When he decided to hire Nina Williams for his personal security, Jin Kazama expected that the two of them would have little to say to each other (especially when he took into consideration their similar character) and that they would just stick to their respective jobs. He didn't expect that they would engage in countless, trivial conversations that were unfathomably enjoyable, despite the uselessness of discussing the weather and the office.

It was because of that, perhaps, that he had come to view her as a… valued acquaintance instead of an employee, often looking forward to their daily banter in the midst of the misery he was causing and receiving.

This evening, however, he was putting a large amount of effort into keeping his eyes off his bodyguard as they both sat in silence in the sleek, black company car. He had taken to staring out of the impeccable window while she was intently focused on her phone. It was a difficult task, seeing as the passing streets and buildings did little to captivate his interest, but it was one he would fulfil without fail, even if it drained his willpower in the process.

After all, he was already pushing her out of her comfort zone, asking her to pose as his partner for a banquet that he had to attend while simultaneously performing her usual duties. Maybe it was because of the… keenness he held for her, but the last thing he wanted to do was make her more uncomfortable by bringing attention to her formal attire.

Unconsciously, the mention of her wear made him look her way.

A change from her usual fashion of casual ponytails and office jackets, for the evening she wore a teal cocktail dress, adorned with an elaborate silver belt with her hair done in a side ponytail, blonde curls cascading onto her bare shoulder. He admitted to himself that she was looking… striking.

It was during his observation of her attire that she looked up from her phone and locked eyes with him, and he found that he couldn't look away.

Though there was no other change in her features, he saw something stirring in her eyes that he couldn't identify. He was distracted from deciphering the mysteries within them when her peach lips parted to speak.

"How're you holding up boss?"

Jin was genuinely taken aback by that query, so much so that a little of that surprise snuck out and presented itself on his face. Those same lips curled into a smirk at the sight.

About as well as I suspected.

"Forgive me," Jin finally found his tongue, though it still moved uncertainly behind his teeth. "I just felt… I felt that you were more deserving of that question."

"Oh?" she said. "And why is that?"

Realising he had been staring at her mouth the whole time, he flicked his gaze to meet hers.

"I asked you to come to this event, without consulting your preferences."

Jin sighed, leaning back into his seat and watching the blurred backdrops. They sat in silence for a moment, eventually punctuated by the swishing of a cocktail dress when she decided to cross her legs.

"I'm your employee. As long as I'm paid, I'll do whatever is required."

The motto of Nina Williams.

"Besides, I've been to a few red tie events," she added as if trying to reassure him. His attention was on her but his posture remained unchanged, his chin now resting in his hand, supported by the arm rest beneath the window.

"Though, I'm sure this is the first time you've to protect the target, instead of eliminate," he mused, straightening his posture as the limousine began to slow down, approaching the entrance to the hall, red carpet and all. As the sound of the chauffeur's door opening reached his ears, he spared a last glance Nina's way.

In her hands was a 9mm pistol, letting out a ka-chak as she swiftly reloaded it. Once the deed was done, one hand raised the hem of her dress to reveal a holster on her upper thigh. His eyes followed her movements as she fastened the gun, before teal fabric slid over it, hiding her dangerous asset from the world.

"The night is still young," she said, golden curls fluttering when the car door was opened for them. Nina disembarked without another word, and Jin forced himself to follow her just as quickly.

Confronted by the glamorous building, he wiped all surprise and… keenness from his face, leaving in its place professional stoicism. Without delay, Jin held out his tuxedo-coated right arm to Nina, around which she graciously curled her slender yet built arm.

As they settled into a relaxed pace towards the entrance, amidst all the other attendees, Jin sensed his companion lean her face close to his ear, whispering "I've got it under good authority that about three parties are here to take you out of the picture, being funded by some business tycoons."

"Anyone I know?" he asked, the words ghosting past his lips so that only she would hear.

"Regrettably, it's hard to trace exactly who's issued the demand, but-" she paused, "-you needn't worry about their goons."

He spared a glance her way at the last phrase, noticing how those vibrant, aqua eyes were focused straight ahead, that familiar resolve of getting the job done behind them, and he felt completely relaxed.

"Do what you must," he said. "I'll follow your lead."

"Affirmative."

Though also impressive from the outside, the interior seemed straight out of Mount Olympus, complete with rich tapestries, colossal windows and impeccable floors and walls. A small orchestra belted out classical piece after piece and a fair amount of people had begun to waltz to the sublime melodies. Between all of the guests, waiters and waitresses weaved seamlessly, carrying trays laden with gourmet cuisine.

Nina had clung to him for the first five minutes to establish among the attendees a familiarity, the workings of her mind hidden behind a façade of sophisticated insipidity. Though perhaps, that was a bit biased coming from him.

Many of their fellow aristocrats found her quite to their liking, despite the fact she rarely expressed anything beyond a generic compliment or polite fascination. He found it strange how her current attitude contrasted so much with her usual cynical and sarcastic comments, all with an air of matured experience. He supposed she believed this was necessary so he decided to let her do as she fit.

Of course, it was obvious which Nina he'd prefer to spend time with.

But, eventually, she disappeared into the surroundings, for valid reasons he was sure, leaving him to deal with the crowd alone.

On the very top of his list of annoyances were the few elites who attempted to talk him up to spare their properties from his plans of conquest, their countenances all too smarmy. He couldn't help but think horribly of them, what with them thinking nothing of grovelling at the feet of a villain if it meant they'd be able to keep their positions in this world.

In the end, it seemed that it didn't matter how black and bloodied the hands that held gold were, so long as they were willing to share.

Of course, he was still the clear monster among men. He was the one raining blood and soot wherever he waved his hand, and he was the one who came here to see what other people and places he could exploit.

