Summary:
Author's musings:
Triggers/Warnings:
Inspiration/Prompt:
"I believe our drink service has stopped," Kimiko mused, one of her perfectly manicured nails tapping against her wine glass. "Perhaps your brother is too much of a distraction."
The wolf had been nothing but smiles and soft touches since Inuyasha had sat down at the bar, but his efficiency had certainly dwindled, the servers starting to complain when they returned to the bar to find their orders unfinished.
Kimiko flagged down their own server. "Nothing against you, lovely, you've been wonderful," she said, reassuring the young girl. "But could you grab the manager for me?"
"I think she's in the back right now. Let me check."
"I hope you are not planning on making a scene, Mother," Sesshoumaru said once the server had disappeared into the kitchen.
"You are so dramatic. When do I ever cause a scene?"
His eyebrow rose. "Several instances come to mind."
Kimiko waved him off. "I doubt I was the cause for any of them. I simply wish to impress upon the young man that although I applaud his taste, it should not interfere with—"
"Shiori mentioned you wanted to see me. How's your meal so far?"
For the first time in her long existence, Kimiko found herself at a loss for words. The manager looked like she belonged on a runway than a restaurant. Dark eyeliner framed crimson eyes, plum-coloured lips curving up into a friendly, albeit wary, smile.
It took everything Kimiko had not to let her mouth drop open.
When neither she nor Sesshoumaru responded, the woman prompted them again. "Was there something wrong with your order?"
Sesshoumaru nudged his mother, finally bringing her out of her stupor. "Oh, no, the food has been wonderful. We had hoped for another round of drinks, but it appears your bartender is more interested in my son than the needs of his customers." Kimiko motioned towards the bar, the wolf in the middle of muddling Inuyasha's next drink.
The manager's expression faltered for a moment, frustration and aggravation evident on her otherwise gorgeous face, before turning back to the table with the same smile. "I'm so sorry about that! He's a last-minute temp for our regular employee."
"I do not question his abilities, only his productivity."
The smile turned into a smirk. "You and me both." The woman seemed to relax at Kimiko's chuckle, one hand going to her waist. "I'll go talk to him. And I'll grab you a dessert to make up for the wait."
"That will not be necessary—"
"Oh, but it is," she said. "Can't have beautiful customers like yourself waiting for drinks. You might never come back, and that would be a shame."
This time Kimiko's mouth did fall open, though the woman never noticed, having already turned away, and started toward the bar.
The wolf was unrepentant, Inuyasha blushing enough for both of them as the manager criticized his work ethic. Her voice was low, so they couldn't make out what she said, but the bartender eventually groaned and nodded, picking up the pile of receipts and getting to work.
Though not before tugging on one of Inuyasha's ears, flashing him a grin, his bright blue eyes full of heated promise.
"It looks like your brother will not be needing a ride home," Kimiko mused, her eyes following the manager as she sauntered—there was no other way to describe the movement of her hips—across the floor.
"I doubt it will be an issue."
"Hnn." Kimiko's claws tapped against her glass again. However, it was due to an impatience of a different kind, unable to stop herself from straightening when the woman stepped out of the kitchen, a delicate mousse clutched in her hands.
"Here you go! On me, of course," she said with a wink, sliding it against the table. "And let me clear these away for you." She intentionally pushed Kimiko's hand away from the glass, her fingers lingering against her skin.
"Do you always work this shift?" Kimiko asked, her thumb catching the woman's pinkie, not letting her pull away.
"Someone's got to keep the younger ones in line," she said, the look of interest and intent evident on her face.
"I am sure you do an excellent job at it."
The woman responded with a careless shrug, though her eyes never left Kimiko's. "Guess I'm good at giving orders."
"How are you at taking them?" Kimiko asked, their fingers intertwined now.
"Even better."
Sesshoumaru stifled a groan, then grabbed the mousse. "It is a good thing I drove myself."