Blake and I both stared at Dew, unblinking. The woman had pulled out a damn switchblade, and was currently sitting at our table, with 2 other girls who had grabbed their chairs and moved them next to ours, crowding around our table, giving frowns and glares that matched their friend. And from the little glints of steel I saw, they too were holding knives.

The other two girls were both exceptionally different in looks to Dew Gayl, and if we weren't in the situation that we were in, I probably would have figured them attractive. Well, actually, I still think they're attractive, just crazy.

The first of the 2 girls was of a medium height, with fair skin, long red hair that reached past her shoulders, and olive green eyes, and she was currently sitting next to Blake, giving me the stink eye.

The other girl was a little shorter, with medium length black hair that reached to just above her shoulders, brown eyes, and lightly tanned skin, and she was currently sitting next to me, also keeping her focus on me.

Dew was sitting between them, at the end of the square table, looking contemplative. I, meanwhile, sighed, palming my face tiredly.

"This feels so unnecessary," I commented, not even bothering to look up anymore and just keeping my eyes closed, my head facing down to the table, resting my chin on my fist. I reckon that I somehow insulted the 3 girls with just those 4 words, because I could feel them lean closer toward me, without even touching me yet.

"I don't really think it is. I think it's very necessary, in fact. Where's Nebula, Franky?" Dew asked, her voice quiet but tinged with aggravation. Sighing, I shrugged, finally opening my eyes and giving the 3 a flat stare.

"Dunno. She could be anywhere really. Blake honey, does Neb have any particular hang outs she goes to?" I idly asked, turning to Blake with a raised eyebrow. She hummed thoughtfully, tapping her nails against the table as she mulled over Nebula's habits.

"There's the gym on 7th, she heads there pretty often. She might just be home though, sleeping until her shift," she guessed. I nodded, turning to the 3 and gesturing to Blake.

"See? Look, we don't keep constant tabs on Nebula or something, she could be hang-gliding for all I know. Or care, really, her life and all that, she can do what she wants," I said, crossing my arms and shrugging. That apparently didn't mollify the 3, whose grip on their little knives became white knuckle. I continued, uncaring, "You wanna meet back up with her? Fine, wait a few hours and swing by the House, you can talk with her after her shift. It's really not that difficult."

"For them it is," Blake muttered, rolling her eyes. The 3 looked at her, indignant, and insulted. I nodded at Blake's words, seeing the wisdom in them. These girls were clearly not the sharpest tools in the shed.

"We're not looking to dirty ourselves by going anywhere near your little bar. We want to see Nebula, and get her out of this fucking city. So, try again, where is she?" Dew, the ringleader I guess, ordered.

Shaking my head in disbelief, I threw my hands up in mock surrender. These bitches were stubborn, Dew especially. And also, did she just call my bar dirty? We literally just spent the last week getting the House spotless!

Honestly, fuck these cunts.

Ignoring the 3, I reached into my jacket, pulling out my scroll and dialling a number.

"Hey, we didn't say you could call anyone," The black haired girl warned, to which I flipped her off and waited for my call to be answered. After a moment, it was.

'Hello Mr Eclair! My, it's rare for you to be calling me, usually it's the other way around! How can I help?' She asked, sounding strangely smug knowing that I was calling her. I don't know what goes through that woman's mind half the time, so I shrugged it off and continued.

"Evening Winter. You anywhere near Brooke's Cafe and Desserts on Yelmen Street? Got a lunch date planned for you," I asked, leaning back in my chair. Blake, who knew of Winter at this point, chuckled aloud, seeing my plan.

'I-, I mean I think? A lunch date, what are you talking about?' Winter questioned, confused.

"Hang. The call," the redhead ordered, leaning forward and aggressively flashing the knife, before hiding it away again before anyone noticed. I rolled my eyes, uncaring.

"Yep. A lunch date. You game?" I continued to ask, further aggravating the 3 girls, and amusing Blake immensely.

'I . . . Okay? I'll get there when I get there, I suppose,' Winter muttered, apparently giving in and just deciding to see what I was on about. Either that or my instinctive charm was greater than I ever imagined. For the sake of my ego, I decided to go with the second option.

