It's been a while since I've been able to focus my full attention on the House. What with the invitation to the Flying Crane Society Gala, the preparation thereof, the attack that left me toothless, my recovery, the Gala itself, stress from Salem's potential plotting, missing out on a foursome with Yang, Nebul and Neon which I was still grumpy about, and then there was Neo's thing with Roman and her apprehension regarding the state that she would find him.
So it was good to be back in the House and looking over rehearsal with Glynda. Currently Militia was on stage, with the rest of the girls laying about and watching with us. Militia was of course a great dancer, she just needed to work on her stamina, Glynda and I both noticing that her performances would get a little slower towards the end.
"And stop! Take a breather, and get some water. Your run time has gone up from last week by a couple minutes, which is actually quite a lot for just 7 or 8 days practice. So go ahead and rest for a while," I ordered, Militia giving a thankful nod and hopping down from the stage, moving over to a seat next to her sister. Looking at the tablet, I typed in a few bits of information on Militia's performance for later review.
"Alright then, who's next?" I asked Glynda, who then looked at her tablet and searched through the roster.
"Ciel dear, you're up. We want you to work on your enthusiasm in the dance. Doesn't have to be real, if you must you can fake it 'till you make it," Glynda instructed, Ciel nodding and walking up the stage, wrapping a hand around the pole and waiting for the music.
"Okay, now remember hun, you don't have to force a smile or anything, just add some enthusiasm into the movement, not your face, okay?" I advised, receiving a nod in confirmation. Satisfied, I switched tabs on the tablet and hit play, the music beginning to play over the sound system.
Standing back, I and Glynda both observed her performance with critical eyes. She turned, and twisted her hips very well, technically speaking she had the skills down pat. It was just the feeling behind it that was sort of missing. Guests wanted a sight for the mind as well as the eyes, so an enthusiastic girl who at least seems to enjoy her work would be an extremely popular member of our roster, which of course means better revenue for the business at large and bigger tips for the girls.
And to be fair, Ciel was trying, and had improved in that regard compared to when she started. But she was still a little lagging compared to the other girls.
Leaning towards Glynda, I spoke in a hushed whisper so that no one else could hear.
"What are you thinking?" I asked, causing her to hum in consideration.
"Markable improvement from a few months ago when she started here, which is good. But while the average guest wouldn't pick it up, she's still not particularly excited to be dancing. Which I don't blame her for, but for her sake she would still get better results if she acted the part a little better," she said, stern but not unsympathetic, which was her usual disposition. I nodded in agreement, turning back to look at the stage. Again, Ciel was a good dancer, she had commendable skill with her jiving hips and the ways her hands roamed her body and sides, but it still lacked the finishing touch; excitement.
Anyway, we let her continue her dance, of course, letting her run out the clock and finish the performance. Once she was done we had her sit back down, and once again advised her to work on enthusiasm.
"If you need help with that, check with Glynda or myself, and we'll try and work out some methods for you," I advised her, getting a nod in response. I hoped she would take either of us up on the offer, but I obviously couldn't force her to do so.
"Oh I'm sure Mr Eclair wouldn't mind getting you nice and enthused, would he?" Melanie joked, giggling at her quip whilst the other girls chuckled or gave small smiles. I rolled my eyes, while Glynda gave a stern glare.
"If he gets the opportunity of course. Let's hope Neo doesn't interrupt him again," Militia added, causing the laughter to grow a little, a few eyes shooting over to Neo, who shrugged awkwardly. Seriously, who told them that? And why?
"That is enough, you two. Jokes are fine but remember that Mr Eclair is your employer and the one who pays you! A little respect is due!" Glynda admonished, putting her fists to her hips and giving the Twin's a glare that had them flinching, a little sweat beading on their foreheads due to nervousness. I placed my hand on the irate blond's shoulder.
"Now Glynda, it's just a little playful teasing," I assured her, patting her shoulder to appease her temper. She sighed, and crossed her arms, still unhappy.
"Yup! It's all in good fun, we promise!" Melanie explained, her sister nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, the boss knows we love him, right?" Militia playfully asked, leaning forward and blowing me a kiss, which I in turn jokingly caught and placed against my chest, which caused yet another ripple of laughter.
"Of course, I know it's just how you show your love," I excused them, the two nodding confidently. I continued, "They just tease and joke to show that they care. It's very endearing honestly."
"That's right, we have the purest of intentions," Militia added. Ah, how sweet of them.
