Scarred Nanami-Mafi Au:
(Non Con touching and force proximity.)
Some accident on the job left half his face and upper torso scarred. His left eye damaged with most sight lost in that eye and dulled. Sometimes he wore a patch, but not always; he actually uses the look to his advantage.
The scars healed as well as scarring in a large area could. Skin grafts restored a good bit of the epidermis with faded lines still criss-crossing along the area. Skin tight in some areas and some places where the scars were still prominent.
He in a sense rose from the ashes and in his own right became a powerhouse of the underground scene. The few that didn't have a big name to lift him up, but made it himself.
His main means is Intel collection as well as money made with his night clubs, bars/restaurants, and other types of eateries and wineries. But he also collects and enforces protection fees and the accounting of it within his neighborhoods.
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.
The rent will be halve in exchanged for information including any potential suitors or plans of leaving the city. In his mindset he sees it as a way of helping her as well; he will miss her company and help but he knows Nanami could provide a better life for her.