"Wonderful! See you then," I said, hanging up the call and turning back to look at Dew and her friends. Speaking of, I looked at the 2 unnamed girls, raising an eyebrow, "Just quickly, what are your names exactly? This whole time I've just been calling you girls in my head, and it's getting tiring."

The 2 looked to Dew, who slowly nodded.

"Octavia," said the redhead.

"Gwen," muttered the other girl.

"Right, great. So, Dew, Octavia, and Gwen. Okay. Tell me something, what happens if Nebula disagrees and decides to stay here in Vale, despite your valiant attempts to persuade her? What then?" I asked, genuinely curious. The 3 looked at me like I was stupid, with the now named Octavia and Gwen sharing an eyeroll.

"I doubt it would take much convincing. There's no way she would ever want to stay in a place like this, she's too good for that," Dew confidently stated, the other 2 nodding in agreement. Blake stifled a laugh, shaking her head in amazement, which Octavia seemed to notice.

"And what are you laughing at exactly?" She interrogated, seeming none too pleased with Blake's amusement.

"Just the arrogance of you 3," she answered, rolling her eyes and sipping her drink. Aggravated, Octavia grabbed the ice coffee, and brazenly threw it far into the street.

Things suddenly got tense. Blake especially seemed ready to claw a bitch.

"Oops," Octavia sarcastically said, giving her a flat stare.

"I paid for that," I muttered, with Blake reaching over and patting my hand in consolation. I mean come on, that was just rude! Like threaten me all you like, but don't waste shit that I paid for!

Speaking of, the waitress who took our orders finally approached, carrying Blake's sandwich and my parfait. Good feelings returned!

"Sorry about the wait, I'm afraid our kitchen is a little backed up at the moment," she apologised, which I waved it off, unconcerned.

"It's fine, don't worry about it," I assured her, taking my dessert in hand and taking a spoonful of the sweet treat, before having a bite, Blake digging into her sandwich. The parfait was good, nice and sweet like I wanted, with the berries the tiniest bit tart to help even the flavour out. I obviously didn't know how Blake's sandwich tasted, but from her nod of approval, it seemed good.

The waitress smiled, glad that there was no complaints, before heading off to serve at another table.

"Would you two stop fucking around and take us to Nebula already?" Gwen ground out, her patience clearly running thin. I held up a hand, gesturing for her to wait as I chewed my food.

"Just a moment. After we eat, and my friend arrives, we'll go," I assured her.

"Do you not seem to understand that you're not the one in charge here? Fucking start moving and take us to Nebula!" Dew ordered, her voice rising in volume, and anger, gaining a few stares. I rolled my eyes, leaning back and stuffing my hands in my pockets, which seemed to anger them further.

"I swear to fucking god if you don't start moving-," Gwen started, flashing the switchblade threateningly, before suddenly stopping, her eyes widening in immediate and apparent fear.

"Gwen, Gwen you okay, why'd you stop?" Octavia asked, confused by her friend's behaviour. Dew turned, and looked at Gwen as well, equally confused.

"Finally decided to take it out huh?" Blake asked, casually wiping her face of crumbs. I nodded, taking the spoon in hand and having another bite of my dessert.

"Fuck are you talking about? Gwen, are you alright? What did he take out?" Dew questioned, a fresh wave of apprehension overtaking her. Swallowing my mouthful of food, I spoke up.

"I think Blake here is talking about this," I explained, before cocking back the hammer of the snub nosed .38 revolver, an audible click being heard across the table. Dew and Octavia froze, the situation having suddenly dawned on them. The stupid bitches had brought knives to a gunfight.

Gwen no doubt felt the barrel of the gun pressing against her side, if the way her lips quivered and face paled was any indication.

"Listen, I don't really mind you 3 wanting to see Nebula again. In fact I enjoy it when my girls make friends, inside or outside of work," I began, taking the last bite of my order, and sighing in content. Wiping my face, I continued, my voice dropping low and threatening, "But what I do mind, is when a trio of high and mighty snakes with their heads so far up their own asses that they can kiss their own teeth, try and threaten not only myself, but one of my workers!"

