Vale passed by in a blur. Night had claimed the city, as it so often did. Every scrap of light that fought off the shadows was artificial, a man made defence against the darkness that we created. Humans had such a habit of hating what we ourselves made, and then turning our backs on it, dusting our hands of all responsibility. How selfish we are. I am not exempt from this selfishness. Greed and lust made up a part of me, as my girls could attest. I took and I took and I took and yet so rarely gave.
"He's narrating dramatically again," Neon groused, not looking up from her scroll. Nebula and Yang eyed me, but returned their vision to their scrolls as well. I sighed, running my tongue over my new teeth for the hundredth time that week. A man just wants to be a little intriguing, stare out to the city from a limo, with some beautiful women paying him a little attention. But nooooo, apparently not!
"So we're about 10 minutes out from the Winchester Mansion. We all remember our gameplan?" I asked, turning from the window to the girls in front of me. They finally deigned to look up from their scrolls, nodding.
"We stick with you up until you've introduced us to a few other attendants, after which you politely send us off and we mingle a little with a few guests," Yang started.
"We subtly spread the word that the of House of Ecstasy is profiting and going strong, planting the idea that we're good to do business with. Subtly," Nebula continued.
"After dinner we head to the Dancers Union and keep our ears to the ground, picking up any gossip we find and reporting back to you anything important," Neon finished.
"That's right, meanwhile Grover will be following me while I network. Wet some hands, make some friends, feel some people out, so and so. At the end of the night there'll be a performance put on by the Winchester's themselves. We met up at that point, stick around for a bit, and then leave at a fashionable time," I explained. They nodded, seeming confident in the plan. I was rather proud of it myself. Had enough to it that there was something to follow, but wasn't so complicated that it'd crumble if there was a hitch.
"So how did you oh-so magnanimously choose us 3 to come with you again?" Yang asked flatly, the other two giving me an equally flat stare. I sighed, palming my face.
"For the 10th time. You 3 are some of our most sociable, most charming girls. This Gala requires both. All of you girls are charismatic in your own way, it's just right now we need your particular dispositions. I've already explained why I can't bring Neo and Glynda. Blake is standoffish in crowds with Ciel being no better. Melanie and Militia are spunky, but can be antagonistic. You 3 are the best for the job," I told them. They grumbled, accepting my reasoning, but not particularly happy about it.
"Approaching the Winchester Hill sir. We're now about 5 minutes out," Grover said, driving the limo. Was very happy to find this baby for rent, and at a decent price too. Wasn't one of those super long limos or anything, but it was comfortable and had space for all 5 of us. Plus, image and all that. Couldn't be seen approaching the event from any old car, could I?
The girls, heading that we were approaching our destination, stood up straighter, and stuffed the scrolls away, adjusting their dresses.
Speaking of, Glynda and I both agreed that less is more. The 3 both had similar dresses, with some modifications.
Neon's was a light blue, strapless, and with a thick neon green stripe running down the middle, with the dress reaching down to her calves. She also had her hair up in two tight buns, leaving her face free and her startling eyes on display.
Nebula's had only 1 strap, and was coloured a deep, rich violet, with a short white gradient at the edges that reached a little further than Neon's. Her hair was too short for anything complicated, and so was swept back and to the left, with white and pink highlights, much like her first performance at the House.
Yang meanwhile required a dress that had both straps, citing that her chest was the largest of the 3 and would need the support. Not like I argued. Besides that, hers was a sunshine orange with yellow gradients across the fabric, with a deep neckline and a thigh slit to show off her prodigious curves.
I think they all looked amazing, and I had told them so before we left. I myself was dressed to the nines, in a deep blue suit with a charcoal shirt, a black and blue tie around my neck, wearing a pair of brown shoes. I had even gotten some jewellery, which I usually avoid. Just a silver band ring on my left middle finger, and a nice silver watch.
The limo began to slow to a halt, and I could see the Winchester mansion to my right. It was, well, big. Really big. Fit the title of 'mansion' really well.
Grover exited the front, passing the keys to a Valet and promising to destroy him if there was so much a scratch. I didn't tell him to do that, Grover just took every aspect of his job seriously, the vehicles included.
