or continuing on to a later bar. Or maybe just wandering because they might be too tipsy to even remember where to go.

There are a couple of co-workers that lives in her general direction, but their places are usually the last stops before hers. It might be until they are a couple of blocks away that people aren't so shoulder to shoulder. There are groups, but mostly people talking or waiting for rides. And it might be a couple more blocks before the thinning became more noticeable when leaving the business district altogether. There might be a few stray people, maybe a group of 3-4 people. Residents having a late night smoke and chatting perhaps.

The teams had already split up an hour prior. And Nanami sits in the back of his personal vehicle while his driver navigates the streets. The painkillers were finally working, maybe just a remnant of a dull ache, but better. He breathed a sigh of relief as he lulls his head back.

And then there was one, all by herself. A couple of blocks away.

Signe, makes note of a guy walking in the opposite direction. She goes into the street A bit to give more space between them. They pass with her holding her breathe and she was ready to let it out. He half turned once they were inches from each other.

"My my, you are a pretty lady." She kept her sights on him, but didn't give direct eye contact and an aloof expression. She knows deep down she could just keep walking, but a side of her doesn't want to because then her back would be to him. Silence. He looks her up and down; "Nice outfit, would look nice on the floor of my apartment." Time for an escape; Signe is familiar enough with these streets. She attempts to back away, crossing the street. The assailant grabs her wrist. "Hey now, just trying to get to know you. Answer me; am I not good enough to for you?"

Signe tries to wretch her hand free and his grip tightens. Now trying to drag her to the alley. "If Scarface is good enough surely I am. You his girl or something?" She attempts to scream, but he moves faster and spins her so her back was to his chest and his other hand clamped over her mouth. The scream was muffled instantly. His other arm is wrapped around her waist now and she felt her feet lift off the ground. Before she knows it he carries her towards the back of the alley; pinning her to the wall. He cages her with his arms on either side of her head. Now her screams are stuck in her throat in fear. Lips are trembling.

The assailant grabs her jaw with a tight grips and forcing her to look up. Tears are welling up. Her hands tries to grab his wrist to get his hand free. But he just grabs both wrists with one hand. "Heh, you got attention by a man like him once and you think you are too good for someone on your level?"

"I'm not his girl and I"m not going to be your prize either."

He slaps her hard, causing her head to turn with the flow of the slap. Her ear ring. Senses are spinning, but she felt something tug at her hair and her head was tilted up. His lips crash into her lips; sucking on the bottom lip and biting down, just breaking the skin.

"Now lets start over..." Something sharp is against his back.

"Don't back up unless you want to get impaled. But you will let her go and keep your hands up." He nudges to tip a bit further. Immediately, his hands release her and the sword man tilts his head signaling for her to go.

Slipping away long the walls of the alley reaches the entrance bumping into Nanami's solid chest. Hiromi and Kusabe already held the man down, gagging him with a handkerchief.

Looking up to see him shadowed by the street lights. His good eye is looking her over brows furrows before they soften. But his jaw clenches when his gazes sees the side of her face. Gently, he guides her towards the street light to get a better look. One hand gently caresses her chin to lift up her face. Everyone is silent, the assailant is breathing heavily.

Nanami looks over her face; tear stain, redden cheek, and a bruise surrounding her lips, the bottom lip slightly split. Removing his hand he speaks, "Haibara, take her home."

"Yes sir." With a gentle smile holds out his arms, she accepts.

He waits until they round the corner. Slowly, he walks down the alley and the street light fully behind him casts his face in shadows. The side with the patch looked especially menacing.

The gentle look he gave Signe switch back to the 'Scarred Phoenix'

The man bits down on his gag, 'Mmpf-please.'

He signals to Hiromi to undo the gag. Harshly, gripping his jaw got to his level. "Where do you get the audacity to mark what isn't yours?"

"Listen, I had no idea she was your lady or any...Aaah-" His grip tightens, "You think it would have been fine if that wasn't the case?"