Blake flipped the trio off, smirking at their panic. Any sympathy she might have had for them disappeared the moment Octavia tossed her drink, so she was thoroughly enjoying this.

"So. This is what's going to happen, my friend will be here soon, I'm sure. When she arrives, we're gonna take a walk, and work this whole thing out, savvy?" I asked. The 3 nodded, eyes downcast. Great! Now we're all friends!

"Are we taking them to the House?" Blake asked, pushing her empty plate away, having finished her food. I shrugged, unsure myself.

"I dunno. Maybe? Might be fun to introduce them to Grover," I grinned, which Blake copied. Oh, introducing these 3 to Grover would be hilarious. The little shits might just drop unconscious at the sight of him.

"Well Mr Eclair, I would say that I'm surprised to find you eating with 4 women, but that would be a lie. Is this the lunch date you planned for me?" I heard. Turning, while subtly passing the gun back into my waistband, I looked at Winter, giving an easy smile.

"Well heya detective! Meet my new friends, Octavia, Dew and Gwen! And I'm pretty sure you at least know of Blake, right?" I asked. Upon hearing the word 'detective,' the 3 froze, gaping in shock. Winter raised an eyebrow, eyeing me suspiciously.

"Right. So, what was this about precisely?" She asked, gesturing to the table of deviants in front of her.

"Ah, well, just need a little help with something. Mind if we find a bit of privacy to talk?" I asked her. Her suspicions rising, she tentatively agreed, gesturing for us to follow her.

The 3 girls who started this whole mess all stood, and I could see on their faces that they were considering running. A very quick glare stopped that train of thought before it could even begin, however.

Blake and I stood, and began walking after Winter and the trio, keeping close behind them to keep them from getting any bright ideas.

"Oh, sir! Excuse me, you forgot to pay for your meal!" I heard. Turning, I saw it was the waitress, holding Blake's empty plate and my parfait glass. Blinking, I 'oh'd in surprise, genuinely having forgotten.

"I'm sorry miss, I got distracted with my friends and forgot," I apologised, grabbing my wallet and taking out some cash. The meal itself was only around 15 Lien, but I went for 25, as an apology for the unintended dine and dash. She was a good sport and waved the apology off, wishing us a good day.

Joining back with the main group, Blake gave me a faux reproachful glare, tsk tsking in admonishment.

"Bad form Eclair, very bad form," Winter playfully chastised, causing me to sigh. Seriously, I genuinely forgot because I got distracted by the situation at hand! It happens! These people can't let anything go.

Grumbling, I squared my shoulders and followed after the group.

Winter led us down the street, coincidentally towards the direction I parked my car. There was a small public library and an equally small tool and hardware store on the street that had a short alleyway between them, with a turn that led behind the hardware store, likely for deliveries. And from the cigarette butts on the ground, I'd guess it's also the usual spot for the workers to take a smoke break. This is where Winter took us for our private conversation.

"Alright Eclair, what is it you want, exactly?" She finally asked, crossing her arms over her chest and giving me a flat look. Causally, I draped my arms across Dew's and Gwen's shoulders, causing them to flinch, whereas Blake stayed near Octavia. I imagine she still wasn't happy about her ice coffee being thrown.

"These 3 ladies have committed a very serious crime, Officer. They tried threatening myself and my worker to comply with their demands, otherwise they would hurt us. They still have the switchblades on them," I informed Winter. She sighed, facepalming in exasperation. Snapping her fingers, she held a hand out, palm facing the sky, her demand clear.

Slowly, and tentatively, Octavia, Gwen and Dew all handed over their little knives, though Dew, quite simply being stubborn, needed to have me painfully squeeze her shoulder before she finally gave it up.

"And why, pray tell, were they threatening to stick you with knives, Eclair?" Winter asked. Stuffing my arms back into my pockets, I shrugged, indifferent.

"From what I can see it's a long story. These girls appear to be old friends of one of my workers," I began, scratching my cheek thoughtfully, "I think they wanted me to take them to Nebula, their friend, so they can try and convince her to leave with them back to Vacuo. Before you ask, why they didn't try and just talk to her themselves back at the House is beyond me. Something about my place being dirty. It's not dirty!"