With a final wink to the girls, I stepped out of the door as soon as Grover opened it, taking a few steps forward and looking up at the mansion with an impressed expression. I heard the girls exit the limo and give their own sounds of amazement.
The Winchester mansion was difficult to explain. It was of course huge, both in height and in width. I counted at least 5 storeys tall. Made primarily of some white building material I clearly didn't know the name of, it was bathed in warm, golden light that accentuated every curving arch and each sloping rooftop. If you expect me to describe it in any better detail, you can go right ahead and fuck yourself.
The huge front doors were open, with a few other people entering before me, each flashing the invite to the security guards. I put a hand to my chest, and felt the invite press against my hand. If I somehow forgot that, Glynda would straight up kill me.
"God damn. That is what we're partying in?" Nebula muttered, wrapping an arm around mine, Yang doing similar on the other. Neon sadly couldn't copy them, but instead opted to wrap an arm around Yang's. Stepping forward confidently, but humbly, with Grover behind us, we came up to the door, the guards politely stopping us before we entered.
"Invitation please sir," one asked. I nodded, slipped my hand into my jacket pocket, and produced the invite, handing it over. The guard inspected it with a practised gaze, looking over every necessary detail. I'm sure there were some additions to the invite that you couldn't see with the naked eye unless you actively knew it was there. He nodded, and politely handed the invitation over. "Please enjoy the Gala, sir."
"Thank you very much," I said, nodding gratefully, the girls either waving, winking or giving a thumbs up as they passed. The guards eyed Grover a little cautiously, no doubt wondering what lab experiment went wrong to produce such a creature, but left it be. There was no mistaking Grover as anything other than a guard, and we were allowed 1.
The front doors led into a massive hall, one laden with paintings behind glass screens for protection, the ceiling reaching incredibly high. The floor underneath was fucking marble, for crying out loud. Rich bastards.
Exiting the hall, we entered a foyer. It was towering, and wide, fitting a few hundred people with ease. Keep in mind, this was 90 to 100 business owners, all with 3 guests of their own, and more than a few having a bodyguard on their own. But far from crowded, everyone was able to move around freely amongst these huge catering tables laden with food, bringing it over to large, circular dining tables that could fit around 15 people each..
I must admit, I think even I underestimated just how affluent these people were.
"This uh, this may be a bigger challenge than we thought," I admitted. The girls nodded, equally shocked and intimidated. I took a breath, and stabilised myself. No, this will be fine. We just need to roll with it. "Stick with me for now, we'll find Ozpin eventually. Once we do, we'll chat with him, and then enact the gameplan. Just keep calm."
They nodded, Nebula biting her bottom lip while Neon and Yang straightened their backs. We stalked through the foyer, eyes searching for any sign of Ozpin. He was hard to miss, even amongst this sea of individuals. As we walked, I began to notice some details.
Firstly, eyes flickered over to us constantly. Not surprising, really. Some new fish just swam into the stream, and everyone wanted to check if they were potential friends, or potential enemies. Secondly, everyone seemed to be moving and roaming in cliques, interacting with another clique every time they brushed against each other, before moving on. It was like watching a nature documentary, seeing different species of creatures tentatively approach each other, interact for a while, and then move on.
Thirdly, and most interestingly, I recognised some of these people! There were people here who were some very high ranking individuals in Valean society. Imagine it; doctors, athletes, politicians, all dressed up and with their own prostitutes or strippers on their arms. Keep in mind this Gala was specifically for business owners, no one else.
"Ah, Mr Eclair, you made it!" I heard from behind. Turning, we saw Ozpin headed towards us, 3 girls with him, similar to myself.
I recognised Velvet, the rabbit faunus, she was there at my grand opening. The other two? Not so much.
The first girl had a medium complexion, and joyous, teal coloured eyes that brimmed with excitement. Her hair was a shock of orange that was a shade darker then Neon's. She also had a body type to match Yang's, if a little shorter in height.
The other was a polar opposite to the first, with dark skin, and near-white hair. Her olive green eyes were much more cautious than the other girls, observing everything. Her physique was more athletic, like Nebula, yet on the slimmer side like Neon's.
"That I did! Couldn't miss my very first Gala could I?" I jokingly asked, the both of us chuckling.