"Please, please, please, mercy, please."

"Silence. Your pathetic pleads will fall on deaf ears. Hiromi, what do you suggest we do?"

He smirks, "Eye for an eye and a mark for a mark."

"Ha, gonna give him the exact same treatment?"

"In a sense... the mark on her will thankfully fade and eventually the emotional mark will fade as well. But yours, will be more permanent." He takes out a taser, the spark having a blue tint to it. "Something to remind you every time you look in a mirror to not touch what isn't yours and to keep your head on a swivel." He places the tazor near his face.

"Nonononono, please, please...Nmmph."

Nanami tilts his head showing off his scarred side. "Not only is this fitting, but I assure you this will hurt like a bitch." The tazor touches his bottom lip leaving a burnt mark that will resemble his marking. The cheek got the same treatment.

Back at the shop Signe cried at the table. Her landlord applied some salve to her face. "There, there, girl; all is well now. You are safe." Haibara stood, leaning against the door way. The salve was finally working with a cooling affect to the slap. Now, he was apply antiseptic to the cut on her lip. Tears dried now, but there was still the occasional shaky sobs and Hiccups.

"I *hic* I *hic* he-he,___" Lips trembling.

"Now, now, breath. Here drink some water, slowly. That a girl."

Knocks at the door Haibara opens to reveal Nanami.

"Nanami walks up to the shop keep. "How is she?"

"As well as one can be at the moment. Thank you for your assistance."

"Well, that is my job. May I speak to her?"

"That should be up to her."

Nanami walks over towards the table, staying on the opposite end of it. She looks up at him, for once not forcing close proximity or playing games. The gentle touch was nice. She stands, there is that nagging feeling though; the man's words earlier. It sucks when there are two sides to the same coin when it comes to this man and his business. Mixture of emotions, but right now, circumstances aside she was grateful. She ran over and just hugged him, crying into his chest.

Nanami stiffens a bit; shit this wasn't how he wanted her to soften around her. But right now he needs to worry about the present. He took his gloves off before embracing her. A scarred hand is combing through her hair. He just let her sob for a while. He picked her up to the couch in the back room. (Fuck that man; he gets a chance to hold her, but not like this. This seriously back-tracks things in more ways than one.) No matter the Goddess is in need of her acolyte for comfort.

When the sobbing lessens he informs her that if needed she can be off the following evening. And the one after if needed. It was agreed. Signe fell asleep in his arms and he carried her up the stairs to her apartment. The landlord followed to unlock the door. The small studio apartment was sufficient for one person. Infact it was about the sizes as one of the rooms of the en-suite apartment he was making for her. He had to shake that thought out, later, patience.

A divider created a separate spacing for the ' bedroom'. Gently he laid her down on her bed. Hair undone and shoes taken off, nothing else, under supervision of course. A quilt draped over her form. It was noted there was artworks scattered throughout. Knitting, embroidery, watercolors, etc. Yep, more things to consider in the inventory.

Prints and pictures hung on the wall. A few deity statues here and there. Some books.

The landlord closed the door and bowed low. "Thank you again for your assistance. You see why I worry for her."

"I do and thanks for the assistance you had provided as well."

In the morning she will wake from what feels like a nightmare until she remembers it happened in real life.

She will recall being downstairs, how did she get here. No worries, her landlord/boss will fill her in and empathize of assurance nothing else happened. "If I was younger I would have taken you upstairs. I assure you I stayed watched though, but thankfully, the man is a gentleman."

Signe no doubt notices his gentlmanly capabilities, but sometimes she is sure this man forgets he is still part of the mafia. He talks as if he was talking about a friend or family member.

Nanami kept great tabs of the people he collects from and the staff that works within his businesses, but he knows them mostly by names and numbers.

Business owners that owe him 'protection' fees pay a good sum.

Landlords of apartments pays fees they gather from tenants: and by proxy the tenants fees are paid on top of their rent to the landlord.