Ignoring my indignation, Winter stepped past me and up to the 3, giving them a critical eye.

"So, is what Eclair saying true? You used knives in an attempt to coerce him into doing what you wanted?" She interrogated them. Gwen and Octavia nodded, whilst Dew turned her head away with a huff, stubborn. Winter groaned, shaking her head sadly, "Seriously? That is all sorts of illegal, it's not even funny! What the hell made you think that could possibly work out?!"

"Well he pulled a gun on me!" Gwen exclaimed, offended at being talked down to like that. Winter, unamused, gave her a glare that had the shorter girl cringing.

"Did he pull a gun on you before, or after you threatened him?" She questioned. Contrite, Gwen allowed her head to fall, just looking at the ground. The answer was pretty clear.

"This one threw my drink too! I was enjoying that!" Blake interjected, pointing at Octavia with an accusatory finger. Winter deadpanned, and I must admit, I gave her a rather flat stare as well. Blake shrugged, unabashed, "What? My thing's important too!"

Ignoring that, Winter turned back to me, raising an eyebrow curiously.

"What exactly are you wanting me to do, Eclair? Arrest them? Run 'em out of Vale like the old west?" She asked, the 3 freezing at the mention of the word 'arrest.' Admittedly, I was tempted to have Winter throw the book at them, and I'd likely feel a heavy sense of vindication if she did, but considering they were Nebula's friends, or ex-friends or whatever, I decided that having Nebula herself join the conversation would be the best move.

"I just need you to help me move them to the House and keep them there. I'm thinking that Nebula herself should probably weigh in here, but I'm not sure if she's awake or anything so we'll have to keep them at the House for now," I figured, crossing my arms and sighing. Winter gave me a deadpan stare.

"You want me to help you transport unwilling people to your business and keep them there, potentially for hours, and what? Just sit around sipping martinis with you? Help your workers rehearse for their shift?" She sarcastically asked.

I smiled, nodding emphatically.

"Sure, why not?" I said. Blake laughed, unsurprised by the answer.

And why shouldn't Winter sit around and chill at the House for a bit? Might finally get her off my case. Plus, the 3 might not be totally unwilling! Watch.

"You 3, if you want to see Nebula again, here's what you need to do. Agree to come with me, Blake and Winter to my place, the House of Ecstasy. There, you'll see Nebula again when she comes in for work. On the other hand, you can disagree, and I'll have you arrested. Make your choice," I offered them, putting my hands back in my pockets, waiting expectantly for them to either agree or disagree. The 3 looked at each other, clearly mulling over the offer.

"I really don't want to go anywhere near his club, Dew, but I don't think we have much of a choice. This might be our only way to talk with Nebula again," Octavia commented. Gwen and Dew both winced, the thought of going to the House being that disgusting to them. Which was honestly incredibly insulting.

"Fucking hell," Dew muttered, clearly uncomfortable with the idea. She groaned, unhappy, but gave in, "Fine. Fucking take us to your little club, asshole. But Nebula better show up."

Waving her off, I turned back to Winter, spreading my arms wide in victory. See? Perfectly willing!

"Uh, question? How are we all going to actually get to the House? There's 6 of us, and your car only sits 5," Blake interjected. We paused, the realisation dawning on us. She was right.

"Okay, simple. These 3 sit in the back," Winter started, pointing to the girls mentioned, before moving over to direct attention at Blake, "And Blake here sits in your lap in the passenger's seat while I drive. Easy."

Immediately, I shook my head no.

"Uh-uh, no way. I like my car. No one but me drives my car. And even if I did, I sure as hell ain't letting you drive my car, Winter!" I interjected. She turned, and looked at me oddly, raising an eyebrow in question.

"That a jab at me being a woman, and saying I can't drive?" She asked, putting her hands to her hips. All eyes turned to me, daring me to say yes. The temptation was there, if for no other reason to piss Winter off. But nah, wouldn't be worth the argument.