"I'm glad to hear it. I understand that you got your implants?" He politely asked. I nodded, smiling widely, tilting my head this way and that with my teeth bared. Ozpin and his girls leaned forward, giving a little 'woah' in surprise.
Instead of regular implants made to look like actual teeth, my mouth was now filled with steel coloured chompers, each shining under the light.
Don't ask how I clean them nowadays. You don't wanna know.
"That is . . . Wow. Metal teeth? Why?" The dark skinned girl asked. I hummed in thought. How to explain?
"Was it explained to you how I lost my teeth?" I asked first, receiving 3 nods of ascent. I continued, "Well, in short words, I have a habit of taking whatever happens and using it. Or at least, trying to. Rather than hide what happened, I choose to show that it doesn't concern me."
I then chuckled, reaching out with a hand and taking a martini with an olive from the serving tray of a moving waitress.
"Plus; I never have to worry about a chipped tooth ever again," I joke, taking the martini olive and crushing it between my teeth, the sharp crack of the olive pip being cracked under my teeth following my words.
"That is . . . so cool!" The orange haired girl on Ozpin's arm excitedly exclaimed, starry eyed and amazed. She seemed nice.
"Ah! I just remembered, I'm being horrible! Ozpin, ladies, these fine women are Neon, Nebula and Yang, from my own House of Ecstasy," I introduced, my girls giving polite waves or excited smiles.
"Lovely to meet you girls. These are Velvet, who Mr Eclair has met once, Nora and Arslan." Ozpin gestured to each girl in turn, the dark skinned one Arslan and the excitable orange haired girl Nora.
"Hiya! You work at the new place? Mr Ozpin says it's pretty good! Didn't one of you do a neon stripping act? That sounds awesome!" Nora asked, speaking a mile a minute. Neon seemed to keep up with her, somehow.
"That was me! Oh my god it was so fun, no one I worked with before ever made up a performance like that!" She said, excitedly jumping in place. Well, nice to see that those two are hitting it off.
"Do you girls often do niche or themed performances?" Arslan politely asked, Yang and Nebula nodding whilst Nora and Neon continued chatting. I sipped my martini, just observing.
"Sure. I mean we still do the normal dances, but we also try to do creative stuff whenever we can. Helps keep things interesting!" Yang explained.
"Have you done something like that Nebula?" Velvet shyly questioned, causing the other girl to nod.
"Oh yes! My first night there we did this performance with a workout theme aesthetic and strobing lights! It was all very fun!" She explained.
Ozpin and I chuckled, seeing our dancers all having their own conversations with each other. We both nodded, and gently brought attention back from our girls' chatting up to us.
"If you want, you're free to go and mingle, have a little something to eat over at the catering tables," I offered. Neon, Yang and Nebula all looked at me, nodding and smiling, happy to do something more interesting than hang around for some business talk.
"The same offer applies to you girls. Mr Eclair and I can entertain ourselves," Ozpin said, receiving polite or excited nods.
"Thanks Boss, we'll find you once dinner starts properly," Nebula promised, her and other girls straying, finding their own little spots to chat.
"No problem. Find me some juicy gossip while you're at it," I quipped, causing them to chuckle and nod. I was technically only half joking. I wanted to hear some juicy stuff.
"We'll be back Mr Ozpin! Promise to not get into any trouble!" Nora swore, but from Ozpin's half amused, half worried look, I'm not sure he believed her. We ourselves strayed for a bit, finding a more isolated area to talk.
"So, Mr Eclair. I understand you said that what happened doesn't concern you, but I doubt you are at all the type to let something like this go. They've been in hiding for a while now," he gravely said, grabbing a champagne flute from a passing server. I nodded, fully agreeing.
"You're absolutely correct. I'm not. But those men aren't hiding, Mr Ozpin. They're marinating, and it's only a matter of time before I take them out," I promised, a vicious silver grin making its way to my face.
[BREAK]
Yang and Arslan explored the catering tables, filling their plates with some tidbits of food. The huge, circular dining tables all had a smattering of people, mostly girls, all taking and chatting. So they found a secluded spot and continued their talk there.