"In fact, I think I'll help cultivate that love myself," I said. Confusion filled the group, the girls looking at me with raised eyebrows and surprised gazes. I didn't stop, completely unabashed, "The cleaning staff have asked for a little assistance after work to help tidy the place up. And you two have just volunteered, for the next 2 or 3 days. Now you can put your love into the place physically as well as emotionally. Ain't that great?"
The 2 paled. They hated cleaning. The rest of the girls 'ooooo'd at that, much like students when one of their own got called to the principal's office. Glynda smirked, satisfied with the punishment.
Hey, I was easy going, but I still had my pride to think about.
Ignoring their stuttering excuses and pleas, I turn to the rest of the group, who all quickly got their laughter under control. Heh, power dynamics, re-established!
"I think we're done with rehearsal for today. As usual, feel free to mingle and hang around. I'll just be up in my office," I told them, again, expertly ignoring Melanie's and Militia's begging for mercy, instead heading up to my office. I nodded to a few guards, as well as a few of the roaming cleaning staff getting this place back in order. Paid to be nice to your employees after all.
Entering my office, I slipped my suit jacket off and laid it on the loveseat, heading to my minibar and making an Old Fashioned. Felt good to have my own minibar. Made me feel powerful. Anyway, I sat down at my desk and pulled out a few papers, as well as some notes, skimming through them.
Let's see, there were a few resumes that got handed in. Gonna have Glynda look over those, see how she feels about them. She knew best after all.
Some financial shit; we were still flying strong. Obviously, I hoped to keep that up.
A few notes too. Namely about performances and some ideas or additions thereof.
'Oh yeah, group performances. That idea of Melanie's kinda fell to the wayside, which is a shame. I'll bring it up next time we have a staff meeting,' I thought, laying the note on the desk and checking the next.
There was a note here to contemplate on collaborating with some other businesses, a mutually beneficial arrangement where the two businesses would help each other in some way. Something to consider at least.
A knock broke me from my concentration. I raised my head up, shrugged, and laid the rest of the notes and papers to go through later.
"Come in!" I announced. The door was unlocked, but only a few people entered without knocking, namely Neo, Glynda and sometimes Grover if the matter at hand was important enough.
But to my surprise, it was Ciel, nervously entering my office, clearly apprehensive. I blinked in surprise.
"Oh hello Ciel. You okay? Did you need some help with something?" I asked, raising an eyebrow in question. The girl nodded, tentatively taking a seat in front of me, shuffling to get comfortable.
"Yes, actually, I was hoping that you could give a little help regarding my performances. I know I'm still rusting on the emotional factor, so I came to ask for some help," she explained. I nodded, internally very happy that she took the advice and actually came for some assistance, but I had to keep an air of calm for the best results.
"Of course, not a problem. Do you have any idea as to how we could start?" I questioned. She stirred in her seat, seeming oddly apprehensive. I stayed quiet, figuring that it was best to let her talk at her own pace.
To my surprise however, rather than speak, she undid the straps of her dress and let the clothing fall to her waist, leaving her upper body completely bare. Out of sheer habit, my eyes immediately fell down to her chest.
Her breasts were actually on the bigger side, not as large as Glynda or Yang, but closer to Blake's. Didn't matter though, because the golden coloured nipple piercings were absolutely fascinating, especially since they matched her navel piercing. It took me a moment to form words, and by then she had moved from her chair and sat on my lap, her face close to mine.
"I am very, very far from complaining, but just quickly, Ciel? What are you doing?" I asked, struggling to rip my eyes away from her piercings. She cleared her throat, looking anywhere and everywhere but at me.
"I-, I want to work on my confidence, for my performance and all. I think that a part of it is that I'm not as, y-you know, experienced as the other girls. And M-Melanie advised me to-" She began, only for me to place a finger to her lips, sighing. Dammit Melanie.
"Ciel honey, listen. Melanie's a great girl, but you gotta understand, advice that works for her won't necessarily work for you. I'm sure she meant well, and really thought that this would help you. But maybe we shouldn't just sleep with the boss just cause someone else said so, okay?" I explained to her. She seemed to mull over my words, a blush taking over her face.
"I-, M-maybe, yeah," she admitted, looking away, attempting to bring her blush down to a more manageable level. I continued, speaking softly.
"If it was an idea you yourself came up with I'd join right in before you could say 'confidence booster.' But since Melanie came up with the idea and not you, I think we should hold off for now, okay?" I advised, causing her to nod in understanding. I was all for sleeping with a beautiful woman, don't get me wrong, just so long as it was all her idea. I'm at least somewhat reasonable like that.