"It more has to do with you hating me, and potentially scratching my paint job just to annoy me," I deadpanned, placing my hands on my hips, copying Winter's stance. She pursed her lips, and a slow, small smile graced her features.

"Hmhm, okay, fair point. What do you think we should do then?" She asked. I hummed in thought, just as lost as she was.

"I got an idea!" Blake offered, all eyes turning to her again, "We put Octavia in the trunk, and have Winter sit in the middle!"

We all turned to her, shocked by her vicious grin. Octavia especially seemed put out, no doubt the idea of being shoved into the trunk of a car being very off putting.

"Blake, you're only saying that because she threw your drink away," I muttered, facepalming. She shrugged, unapologetic.

In the end, we decided that Winter would be the one sitting in the passenger's seat, with Blake sitting on her lap. It was very amusing to see the venomous looks they sent each other, totally worth the fact that I had to promise Blake that I'd pay her back by buying her more iced coffee. I think she was growing an addiction, but she just said she had taste.

Whatever, who cares.

The car ride was, unsurprisingly, spent in near total silence, everyone tense for one reason or another.

Like I thought, I did get a little chuckle at seeing Blake sit in Winter's lap, the two both incredibly uncomfortable. But I quickly stopped laughing when the two gave me a sharp glare. Honestly I'm not even sure what they're upset about! Winter got to feel Blake's butt on her lap and Blake got to feel Winter's chest on her back. Silver linings, you know?

But yes, the car ride was obviously tense. Gwen, Octavia and Dew were all taut as a guitar string, shuffling in their seats and mumbling stuff under their breath.

"Soooo. You girls been in Vale long?" I asked, attempting to break the ice. In the rear view mirror, I saw Dew give me a very vicious glare, her fingers twitching in a way that made me think she wanted her switchblade. I'm glad Winter had the forethought to take their knives away.

"Like a month, I guess," Octavia muttered, keeping her gaze locked onto the passing view outside. I nodded, pursing my lips thoughtfully.

"Cool, cool. Seen any good sights?" I questioned, only for Blake to reach over and gently place her hand over my mouth, slowly shaking her head. Right, message received, no conversation on this car ride.

I hate silence.

"So that's your place huh?" Dew asked, stepping out of the car and peering up at the House. Once we all exited the car, I locked it behind us, standing by the group as we all looked up at the House in all its glory.

"Yep! This is my business! House of Ecstasy, catering to 4 of the 5 main senses! Sight with beautiful girls, scent with incense being circulated around the building, hearing with the music, and finally taste with good food and drinks," I welcomed them, putting my hands on my hips and standing confidently, pride welling up in my chest. This was mine! I worked for this House, I maintain and care for this House! I put my blood, sweat and tears into this place!

"It's aight," Gwen commented, shattering my confidence.

"So only sight, scent, hearing and taste? What about touch, hm?" Octavia questioned, giving me a distasteful glare. I sighed, waving her off.

"I considered it, but most of the girls weren't on board, so I just scrapped that idea," I answered, with Blake sidling up to me, nodding emphatically.

"Damn right. If I'm sleeping with someone, it's because I want to and not because I'm paid," she decided, with a fierce certainty. I threw up my hands in surrender, non-confrontational.

"Hey you don't need to convince me, I don't have any problem with that," I told her. Smirking, she patted my arm, nonverbally congratulating me for being so well behaved.

Leading the way in, and at least pretending to be the Boss of this place, I opened the doors and entered into the House, stretching my arms above my head with a satisfied groan. Blake did similar, stretching her arms out, before taking a seat at a table and making herself comfortable once more. Winter also sat, but kept a straighter posture, obviously not as comfortable here since she didn't visit very often.

Dew, Gwen and Octavia eyed the place around them. They seemed to have an element of surprise on their face, as if they expected the House to be much more, I dunno, messy and dirty? Scummy looking? Something like that I guess.

Octavia drew a finger across one of the bar counters, checking her finger, and pursing her lips in annoyance when she saw that it was clean of any dust or debris.

Checking my scroll, I saw that it was nearing the mid afternoon, and sighed.