"What's it like working under Mr Eclair, Yang?" Arslan asked, nibbling on a crab cake with a curious expression. Yang hummed thoughtfully, chewing on some cashews.
"It's pretty good actually. We actually have a lot of fun when we're not working, and he's a reasonable employer. Plus he keeps us safe at all times he can, so that's always a plus," she replied honestly. Arslan nodded in understanding.
"That is fair. He appears to be an alright man. I must admit, the teeth are a little intimidating," she admitted, though not intending to offend. Yang waved off her concerns, understanding.
"Tell me about it. I mean I get his reasoning, but even I have to admit, the Boss is a little scary like that. But, I don't let it bother me," she explained, shrugging indifferently. Sure, her Boss now looked a little crazy but really it was a little difficult to be truly scared of someone when you've heard them rant about a stupid ass detective who won't fuck off out of their ass. She shook off the thought, and turned back to Arslan.
"What about Mr Ozpin? What's he like to work for?" She asked. Arslan shrugged noncommittally.
"He's fair. We don't have as close a relationship as you seem to have with Mr Eclair, but it's not negative. He feels more like your average corporate boss," she explained. Yang hummed at that. She couldn't imagine that type of relationship with Franc. He was too hands on, always on the front line, as it were.
"What's it like dancing at Beacon though? I heard you can get a loooot of people just for 1 show," she asked, causing the other girl to nod.
"Very true. We average 200 a night, usually with 13 girls performing every night," Arslan explained, causing Yang's jaw to drop.
"God damn. We don't even have 13 girls working at the House! How do you manage all that?" She questioned. Smiling, and perhaps feeling a small amount of pride, Arslan explained
"Simple, we have managers, a lot of them. Who are all talking and calling and communicating with each other to keep things in line. It's all pretty streamlined, even with the occasional hiccup." Letting out a low, impressed whistle, munching on a crab cake thoughtfully, Yang had to admit that she was impressed. The only one at the House who could technically count as a Manager was Glynda!
"Do you enjoy working at Beacon?" Yang asked, genuinely curious. Arslan shrugged, giving a so-so gesture.
"It's a fair workplace. When I moved from Mistral, I worked in some bad and worse places. But Beacon has been safe, I've got 1 or 2 good friends, and I'm paid well. All in all, I have no complaints," she answered. Yang nodded, understanding. Arslan turned to Yang, with a curious expression. "Do you enjoy working at the House?"
Humming, Yang nodded freely, not needing to think about it much.
"Sure! Maybe it's just the closeness of everyone involved, what with being the smaller business, but I think it's the best place for me to work in this field. I mean, there's always the danger that I could walk into a room and find the Boss and another girl fucking, but at this point I don't even notice," she answered, shrugging. Arslan blinked, jaw dropping just a little.
"I-, does that happen often? Does your boss sleep with the other performers?" She asked, incredulous. Yang nodded, chuckling with an easy laugh.
"Only every week. It's not an issue, really, the other girls are just as perverted. We all just accept that we're adults who like sex, and, yah know, have it. It's honestly safer than trawling a bar or something," she said. Arslan tentatively nodded, a little unsure. Beacon didn't work like that. There, any sexual relations were strictly prohibited. Sure, it still happened, but people were sneaky about it. Honestly, that may bring its own problems, but regardless. The House of Ecstasy certainly seemed to dance to its own tune.
[BREAK]
Nora loved making new friends. She thought that she was really good at it. She radiated positivity constantly, a veritable natural disaster of happiness. And Neon seemed similar. The two meshed exceptionally well. First, after splitting off from their prospective bosses, the two gushed about their similar hair colours, giggling and laughing as they roamed through the foyer, catching a few looks, but nothing came of that.
Then they found a spot a little ways away from the main hodgepodge of people and decided to continue their own conversation.
"So tell me all about the House, that place looks so fun!" Nora enthusiastically questioned. Neon giggled, excitedly recounting her work in the House.
"Okay, mhm-, so I started working there a couple months back. I went in for a face to face interview, but not with Mr Eclair at first, I was interviewed by Grover, our head of security there," Neon started, pointing over to Grover, who was standing just behind Franc, arms crossed and face set in a permanent grimace. Nora whistled, impressed.