Some businesses, if they are in buildings with apartment spaces above them definitely takes advantage of tenants to supplement their business incomes to cover the extra fees.

And it is usually the owners and landlords he knows more face to face since he likes to do monthly visits with whom he has on his books. It is only for this reason he even recognized a newer addition to the wait staff of one of his night clubs by her face then just the name and number it hides behind. She lives in a studio apartment above a shop and had made a special deal with said shop keep that in exchange for lower rent she helps him in the shop. At times, present during the exchanges-the man tending to host the neighborhood's 'protector'. Usually with Whiskey he kept specifically for him.

A lovely lady at least a foot short than him, who stood at six feet. Long curly hair, blue eyes, and a soft voice. Usually behind the counter or cleaning up the shop; a pretty lady really deserved more than just working. Her name was Signe which had a hint of familiarity to it; if only he paid more attention to his grandfather's stories of his home country's myths.

One search later and found that Signe was a name of a minor Goddess; not a lot mentioned of her in any remaining ancient text. But the name meant Victory and her story doesn't end too well. Hopefully, that doesn't happen to this lady with such a Goddess namesake and appearance. She must be the Goddess incarnate if he would say so himself.

It was actually a week prior he even saw her last; hosting him at the shop while the shop kept fumbling about in the back room for something. She had already brewed some black tea infused with lavender in a satchel. Flowery teas weren't his usual forte, but he would never decline anything with those made by her hands. The dried flowers are of her own making and bread which sat at the table also made by her.

Nanami sat in the arm chair with Ankle-over-knee and head leaning into his left fist while he watched her pour the rich, black liquid into the mis-matched tea set. The slightest smirk on his face as her eyes remained downcast. Her blouse had sleeves that periodically slipped off her shoulders with every movement; which he thanks the Gods for. Brown curly hair in a loose braid that drapes over her shoulder. A floor length skirt that sways with her movement.

Nanami's shoulder length, blonde hair slicked back with a few strands hanging over his forehead. His tan suit jacket draped over the arm chair revealing his navy blue vest and dress shirt. Leather gloves adorn his hands which he takes off before sampling the bread and tea.

She had sat down in her designated chair to his immediate right. Eyes still down cast as she took her teacup up. A slight tremble she tried to hide.

"Hmm, I'm not that ugly, am I?" His voice light, joking.

She jumps in her seat and shakes her head.

His chuckle was a deep rumble from his chest.

"So, does that mean I"m handsome then?"

Signe, on auto pilot shook her head again, but stops, stiffens, and looks towards him. Shying away in her chair before breaking eye contact.

The chuckle was a bit louder this time. "Don't worry, I can settle for average. Hmm, the bread is good by the way; pairs well with the tea."

She nods, her words stuck in her throat; it is all she can do to endure these days. This isn't the normal protocol with him she is sure. But he made it requested she always on his right side as close to him as possible and to stay; something surely the rest don't have to do while the owners have these monthly chats.

The man finally coming out from the back with a small bundle in his hand. He apologized and sat, placing the package between them.

(That is new) she thought, (Didn't he already pay?) But that wasn't her business.

Well, this was an unexpected surprise and blessing. He looks up briefly, there must be a God. Beckoning over a supervisor inquires about the latest hire and how long she had been here. Almost two weeks-that tracks it has been over a month since his last visit to this night club. He and his two main men: Haibara and Higuruma joining him. Each was occupied with their own dates for the night.

He requests the supervisor for a favor.

"What do you mean I was requested?" Signe asks as her supervisor hands her tray of whiskeys and scotch. This was not in the job description.

"It is just a thing he does with new staff." a half truth. "Don't worry you will be fine. Just do whatever is asked and then go on with your shift."

