salim-hausofperses:
Salim was wearing a fine, black suit to the event, the sort of expensive outfit one might expect to see on a client rather than a staff. He had brought his nice clothes from home, something he typically wouldn’t do given how often his clothes got ruined at this place, but tonight was different, tonight he got to be on equal footing with the clients. It was definitely a feeling Salim felt like he could get used to, and it almost made him consider changing his status at the Haus. He knew he had the money for it, at least part of the time, but then there was something so satisfying about the challenge of dealing with the clients here.
He was drinking from a glass of champagne when someone bumped into him from behind, nearly spilling his drink. Salim turned to see the newcomer apologizing profusely. He raised an eyebrow, letting out a clear laugh. “You act as if I’m going to have your hide for your misstep. No need to worry so much, I’m not the type to become so easily offended. This evening is for enjoyment, yours just as much as anybody else’s.”
William tensed as the guy laughed, unsure if his apology had been taken seriously. The last thing he wanted to do was end up back in the dungeon over a genuine accident. When the stranger told him not to worry, William sighed with relief, relaxing from the sudden spike in fear. ‘I’m . . . I’m not a client, though; this suit was in my room; it’s not even mine.’ William felt uncomfortable, even though it was the nicest material he’d ever worn -- the stiffness and the way it awkwardly hugged him in some places and hung loose in others. The man before him, though, wore a suit like it was a second skin. He probably had it made, tailored to his measurements.
The guy seemed nice enough, though, so it was impossible for William to know if the guy was a staff, a new client, a seasoned client who even knew William from the dungeon and may just be humouring him for the moment, ready to strike when he least expected it. ‘How are you enjoying your evening so far?’