"Damn! Where did your boss find him?" She asked. Even amongst the other bodyguards and security he was imposing. Son of a bitch had the audacity to be a 7 feet tall giant, with muscles growing out of his muscles, his pale complexion and scarred face muddying any detail that could tell you his age. All in all, he was terrifying!
"I dunno. He was there from the very start apparently. Every time I've asked the Boss about him, he just says something like 'You don't wanna know' and just leaves it at that," Neon answered, voice dropping to a hushed whisper. Nora gave a small 'wow,' fascinated.
"Anyway! So I ace the interview, duh, and then the boss calls me in. He just wanted to have a face to face interview, see what I'm like for himself," Neon continued, recapturing Nora's attention. "So I go in, and we're chatting, and he asks me, 'so why did you get into this job?' And I tell him, 'because I like dancing and performing!' People are always surprised when they hear that."
Even Nora must admit, this was the first time she's heard someone say they genuinely enjoy stripping. She didn't judge or anything, but Neon was definitely an exception to the general consensus among dancers. That consensus being, 'I'm only doing this because I have to.'
"He's surprised, but he rolls with it! And then he asks, 'are you comfortable stripping for this job?' And I go, 'of course! I like being exciting for people!' And to prove my point I show him my tits," She continues, unabashed. Nora gapes, surprised and amazed. Just like that? She just- pulled down her shirt or something and flashed her boss like that?
"Wow. You are brave," Nora muttered, impressed. Neon waves the compliment off, giggling.
"I dunno if I would call it bravery. Maybe confidence? I dunno. I like my tits, my boss likes them, the guests like them. Why worry?" She said, shrugging without a care. Nora couldn't help but look down, and eyed Neon's chest. Small, but perky, a pleasant handful. She could see why people like them.
"Yeah, I can understand why they do. Yours are just so cute!" Nora complimented. Neon 'aw'd, touched by the sweet compliment.
"Awww, thanks Nora! I like yours too, they are so soft looking!" She reciprocated, causing Nora to smile whole heartedly, but with a slight blush on her face.
"Well thank you. Honestly they're a little more troublesome than their worth sometimes. My back is always hurting," she groused, rubbing her sore back with a pout. Neon winced, sympathetic to her plight but unable to relate.
"Yeah, I've heard that's a problem. We got a few girls who need some extra support in that regard, Yang being one of them. The boss is cool though, he usually compensates the girls when they need some products while on the clock. Yah know; bras, feminine products, pain meds," She told, causing Nora to groan in jealousy.
"So lucky! We usually have to get that stuff for each other if we need them while working," she groused. Neon gave her new friend a pat on the back, sympathetic.
Honestly, nothing of import was actually talked about. They mostly talked about the differences of their work life and what their experiences have been so far.
Nothing helpful, but at least Neon's got a new friend!
[BREAK]
"Ozpin said you met Mr Eclair on the first night the House was open. How did he hear about the opening night?" Nebula asked. Velvet shrugged, sipping at a champagne flute.
"I'm not entirely sure myself. He mentioned that 'rumours had been flying around about a very promising business springing up.' He wanted to check it out and see for himself if it was good or not," she answered. Nebula hummed, nodding in understanding. She had been curious about why Ozpin, owner of one of the biggest strip clubs in Vale, if not the world, would visit the opening of a little club owned by a man who had no background in Vale.
"What do you think of the Gala so far?" Velvet asked, gesturing to the room at large. Nebula took a look around, eyeing the huge foyer with an unreadable expression.
"Big. Very big. And surprisingly devoid of any perversion so far. The way Mr Eclair described this place, I expected to walk directly into a whole orgy," she answered, with the bunny Faunus giggling nervously.
"Y-yeah, we all think that at first. And, granted, the event after the Dancer's Union will very, very likely be something sexual. And, often people end up getting into some, uh, antics, while here," Velvet said. Nebula nodded, her unreadable expression unchanging. She turned to Velvet, a genial smile gracing her lips.
"Right, I've heard it's common for business owners to have a girl have some fun with a friend. Does that happen often?" She asked curiously. Velvet nodded, her calm breaking under Nebula's polite but unending questioning.