"Okay boss. I'm sorry for this, maybe I should start thinking twice before I take any of Melanie's advice, even the well meaning type," she decided, the 2 of us chuckling in amusement.
The door opened, and in walked Blake, carrying a letter.
"Hey Mr Eclair, this just came in and-, for the love of fuck! Seriously?!" She exclaimed, indignant. Ciel looked down, and realised that she hadn't yet pulled up her dress. Yelping in surprise, Ciel stood and hurriedly fixed her clothing, stuttering the whole time.
"Th-this isn't what it looks like! It's-, it started as-, but we didn't-! Ah!" She tried, finally fixing herself up and running out, face red. Blake watched her go, and then turned to give me an unamused look.
"Seriously?" She asked. I shrugged, but refused to explain. Sighing, she stepped forward and took a seat, throwing the letter onto my desk, "This just came in. I don't know what it is, but it doesn't look like another Flying Crane letter thankfully, so that's something."
Nodding, I took the letter, inspecting it.
"Why does this city love letters so much? We have email. Scrolls, texting! Hell, send me a damn voicemail, but a letter? With the Flying Crane's it sorta makes sense, they're all intriguing and shit. But who else sends a fucking letter?" I asked, incredulous. Blake shrugged, clearly just as perplexed as me. Sighing, I inspected the envelope, noticing something that caused me to groan. Blake sat up, raising an eyebrow, but I gestured for her to wait a moment, opening up the envelope.
'Dear Franc Eclair of the House of Ecstasy,
We hope this letter finds you well. Within the dates of the 20th of September and the 1st of October, please expect a Vale City Health and Safety Inspector to appraise your business for any Health or Safety Code Violations.
Sincerely, Vale City Health and Safety Office.'
I threw the letter on the desk, face palming. Of course. Of fucking course.
"A health inspector? Seriously? With all the other bullshit we've had going on?" Blake asked. I nodded, causing her to groan, sharing in my misery. I sat up, taking out a notepad and pen, and beginning to write things down.
"We're gonna have to start washing and cleaning this place top to bottom. Have Grover and a few of the guys inspect this place for any sign of damages. We can expect the Health and Safety Officer in 9 days at the earliest," I intoned, writing everything down in firm handwriting. This was gonna be a pain.
I took a sip from my drink, sighing at the very slight burn.
"Did the letter say the name of the Officer, so we know who to expect?" Blake asked, with me nodding. I saw a name on the bottom of the page, but I hadn't read it yet. Taking the letter and having another sip, I checked the bottom.
'Vale City Health and Safety Officer Robyn Hill.'
Immediately, I spat my drink out, slamming the letter onto the desk in a rage, screaming.
"What?! Fucking what?! Fucking Robyn is Vale?! When the fuck did she move here?! When did she become a fucking health inspector?!" I exclaimed, crumpling the letter in my hand and tossing it with all my strength against the wall. Not that the paper did anything, but it felt good.
"So uh, who's Robyn, boss?" I heard Blake ask. I turned, intending to angrily rant about that hyperactive turbo-bitch that was Robyn Hill, only to pause.
It seems, in my anger, I had spat my drink forward, right into Blake's face. Right now, the whiskey cocktail was dripping off her face, an almost angrily neutral expression on her face. Contrite, I immediately made my way to the minibar and collected a face towel, handing it over with an appropriate amount of shame.
"I'm sorry about that, Blake. I very clearly let my anger get to me," I apologised. She slowly took the towel, and dabbed at her face, wiping the drink away.
"Do not, under any circumstances, do that again," she warned me. I nodded, understanding. Yeah, that was my fault.
"You mentioned someone named Robyn?" She once again asked, causing me to sigh, and sit back down at my desk.
"Yes, Robyn. Robyn Hill. She's our Health and Safety Officer. There's just several problems with that," I started, palming my face tiredly. Fuck, how do I explain this? "Firstly being that she, how do I say this? She hates my fucking guts, and threatened to impale my ballsack if she ever sees me again."
Blake gaped, horrified at the imagery. Yeah, how do you think I feel?
"It's a long story, but as every great story does, it includes me thinking with my dick and sticking it where it doesn't belong," I continued, groaning. She sighed, unsurprised and yet still disappointed.
"Alright, we have an Officer that hates your guts. Think she'll take it out on us?" She asked. It was a fair question, just not one I immediately had the answer to. So I shrugged, which only caused her more irritation. She stood, shaking her head, "I'll go and warn everyone about it. You said 9 days at the earliest right?"