"May as well make yourself comfortable everyone. Work doesn't start for hours, and I imagine that the other girls are asleep right now to prepare for the night," I instructed them, closing my eyes, leaning back in my seat and crossing my arms behind my head.

"Seriously? You can't just call Nebula and tell her to get here now?" Gwen asked, to which I shook my head, eyes remaining closed.

"Nope. She needs sleep. They all do, and I'm not gonna wake any of them for anything less than a full blown, life or death emergency. It's called common decency, you should try it sometime," I said. Even with my eyes closed, I could hear the 3 girls' teeth grit in annoyance and aggravation. Sighing, I opened my eyes and looked at Blake questioningly, "Any word in the group chat?"

She shrugged, and swiped over to check their group chat quickly.

"Mmm, not seeing much. Yang, Ciel and Neon posted a few pics of their lunches and stuff, but nothing from Nebula for that last day or so," She informed me. Turning to Gwen, I shrugged.

"See?" I asked, to which she turned, and walked over to another counter to have a sulk.

Whatever, not my issue.

"Well what are we supposed to do while we wait?" Dew asked, turning on the spot and looking at the House with distaste. Humming in thought, I gestured to the foyer at large.

"Just do whatever you want I guess. As long as it doesn't cause any property damage and you stay here in the main foyer, just do whatever. Chill, dance on stage, I seriously don't care," I told her, waving her off. She gagged, looking a little green, eyeing the stage with a disgusted expression.

"I wouldn't be caught dead on that thing, especially with that abhorrent pole you have! Would probably catch a disease," she groused, shivering dramatically. My eyebrow twitched, annoyance beginning to swell in my chest. Seriously, do they have to keep knocking my place down? They don't know anything about the House, why do they get to judge?

"Firstly, stop disparaging my House. You're guests here, I could just as easily have you wait outside on the cold hard floor, be thankful. Secondly, I'd bet that this place is cleaner than your actual homes! We take very good care of our workplace, and all of our equipment, including the pole," I told them, a little bit of anger seeping into my voice. They rolled their eyes, unconcerned, and clearly not taking me or the House seriously.

Winter just sat at a counter, sipping some sort of spirit from a glass, watching the drama unfold. She better pay for that.

"Forget it Boss, they aren't listening. They're tOo GoOd for this place," Blake groused, giving the 3 a deadpan stare, mocking their sensibilities.

And then, like an epiphany, an idea struck me.

"Fine, I guess you're right. The club and dance life just isn't for everyone," I bemoaned, shrugging indifferently. Gwen, Dew, and Octavia chuckled, thinking they had somehow won something over us. What is it they won over us, exactly? I dunno. That's just the looks they had on their faces. I continued, a smirk playing at my lips, "Besides, the pole and stage would be too much for them anyway. Most people can't handle it."

Immediately, the air got a little more tense.

Oh, pride truly is an easy target. 3 pairs of eyes immediately looked at me, insulted, Octavia standing from the counter and crossing her arms. Gwen and Dew, who were both a little closer to me, leaned forward with raised eyebrows, daring me to continue.

The thing is, I didn't have to. Blake immediately picked up what I was putting down, wearing a smirk herself.

"Yeah, you have a point. It'd just be too much for them. I don't think they're much used to hard work anyway," she said, muttering that last part, and yet still being loud enough for the 3 to hear her, and immediately become indignant. From the corner of my eye, I could see Winter's shoulders shaking, as she did her best to stifle a laugh.

"Are you two mocking us, bitch?" Dew asked, looking Blake dead in the eye, her mouth drawn into a frown. Far from offended, Blake took it in stride, shrugging innocently.

"I never said I was mocking you. Just pointing out the facts, yah know?" She explained, putting her scroll into her pocket and eyeing Dew back, never breaking eye contact.

"Well, let's get the facts straight, mkay? We don't dance on a pole because we have a little dignity, and class. What you do is not hard work, not even the tiniest bit. It's just twirling on a piece of metal, and there's nothing special about that," Gwen ground out, annoyed, her lips pulling back into a very stressed and very angry smile.

I chuckled, shaking my head mockingly.