"Eheh, y-yeah, it's pretty common. As far as I know it happens every time the Gala happens, and pretty often outside of it," she answered, scratching the back of her head, embarrassed.
"That sounds a little dangerous. Puts the girls in a little bit of jeopardy doesn't it?" Nebula questioned, switching her drink to her other hand, a curious expression on her face. Velvet stuttered, shocked by the line of questioning. But she wasn't Coco, or Nora, or any sort of confident off stage, so she simply answered best she could as Nebula asked them.
"W-Well, sometimes, yes. Bad things have happened."
"Anything recent, I want to be able to forewarn the girls at the House so that we know to be safe," Nebula pressed, gently but firmly grasping the other girl's hand. Internally, she was a little sorry for pressing the bunny faunus so hard, but she felt that this was important enough to do so.
Now with no escape, Velvet's ears drooped, and she weakly tried answering.
"W-Well, sometimes, a few girls have shown up beaten or-, or sometimes dead. I don't know all the details I just-, I just know that it happens whenever they are sent to a particular business," she stuttered, voice quivering slightly. Nebula wrapped an arm around Velvet's shoulders in solidarity and support.
"Tell me about that, would you?"
[BREAK]
'Attention ladies and gentlemen, dinner service is about to begin, please take your seats.'
Ozpin and I headed to a circular dinner table, one that was being saved by Yang and Arslan. Whatever the two were talking about, they halted the conversation when they saw us approaching. Off to the side, I saw Nora, Neon, Velvet and Nebula approaching. The two ginger headed girls were talking excitedly, clearly making friends. Nebula and Velvet on the other hand, seemed off. Nebula had a thoughtful expression, whereas Velvet seemed apprehensive.
Interesting.
If Ozpin noticed the attitude of his employee, he didn't show it, or bring attention to it. He was to my right, with Arslan, Velvet and Nora following after, whereas Yang was to my left, followed by Nebula and Neon.
The crowd converged on the dining tables, with people avoiding ours like it bore the plague. I'd guess that was because no one wanted to sit with the Senior Judge without prior permission.
"Can I ask what the dinner served will be?" I inquired.
"I believe it's seafood this evening. A four course meal, with a parfait dessert. I quite look forward to it," he explained, flagging a server down to order some wine. "Red or white, Mr Eclair?"
"White please. A Chardonnay if it's no trouble," I answered. He nodded, apparently pleased with my choice, and relayed the order to the server.
"Hey Boss, there's a lady passing by the tables," Yang said, gently nudging my arm and pointing to where this lady was at.
Ah, Scylla Winchester. She had an aged beauty to her, with fine, long brown hair that cascaded to her waist. With intriguing purple eyes that observed and analysed every detail. Her burgundy dress was form fitting, with a low cut neckline and a thigh slit that some would describe as far too high. She was the current head of the Flying Crane Society, an ex-notary who held the records of the Society's court. Sounded innocuous, but this allowed her access to a plethora of files for blackmail and bribery. It was said that this was a major method she used to acquire the position she currently held.
She was exceptionally dangerous, and heading this way.
Ozpin politely nodded to the woman, the two appearing friendly with each other.
"Senior Judge Ozpin! So good to see you again. And I see Mr Eclair as well, which is wonderful. My name is Scylla Winchester. I feared that you unfortunately wouldn't be able to attend," she bemoaned, giving me a sad look that I was sure was only half real. I gave my own polite, silver smile.
"Thankfully I was able to make it. With a new set of chompers as well," I joked. She giggled, and gestured to a free chair, silently asking if she could sit. Ozpin and I both gestured for her to do so. To do otherwise would just be stupid.
"Apparently Mr Eclair is made of sterner stuff than his attackers were aware of," Ozpin commented, causing Scylla to giggle in good humour. Yang gave a vicious grin of her own, wrapping her arms around mine.
"The Boss here kicked their asses!" She happily exclaimed, Nebula and Neon mimicking her grin. I appreciated the solidarity.
"Thank you girls, the support and compliments are appreciated. But I'm not John Wick, they still bruised my rib and knocked my teeth out," I said, gently patting Yang's hand, who pouted.
"Has there been any word as to the location of those deviants?" Scylla asked, tilting her head in a worried manner.