(whatever asked?) She shivers. Slowly, she walks for the V.I.P section he was at. How did it never occurred to her that he might be a regular or worse an owner of this place. Of all places she choose to work, but night shifts paid more in tips especially in clubs. The semi-Circle of armchairs and love seats behind the rope. The two men with him sat on arm chairs with a girl in his lap. Nanami sat alone on a love seat with his arms stretch across the back. Right hand holds the almost empty glass by the rim. Absently swirling the partially melted spherical ice clinking against the sides. The perfectly sized emptied spaces where two women could be, any of his choosing. And yet, he chooses none.

Entering the area she places the tray on the center table; trading empty glasses with the new ones. Nanami, after receiving his glass settles back down, more towards the right end and makes the 'Come hither' gesture towards her. Patting the left cushion.

(Do as instructed) echoes in her head and she makes her way around the table. The men give knowing glances at each other and their boss before diverting their attention back to their dates.

Signe sat at the edge of the cushion three-fourth turned towards him. Nanami smiles and chuckles; the rumbling-laugh coming from his chest. Snaking the left hand around her waist.

His deep-gravely voice "Come on, a bit closer, don't be shy. He guides her further onto the cough and closer to him. Her leg touching his and she is made to face more towards him. The arm moving back to the back of the couch, but now with her all the way back against the seat felt like it was practically around her shoulders. The wait staff uniform, for the ladies was a simple black dress; off the shoulder short sleeves and knee length skirt. Stockings, knee highs, or tights were expected to be paired. Along with either any type of heels from kitten heels to stilettos; whichever style was most comfortable. Signe opted for the tights and kitten heels.

Ankles nicely crossed as she was seated next to him; feet barely reach the floor. Her hair was beautifully up in a half-up do held with a hair stick and bobby pins. The rest cascading around her shoulders. Indeed, she was a Goddess in his eyes.

He downs nearly half of his drink in one gulp. Signe grimaces, (How can he stand the taste?)

"Hmm, have you ever tried it?"

"My landlord offered me once-I barely got one sip down."

"Heh, it's not for everyone." He turns more so his good eye can better take her in. The way she tried to steady her breathing and trying to maintain eye contact. Her pose on the couch.

"The uniform looks good on you."

Blushes "Thank-Thank Y-You." She forces the stuttered words out.

"I picked them out myself." She stiffens. "Did you know I owned this club?"

She shakes her head, "Was I supposed to?"

He takes another sip, "Don't think too much about the question. I'm just curious. Speaking of which, Why here or anywhere for that matter. Isn't your low rent arrangement sufficient? I hope there isn't any financial strains on your end."

Right, he knows, but sure, she gets paid a good amount for her work and the low rent helps, but only just.

"I-no, my financial arrangements are fine and meet my needs. I just figured it would be nice to have some extra spending money is all. And don't worry my landlord is doing well business wise. I just figured I could pick up a part-time job to occupy my time since I also have a lot of free-time."

"Does your landlord know, you are technically under his employ and roof. Surely, this doesn't interfere with your work there."

Signe's heart drops to her stomach, what was he going with this question. Why did it concern him so much as long as he got is exportation, right 'protection' fee.

"No, I didn't think to inform them. The hours don't conflict with anything at all and I'm only 'employed' for a lower rent is all. The shop is handled mainly by himself, I"m more of an assistant the fills in the gaps. (And an apparent host). She hopes this is satisfactory. Was a second job not allowed or...is he really just making sure she can afford the rent/fee?

Signe may not know the exact ins and outs of his duties, but one can guess that the fees collected are well documented and surely the paychecks of those employed under him are as well. She isn't behind on rent. Yes, but spending money is still barely there and store profits fluctuate. She wanted to build a buffer; she didn't want the landlord aware of any potential plans of savings for something, like an escape route.

Nanami has been in this business too long to not notice the signs; she speaks truth, but there is more hidden beneath her words. It is instinct that this job has to be a secret. He downs the second half of the whiskey and sets the glass down. Facing more towards here now; eye to eye and his gloved hand now rest on her shoulder and the other gently takes her hand caressing the back of her hand.