"Right, right, you keep telling yourselves that. Maybe one day it'll come true," I teased, further incensing them, causing them to step closer and closer, until they were right in front of us.

Behind me, I could hear Winter approaching, and turning to look at her I saw that she was wearing a smirk, having caught onto what Blake and I were doing, likely from the very start.

"Stop acting like you're fucking special, okay? We don't need to prove ourselves to a sugar daddy and his pet," Octavia insulted, flipping the both of us the bird.

I'm really very sure that was racist.

Blake seemed to think so, slowly standing with both hands behind her back. Her smile was rigid, a little hint to the stewing anger within.

"On the pole. Now, bitch," she ordered, looking Octavia dead in her eyes.

"Fucking make me," She retorted, to which Blake's smile widened into a vicious grin.

"That can be arranged," She threatened, and I damn well believed her.

Before Blake could get any angrier and, I dunno, kill the 3 girls before they had an opportunity to talk with Nebula, I stepped between them, holding my hands up and separating them away from each other.

"Oookay! How 'bout we tone down the aggressiveness here, yeah?" I chuckled, patting Octavia and Blake on the shoulder. Octavia shrugged me off, stepping back, while Blake took a deep breath and attempted to calm herself down. From the sidelines, Winter watched, no doubt entertained like this was day time television.

"Look, we clearly have some very passionate and strong headed women here. So rather than killing each other, why not make this a little interesting~," I started, rubbing my hands together excitedly. The girls all looked at me, fascinated, but also a touch suspicious. I continued, ignoring that, "It's simple! 1 vs 1, we have a little dance off on the pole. Whoever does better, gets bragging rights!"

Silence. No one seemed to think my prize was particularly interesting. I sighed, helpless.

"And a 200 Lien gift card to a store of their choosing," I finished.

Immediately, Blake and Octavia stepped forward, with Dew and Gwen stepping with their friend in a show of solidarity. Should've figured.

"Alright, I'm in! What are the rules?" Octavia excitedly asked, the promise of an expensive gift card of her choosing galvanising her. Chuckling, and throwing Blake a secret smirk, I began explaining the rules, as requested.

"It's easy. 5 minutes a dance, one at a time. Whoever does the best, wins the card," I explained. Like I said, it was easy. Why overcomplicate things?

"Done! Just let me go to the dressing room, jeans and a sweater aren't exactly pole dancing attire," Blake excused, heading to said dressing room, with a confident step. Which of course, left me alone with Winter, and the girls that had pulled knives out on me. Great. I considered trying to chat with Octavia, Dew and Gwen, but decided not to, instead turning to talk with Winter while we waited.

"So, how's work going?" I asked, to which she shrugged, giving a so-so gesture.

"I'm afraid you've been put on the back burner a little. Bigger and more important fish to fry, and all that," She explained. I nodded, understanding. Tyrian was probably one of those bigger fish she mentioned. And I had no doubt that there was more after him. Any financial crimes, real or alleged, were insignificant compared to a lot of the other shit that happens here in Vale.

"Fair enough. What are you doing besides work though?" I questioned. Winter blinked, before laughing in sudden mirth.

"Mr Eclair, are you chatting me up in your own bar?" She wondered, giving me a suspicious but slightly amused look. I chuckled, scratching the back of my head in slight embarrassment.

"Heheh, no, no, I'm just talking, I promise. No bad intentions here," I swore. Thankfully, she seemed to believe me, chuckling as she finished off her drink.

"Mm, nothing exciting. Besides work, I've been visiting some of the very few places of culture in this city. Do you know how few institutes of art, or music there are? Or just, buildings dedicated to something other than sex and pleasure?" She asked, letting out an exasperated sigh at the mere thought of it. I chuckled, knowing perfectly well how few of those types of places there were.

"Yes, yes I do know. Believe it or not Winter, I have a life outside of the House yah know. I like other things," I told her, which only seems to cause her to have another life.

"That's right! You recited that interesting little bit of poetry of yours! How is that going by the way? Are you planning on retiring and becoming a poet, laid in the hills with your harem, Mr Eclair?" She teasingly asked, smirking at my dramatic pout. Before I could retort, and believe me I certainly had a retort ready for her, Blake exited the dressing room, heading for the stage.