"We're continuing the search. For now we've begun putting extra security measures in place to keep both myself and my employees safe," I answered, Scylla and Ozpin both nodding in agreement. I of course didn't mention that I was gonna bifurcate the fuckers from the groin up, but they probably didn't need to know that.
"Wise. Oh, but moving on from such dreary topics! How are you liking the Gala? I hope you've had the chance to mingle with the other guests," she asked, changing the topic to something lighter. I took the opportunity for what it was, and answered honestly.
"The Gala is impressive. I've only spoken to Ozpin insofar, but I look forward to sharing a few polite words with the other guests once the Dancer's Union begins," I said.
"I will be glad to introduce you to a few friends of mine after dinner, if you'd like," Ozpin offered, before Scylla had the opportunity. I was thankful for that, being alone with her for even a moment seemed a terrible idea.
"Wonderful! I'm glad to see that our newest guest will be welcomed with open arms!" Scylla commented, clapping her hands excitedly.
Before the conversation could continue, the first course began. Before each person was placed a small plate of food, a fish cake patty over a bed of summer salad. The Chardonnay also arrived, with the appropriate number of glasses provided. It was good, a little lemon zesty, but nothing to write home about. I was more of a cocktail man, but that's not important.
We ate in polite silence for a moment, the food fairly tasty, with a couple polite comments thrown Scylla's way, who shyly waved the compliments away.
"Oh it's nothing I've done, just the chefs I hired. But I do appreciate the comments! Mr Eclair, I understand you have a kitchen at your establishment as well?" She asked, bringing attention yet again back to me. Thanks.
"Yes, I do. Just some small meals to help tide people over as the shows go on," I explained.
"Can I ask how you came to the decision to add a kitchen to your establishment? They can add a lot of stress to a business, even at the best of times," Ozpin asked, tilting his head curiously. I shrugged, taking a sip of my wine.
"Comfortable guests are happy guests. The happier they are, the more they tip. True, kitchens add a great deal of stress, to say nothing of the extra health and safety regulations. But frankly I was always paranoid about my business' cleanliness anyway. The profits the kitchens pulled in have outdone the risks," I explained. This answer seemed to satisfy Ozpin well enough. I frankly don't think Ozpin could have a kitchen in Beacon. It was just way too big, too chaotic.
The next course came, fried halibut with a lemon garlic glaze.
"Have you any plans for expansion Mr Eclair?" Scylla asked, cutting into the halibut, and apparently finding it cooked to her liking as she took a bite. Sensitive topic. Will I be edging on anyone's established territory and potentially starting some war?
"Expansions? Not really. I'd like to acquire a few more contracts, no more than 5 or 6. I'm more interested in establishing the House good and proper," I answered. I wanted the House of Ecstasy to be strong and powerful, not large but fractured.
"Will you be searching for more contracts soon?" Ozpin asked, raising an eyebrow curiously at me. I gave a so-so gesture in answer.
"Not quite yet. Firstly I want to find who attacked me, of course, and finish off that problem before it festers. Secondly, with my most gracious invite to your Society's Gala, I plan to do a little wetworking. You know how it is, business before pleasure and all that." She giggled, a melodic sound that hid the snake within, in total agreement.
"I appreciate the transparency. But disregarding business for just a moment, tell me, what do you do for pleasure, Mr Eclair?" She questioned, a salacious grin making its way to her voice, an odd tone creeping into her voice. I felt more than saw Ozpin side eye me warningly. We were entering very dangerous territory here.
"Oh, this and that. I write a touch, helps sharpen the mind. Though it has been a while," I admitted, tapping my chin in thought. I heard a giggle to my left, and gave the girls a flat stare. Nebula shrugged apologetically.
"Sorry Boss. We love you, seriously, but your poetry is very dramatic. Not bad, just dramatic," she said. Yang reached over and patted my arm consolingly, while Neon giggled at my pout.
"Everyone be-ith a critic," I groused, taking a bite of my food, much to everyone's amusement. I continued, ignoring the peanut gallery. "Besides my poetry, I listen to some music."
"On your record player while staring dramatically out to the city while you narrate in your head," Neon interjected, causing a ripple of laughter to run through the table.