I nodded in the affirmative.
"Right. I'll tell everyone, and you, you try and find out some way to make Robyn Hill not hate us because of whatever you did," she ordered, exiting my office with a huff. Sighing, I palmed my face and watched her exit, suddenly tired.
Shit. I think I'm gonna have to call Winter.
Taking out my scroll, I dialled her number, the encroaching headache already agonising.
'Hello? Mr Eclair, this is a surprise! We haven't spoken since your little stint in the hospital, how are you?'
Agh, her voice already hurts my soul!
"Hello Winter. I'm fine, thanks for asking," I ground out, closing my eyes and taking a very deep breath. This was gonna be a very long call.
'So what is it you needed to call me for, Mr Eclair?' She asked, sounding oh so fucking smug.
"I just wanted to know some things real quick. You ever heard of a woman named Robyn Hill?" I asked, hearing a surprised gasp on the other end.
'Robyn Hill? Of course I heard of her, she tried to run as a councilwoman if I remember. Was set to be the youngest in the history of Atlas, but for some reason failed to make an appearance at the closing debates and got tossed from the running, why?' I sighed, palming my face.
"Because I just got a letter, one from the Vale Healthy and Safety Office, one telling me that my first Health Inspection is coming up," I started.
'Mhm, so?' She questioned.
"So my Health and Safety Officer is Robyn Hill," I finally explained, hearing what sounded like a glass cup falling to the floor and shattering to a million pieces.
'Robyn Hill is in Vale as a fucking Health Inspector?!' Winter yelled, right into my fucking ear. Okay, so, no, she didn't know about Robyn. That answers most of my questions.
"Yes, yes she is. And, side note, she hates my guts. Like, threatening to gouge my eyes out with a rusty cooking spoon levels of hate. Rip my guts out and use them to make my own noose type shit. Hunt me down and skin me to make a leather coat deal. Slather me in honey and drop me into an ant hill-."
'Alright, alright! I get it, you're her number 1 enemy, absolute nemesis. Why?' She asked. I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose.
"Long story, very long story. Anyway, I had called because I wanted to ask if you had anything to do with it, but clearly you didn't. I'll leave you alone now," I said, making to hang up the call, only for Winter to interrupt me.
'Wait wait wait! Before you go, there's something I have to tell you,' She said, urgency creeping its way into her voice. I groaned. I swear if this ends up being some stupid joke of hers I'll scream.
"Fine, fine. What is it?" I asked, with trepidation.
'Have you heard of Tyrian Callows before?' She asked, the urgency very real. I narrowed my eyes.
"Yeah, I've heard of the guy. Not much, but enough to keep him on my shit list," I answered, hearing her sigh in discontent on the other end.
'Tell your workers to be exceptionally careful if he's anywhere near the area. His file has recently made its way to my desk, and he's unequivocally dangerous,' she forewarned, causing my brow to furrow in worry.
"Is that why you've been a little quiet since our meeting in the hospital?" I asked, the pieces starting to fall into place.
'That's exactly it. No matter your financial crimes, alleged or otherwise, this man is of a higher priority. And he's connected to at least 12 murders of various sex workers. That's what the warning is for,' she explained, voice dropping to a low, warning tone.
At least 12. At least.
"Trust me, I've already warned them all about that. Under no circumstances are they to ever go near him," I swore.
'Good. I'll talk to you later,' She said, finally cutting the call.
Sighing, I placed my scroll back onto the desk. Fucking shit. Fucking Tyrian, fucking Salem, fucking Cinder, fuck, fuck, FUCK!
I need a drink.
There was a bottle of tequila on my minibar. I grabbed it and drank, swallowing the fiery water and coughing. And then I drank again, this time a much larger mouthful.
God damn Tyrian, god damn Salem, and god damn Winter too!
God dammit my mind went to Cinder. Fuck, she was beautiful. A wildfire of a woman, with smoky black hair over a set of eyes made of fire. I still remembered her soft skin and lovely voice. How warm she was, so responsive to every little touch.
It was total infatuation. Like a man hypnotised by fire, I could watch the wavering movements of her body, staving off any cold in my body. I drank more tequila.
Did she think of me at all? No, surely not. I think. Maybe? I sometimes thought of her. A little. Maybe she thought of me a little. Still hadn't sent me the bill for her destroyed underwear. I somewhat hoped she would, and that she would deliver the bill herself. The bottle was knocked back again, more spirit flooding my stomach.