Her new outfit wasn't crazy, just better for the pole. Some fishnet stockings, a white crop top that exposed her midriff, and some jorts, which she made look very, very good.

Winter and I moved closer to the stage, whilst Octavia, Dew and Gwen took a seat on the other side from us, still close to the stage, but far away from us.

"Alright! I think it's only fair that Blake goes first, since this is her workplace and all. Any complaints about that?" I asked. Receiving none, I then took my scroll out and pulled up a playlist, my thumb near the play button.

"Okay, reminder, this is just a 5 minute dance, not the usual length. Just go ahead and go wild, Blake. We ready?" I questioned, to which she nodded confidently, stepping up to the pole and wrapping one hand around it.

"Hold up! Doesn't that shirt belong to Neb?" Gwen suddenly asked, drawing all eyes to the crop top Blake was wearing. I couldn't remember off the top of my head whether or not it belonged to Nebula or not, but I didn't need to, as Blake just smirked, and nodded.

"3-2-1-Go!" I quickly counted down, pressing the play button, loud club-type music playing before another argument could start, with Blake throwing herself into the rhythm, immediately dancing and twirling on the pole.

And with so little time, meaning that she didn't need to keep it going for 10's of minutes at a time, it meant that she could put all her energy into the impromptu performance. This was a sprint, not a marathon.

And Blake took full advantage of that, putting her whole body into it. Twirls, spins, the odd flip, all of it. She arched her back, her wild black hair splayed out, the picture of feral, sexual energy. God, I love my job.

"My, she's certainly putting her all into it," Winter quietly commented. I nodded, keeping my eyes on the show.

"You know how it is. Her pride in her workplace and skills are on the line, so she's pulling all the stops," I explained. It was true, too. Blake jumped, caught herself on the pole with her thighs, swung her whole body, turning in place, catching herself with her hands, and then gently lowered herself until she was back on the stage. All in one, easy, smooth motion.

I think that was what made Octavia realise that this wouldn't be so easy a task, as I saw her face pale slightly, her hands clasping together to keep from fidgeting. Heh, I felt a little vindictive joy well up inside of me at the sight of her nervousness.

But anyway, Blake continued her performance, one that would have made Glynda proud. Swaying hips, hands trailing up her own body, her leg hooking around the pole to allow her to arch her back, her hair falling like a black waterfall of pitch.

The final minute ticking away, Blake pulled something even I didn't expect.

While a good 7 feet off the ground, her legs hooked around the pole, she arched her back, all the way, until she was upside down, her hands keeping an iron grip. And before our very eyes, she lashes her legs out, flipping herself at an angle, now right side up, swung her lower half back and dropped, smoothly landing in a perfect split.

God. Fucking. Damn.

Panting, her face red, Blake stepped off the stage with a wide, toothy grin, winking at me as I approached. Before I could say anything, she lunged, wrapping her arms around my shoulders and slammed her lips to mine in a surprise kiss that took my breath away. When she pulled back, I saw the prideful, smug look in her eyes, and kind of understood. She knew she had this in the bag, and was feeling a sort of high because of it.

Smirking, Blake sat back down at a table, crossing one leg over the other, and leaning back, looking like a Queen observing her kingdom.

"Uuuuh, ahem. Right! Octavia, your turn!" I announced, finally managing to clear my head.

Biting her bottom lip in worry, the redhead tentatively approached the pole, looking at it as if it were set to smack her.

Oh, you poor, poor thing.

"You good to go, Octavia?" I asked, hesitant to press play, seeing as the redhead looked, well, out of sorts, you could say.

"Uuuh, y-yeah, yeah I'm good. Just getting psyched, I guess," She stuttered, edging herself ever closer to the pole. I was starting to think that this may have been a bad idea.

However, it seemed that Octavia had someone up above looking out for her, as the front doors opened, interrupting the sudden competition. Turning our heads, we all peered at the entrance to see who it was.

And to our surprise, it was in fact Nebula, who upon noticing all of the eyes looking at her, froze in place, surprised.

"Uhm . . . Hey?"