@ireofembers & @etherealmeliorism continued from discord:
Little didn't agitate Kees. But he didn't often allow that agitation to influence his attitude. Not that that said much. He didn't have the patience to deal with the bullshit of people, and for that he'd often been told that he was jaded, temperamental, and impatient. Bullshit. But this? This did grate his nerves in a significant way. From overseeing shipment operations to overseeing the daughter of his employer, he'd taken what he considered a more than unpleasant change in work. He knew better though than to reject the responsibilities tasked to him. The calloused pad of his thumb flicked the lighter once then twice before a flame leapt to life. He brought it to the cigarette that dangled from the corner of his mouth, wholly unaware of the storm that had darkened his face. "Christ, Kees." He ignored the too languid cheer that echoed in Rithisak's voice. "You're not being asked to go to your father's damn funeral. Lighten up.
"Most times Rithisak slid off of him like water on skin, but not on this particular day as he stared at the gates with a long drag of the cigarette. "Shut up," he growled without so much as a single glance in Rithisak's direction. He knew though without needing to look that the placid man had an easy grin despite his callous attitude. Rithisak was better at letting the world glance off of him. Or so it seemed on his good days. The French-Cambodian male's shoulders shrugged to his ears with a nonchalant motion. "I don't know. It could be fun. You know these kinds of girls -- always desperate to get out from under Daddy's thumb. Could be fun to party with." He did know these types of girls. That was the problem. Talkative. Spoiled. Immature. He couldn't stand the type though, admittedly, that was where he made most his living. No one had a higher demand for designer drugs than the untouchable echelon of the upper crust far removed from the realities of the real world.
"Don't do anything stupid." It was the only warning he'd give as the students began to file out from the buildings. He'd attended university here too. Economics. Not that he needed it for the business he'd planned for, but it'd been time, it'd been front, and it'd been connections. His teeth sank into the cigarette as he spied through the crowd the familiar ringlets of blonde. He thought she looked like a poodle. Rithisak thought she looked like a doll. He scanned the crowds as Rithisak raised his arm into the air with a cheerful greeting, "Rosalie, over here!" He could hear reflected in his tone the no doubt stupid grin on his face. Kees had to wonder if he'd done anything to...boost...his mood earlier. It wasn't a fair thought, but Kees had never much cared about fair.
He took another deep drag of the cigarette, watching her response impassively. Then it dropped to the curb and he smothered the ashes underfoot. Though he didn't much like the job he'd been given, he was a man that did his work and did it well. At least he did when it wasn't anything that involved him presenting as warm and friendly. But that wasn't business. Business was transactions. He opened the passenger door to the subtly expensive car for the young woman. Conversation, friendliness he could leave to his partner. Rithisak was good for that. His forearm dropped over the door's frame, and he leaned his weight into it as he watched the dark-haired male approach Rosalie. "I was starting to get worried you'd tried to give us the slip." Stupid of him to plant the thought there.
she already had one bodyguard following her around constantly, why on earth would she need another one? was the city that dangerous? it didn’t make ANY sense, and rosalie definitely argued the decision when her father informed her of it. but of course, she was overruled. he said that he knew what was best, especially for his little princess’ safety. rosalie loved her family more than anything so she appreciated him and his attempts to make her feel safe, but in the end, it just made her feel smothered.
❝ hey, riz! ❞ she smiled back at him in their familiar way and chuckled at his words. imagine that. the little princess, running away. she’d love to, for a couple days. ❝ well, if that is ever the case, you should be worried. ❞ rosalie went inside the car and waited until riz was also in it so she could continue speaking. ❝ my father would have your head.” finally, she decided to pay attention to the serious and o obviously closed off man that was accompanying them. ❝ who’s your new hot friend? ❞ smirking, she watched and waited for a reaction. rosalie was almost naturally professional at reading people, so trying to get a rise out of them was close to a hobby. she was good at it. ❝ is he the new babysitter? ❞