No, stop that. Cinder is dangerous. Tyrian more so, probably. Fuck with Cinder and Tyrian will come after me. Fucking shit, Tyrian. I needed to warn Grover about that psychotic fuck.
Exiting my office with the bottle of tequila in hand, I rushed down the hall with a hurried step. I needed to find Grover. There was a security guard just a little ways ahead of me, but it wasn't Grover. I needed to find Grover.
"Hey, have you seen Grover?" I demanded. The guard nodded, pointing towards the back of the building.
"Just exited the building, said he was going for a smoke," he explained. Without preamble, I took a swig from my bottle and rushed to the back. If the girls or any other staff were around I didn't see them, too focused on finding the back exit.
It was ahead of me, a bright red door with a green exit sign above it. It was currently open, with a cinder block used to prop it open.
"Grover?" I called out, finally exiting the building and entering the alley that served as a smoking area for the staff. Grover indeed was there, smoking a cigarette with his jacket gripped in his hand. I took the cigarette and stomped it out, holding his cheek with one hand.
"Grover, listen to me. Remember my warning about Tyrian? That if he shows up you give him whatever he wanted, besides one of the girls, and to get me as soon as you're able?" I asked, causing him to nod cautiously. "Well forget that! If Tyrian shows up, bring him up to my office immediately. Even if I'm not there. Just bring him up, and wherever I am, get me. In no way is he to be allowed free access to the House, he is to be watched at all times."
"Understood boss," He gravely complied, giving a singular, slow nod.
"Good, good. Also, sorry about the cigarette," I added, before turning back and re-entering the House. I drank, sighed, drank again, and sighed again. Fuck, what now?
Drinking, drinking now.
I tipped the bottle back, feeling the spirit hit my gut like a cannonball, and spirited myself away back to my office, growling expletives under my breath.
Like a zombie, I was without thoughts, I simply rushed into my office, closing the door behind me, knocking back the drink like it was the last bottle of water in the Vacuon desert. I was quickly becoming drunk; I wasn't taking small sips, instead gulping tequila down mouthfuls at a time. Now feeling hot, I ripped off my suit jacket and tossed it onto the loveseat.
Fucking hell, what was happening? My world was spinning. I was seeing things 2 or 3 at a time. The bottle met my lips again, but this time it failed to relinquish its burning water. Empty. Grab another.
That's what I did, grabbing a bottle of something, and this time pouring it into a glass. My stomach was roiling, the sudden influx of alcohol not sitting so well. Oh boy.
Fuck, what was happening?
I think I heard my office door open. I turned, attempted to tell whoever it was to go away, that I wanted to be alone, but a gurgle was all I could manage. Spinning again. The unknown person locked the door. Warm hands held my shoulders, but I couldn't see who it was through the haze over my eyes. I know they pulled me, and slowly lowered me to the loveseat, my head resting on something as soft as angels wings.
Someone was cooing sweet words to me. The voice was familiar, but I couldn't get a grip on whose it was.
"Mmgh, uh?" I muttered, only for those same soft hands to gently shush me. The haze lightened up a little, and I could see blond hair, and a pair of emerald green eyes that shine like stars.
"Shhhh, shshsh," I heard. The voice was Glynda's, that's who it is. Glynda, Glynda, amazing Glynda. What would I do without you? I'd stumble, most likely. Fall. Crack my nose on the pavement without you. God, I'm sorry for not thanking you enough. I'm sorry.
"Mmmrgh, G-Glyn-," I stuttered, trying so hard to apologise for not appreciating her more. I had a habit of doing that. Not appreciating that which is most important. I've done it before, probably too many times.
"Shh, Franc, you're okay. Just rest, we can talk later," she assured me. The feeling of her hands running through my hair was enough to sap my energy out of me. I felt so tired all of a sudden. My mind has been in a whirlwind for a while now. Find my attackers, deal with the Flying Crane, maintain peace with Beacon, manage the House, keep the girls happy, barricade against Tyrian, stay out of Salem's grip. So, so tired.
Looking up, my eyes misted over, the tiredness having taken all of my emotional energy. Just hold me Glynda. I think I'm close to falling apart.
'Help me please, my angel of mercy,
Fly me away from my sins.
The turmoil hurts,
But my pain is masked by grins.
Heal my wounds, though I caused them myself,
The drink makes me numb, but I am still unwell.
Joy is temporary and hope fleeting,
Hold my hand, oh angel, and save me from this hell.'