(Whatever asked...) is bouncing around in her head. Keep steady breaths. Being close to his face she now smells the whiskey on her breath. Moving his hand to her chin gently tilts it up to look at him directly. His eyes darken a bit. Other times he never bothered with her eye contact, but this time his face demands she keeps her eyes on him. Thumb rubs her cheek.

"My dear girl, I assure you that as an employee of mine that your employment here is not the business of anyone that is outside of it. I can assure you I have no means of informing him; I asked only for the sake of assuring the people under my care are well taken care of." He leans a bit closer, "It is 'my' job after all." He releases her face, "Speaking of which I am also just overall surprised to see you here of all places. I never pegged you as the type of person to work here." He chuckles "But I suppose I am in no position to judge a book by their cover."

"While this establishment is well looked after with competent staff including security certain low-life do slip in. Since you are new I would like to check in on how you have been faring. I hope you haven't suffered any harassment; in this line of work isn't never zero with certain customers, but I am referring to a certain type of harassment."

"Only once, but the bouncers took them out immediately. I will admit the reputation here precedes it."

"Glad to hear that. Well, I must say I am satisfied with this little talk. May I ask for one favor from you?"

"Y-Y-Yes?"

"Give me a kiss," He turns his head making his scarred side face her more. Gesturing to his cheek, "Just a small one right here. It has to be more than a peck though."

Signe grips her hands into the fabric of her skirt. It was too good to be true. Seriously, he could buy an hour worth of affection from any women or even a night's worth if he wanted. He didn't have to do this. She steadies her self and takes a deep breath through her nose and out her mouth. She scoots just a bit closer now kneeling on the couch cushion. Her left hand goes to his right cheek and the other hand gently grasps his tie threading it through her fingers. She gives the slightest of tugs just to signal him to lean a bit closer as she does as well. She plants a chaste kiss for at least five seconds before slowly drawing away and taking her hands away.

Nanami's grin widen and his hand grips his knee trying to contain himself. a satisfied rumble emits from his chest. His eyes darken and voice goes lower, "Good girl, now run along now." He removes his arm from around her shoulder and she slowly gets up from the couch. With shaky hands she takes the tray laden with more empty glasses. The men smirk at the sight before them.

Stepping down from the area the patron closest to the scene parted away for her to get through.

Haibara speaks up "Well?"

"Just testing how she would look on my arm is all."

He raises a brow, he knows there is more going on. And indeed because within his breast pocket was a note that fell out of the package given to him not long ago. Something along the lines of how he knows that his tenant is working at his club along with a list of times of her coming and goes to and from the apartment. 'I couldn't help but noticed an interest in her, thought I will provide my assistance.'

In the back of the house Signe takes a breather and manages the rest of her shift. Thank goodness this all happened at the tail end of the night.

Later at home she placed her tips in a secret stash. She made quite a bit of tips, although the interruption in her service provided less tonight. The tips were primarily in the stash. The actual paycheck was split between a buffer for 'rent' and the rest to spend. If she has extra left over she plans to more more towards the cache of cash. Slowly, but surely she hopes to save enough, just enough for one, one-way bus ticket and perhaps ones' month rent for the first and cheapest apartment she can find in one perhaps two cities over.

Of all places she had to work he owns she is technically under his employ. And what was all that snooping about and the kiss? She shakes her head, it is just a game and sort of tactic. It is nothing, this isn't like in the romance novels where the big boss falls for a lowly waitress for Pete's sake. Well, actually a fact she was really thankful for. She will keep her head down for however, long it will take to save up that money. She is good already of dealing with less, she just needs enough money for basic needs and the rest will be saved.

For years she already wanted to leave, but now she wanted to leave more than ever. The landlord can't know about her second income in case he takes it to him.

The bumbling shop keeper that in every other circumstances always seems to act like he would lose his head if it wasn't attached. The other half he was surprisingly observant and an opportunist.