Ignoring that, I continued speaking, this time through gritted, metal teeth, "And I also like to watch some old movies."
"With a whiskey cocktail to stave off the chill of the city, a city you love, but which cannot love you," Yang dramatically voiced, her tone gruff, much like a noir detective in those black and white movies. I gave up, and threw my hands up in surrender, ignoring the amused snorts, laughter and giggling of the other residents at the table.
"Alright! I give in. Since you all are such experts on my hobbies and pastimes, you explain what I do in my free time!" I bemoaned, finishing off my plate and crossing my arms grumpily.
"Let's see, there's constantly getting sweaty with one of your workers," Yang counted off.
"Watching noir stories so you can get inspiration for your brooding sessions," Nebula continued.
"And then there is how often you watch those private 'movies' with the excuse that you're just looking for inspiration to add to the House," Neon finished. I gave them all a flat stare, as they continued to giggle and laugh at me. Turning, I saw that Ozpin and co would be of no help, as they too were chuckling.
"Why did I bring you lot with me again?" I sarcastically asked. Yang chuckled, giving my cheek a soft pat.
"Cause you love us. And because we're the most sociable of the House. Can't deny it, you said it yourself!" She explained. Oh yeah. That. I take back any nice things that I said about these girls.
And so began the next course, the last savoury dish before the dessert. Beer battered fish with a side of steak cut fries and house tartare sauce. After a few minutes of eating and more polite conversation, Nebula seemed to have a question.
"Pardon me, Mrs Winchester?" She politely asked, causing the other woman to smile enigmatically.
"Yes dear?"
"Well, I understand that the Dancer's Union will start after dessert. I just wanted to ask, since it's our first; what can we expect? What's it like?" Nebula questioned, Yang and Neon seeming just as curious as they leaned forward expectantly.
"Of course! Well, essentially, you can expect to be able to mingle with other performers and dancers with a little more freedom, away from the business owners and such. There will be relaxation areas for you, and you can essentially expect to meet and greet with plenty of other performers," Scylla explained, taking a bite of her fish, finding it satisfactory. I don't know what would happen if she didn't, but all the same, I didn't really wanna know.
"You can come with us, we'll help introduce you to everyone we know!" Nora offered. Looking to my girls, I saw that they were open to the idea, and so gave them a nod, letting them know that as far as I was concerned, it was alright with me, if it meant anything.
"That sounds fine with me! We can let the bosses do they're boring shtick," Yang joked, causing the dancers to chuckle, whilst us bosses pouted or cringed. C'mon now! Business is important!
"There's a couple dancers you'll enjoy meeting. They're very considerate, you'll like them," Arslan commented, Velvet and Nora both nodding in agreement.
Conversation after that was light. The girls minus Scylla chatted with each other, with Ozpin, myself and Scylla just watching. It was good to see them get along, in my opinion. Neon, Yang, Nebula and the rest of the girls at the House only had friends at their work. So even if it's some dancers from another business, I'm glad to see that their social circle is expanding.
Dessert was a sweet affair, of course. Glasses with layers of parfait, glazed fruit and muesli topped with berries were set in front of us. A perfect finish to a very satisfying dinner.
'Attention everyone. The Dancer's Union will now commence. If all dancers and performers would please follow the Maître D, you will be led to where the Union will be held.'
"C'mon! We can lead the way! Bye Mr Ozpin, Mr Eclair, Mrs Winchester!" Nora exclaimed, happily grabbing Neon's hands, who also stood excitedly, giving me a kiss on the cheek as goodbye, copied by Nebula and Yang.
"We'll try and behave, Boss. Can't promise anything, but we'll try," Nebula said, giving her own playful wink that I oh so rarely saw. Chuckling, I gestured them to go, waving them off.
After that, the grown ups stood, and got back to mingling. Ozpin, true to his word, led me over to discuss with a few friends and business partners of his, Scylla politely excusing herself, citing that she had to socialise as well.
"Phew. Alright, so how'd I do with her?" I quietly asked Ozpin, who chuckled amusedly.
"All in all, you did fine. No complaints," he assured me, patting my shoulder. Good to know I didn't piss off the head of a very large group of very powerful people.
"Okay Ozpin. Time to make some new friends!"
"That's the spirit!"