"Greater good," he found himself whispering to himself, as if in comfort, as if in justification. "Greater good."

"I'm sorry?" asked the man who had been prattling on for a while now, giving him a look of confusion that was difficult to confirm due to his bushy eyebrows and moustache.

"I'm considering your proposition," Jin replied instantly, never once betraying his true thoughts. His accomplice brushed it off just as quickly, resuming in his prattle "Yes, yes, I'm glad you're seeing the benefits! Why... the two of us could reach great heights-"

At that point, the nameless man from a nameless company was silenced when a tray of drinks was brandished in both of their faces.

"Refreshments?" enquired the young woman to whom the tray belonged, dressed in a uniform worthy of any high-paid waitress. The man opposite him accepted immediately while Jin politely refused. Annoyingly, his unwanted acquaintance chose to harp on this.

"Why, Mr Kazama! I haven't seen you touch anything since you've arrived! Surely, you must be famished?" he said, pointing at him with the hand that held his glass. Jin dismissed this with a slight wave.

"Perish the thought," he smiled, forcibly, sweeping the area with his gaze as an alternative to looking at the man. It was during this that he caught a glimpse of someone amongst the glamorous yet faceless crowd. It was a woman whose shine seemed different from that of all the others, clad in a bold and conspicuous red that stuck to her form, accented with some gold ribbons.

"… I'm simply careful about what I eat these days," was what he uttered, recognising the hue of her locks as she flashed him a smile. The lady began to walk his way, her heels clacking against the marble floor and Jin hated how she attracted attention from everyone within a five-metre radius.

He was sure that was intentional.

"Mr Kazama," she crooned upon approaching him. "You're looking well."

"Likewise," he nodded while his face remained impassive. The man who'd never quite left, and was struggling to keep his gaze from tantalising locations, questioned, "You two are well acquainted?"

"Naturally," she replied, her attention momentarily diverted but her tone still alluring. "We've known each other for years, after all."

"… I see," was all he could muster, his moustache bristling before he chugged his drink. While the raven-haired CEO had tried to escape during this exchange, the lady was shrewder than he had let himself believe. She was quick to call him.

"Mr Kazama! Surely, you don't plan on leaving yet, do you? Not when you haven't given me the pleasure of a dance?"

Facing her fully, his face bared a countenance of sombre gaiety, though internally he was seething. "Regretfully, I must decline your offer."

"Oh?" she sighed. "And why is that?"

He felt multiple eyes on him but he stood his ground, never wavering. Still, he greatly resented the woman before him for pushing him into a corner. Struggling to come up with a proper excuse, the moustached man was quick to add his own words to the mix. "I don't see how you could refuse such a lady her request. There are many here who would accept in a heartbeat."

"You flatter me," she intoned, though her gaze was fixed on Jin. Her rosy lips curled into a wicked yet brief smirk when she spoke again. "But, I'm sure Mr Kazama has his reasons… Am I correct?"

Bravo.

He had admitted his defeat and was about to offer his hand to her, thinking of different possibilities and how to counter them without arousing suspicion, when the unexpected happened. A slim, familiar hand slid across the back of his jacket and its twin rested on his shoulder.

"Yes, you are quite correct. I'm afraid he's already spoken for."

At that very moment, Jin could have sung his saviour's praises for all to hear. The two women exchanged a look that could be likened to poisoned honey, which seemed to go on for a great deal of time. Eventually, the one in red conceded "I see… That's a shame."

"Don't fret," Nina cooed, pressing herself against Jin, who had an amused smirk plastered on his face. "I'm certain you'll get your chance someday."

This appeared to strike a nerve, as the woman made to raise her hand in a jerky reflex, only to decide against it. She instead took to twirling her chestnut tresses around a finger, evidently peeved.

"Jin," his partner said, her tone requesting. "Shall we then?"

Though surprised by her using his name instead of the usually spoken 'Boss', he was quick in escorting her to the main floor, away from the bothersome moustached man and the vexed brunette. Soon enough, they were no longer the centre of attention and all the blue-blooded fools resumed in their idle chatter and slow dances.

"Ugh, I knew I'd find that minx here," Nina groaned, and Jin let out a brief exhale of relief. After that stressful situation, hearing his bodyguard speak like herself was almost melodious.

"And what's so funny, Mr Kazama?" she shot at him, her tone shifting to that of ridicule.

"Nothing," Jin replied. After seeing the look Nina was giving him, he went on "Nothing at all. I'm just grateful I brought you along."

"I'm glad. You are getting a five-star service. I expect nothing less than 100% satisfaction," she simpered, forcing them into a closed position once they reached the middle of the floor.

"Wait," Jin said as Nina closed in. "We're really going to-?"

"No shit," she jibed, gripping his hand tighter. "Or would you prefer to socialise some more?"

He had nothing to say to that. As she began to pull him along, he choked out "I've, uh, I've never-"

"Yeah, I figured as much. I assumed you would just follow my lead. You know, like you said you would."

Struck dumb, he and Nina stared at each other for a while, her look expectant. Understanding and nutting up, he let out a grand sigh and gave her a quick nod. Within seconds, he was being yanked away with a surprising amount of force.

Nina took the lead, swerving them both around the floor and past other couples. Their movements were surprisingly fluid, even with Jin stumbling occasionally. Because it was Nina, she threw a quip his way. "King of Iron Fist, Emperor of Two Left Feet."

"I don't recall smart remarks being included in your job description."

"Consider it an added bonus," she winked, spinning them around. It was during this that Jin managed to catch a glimpse of a shadowed figure on the second floor. Light glinted off a circular piece of glass that could've been a monocle. But he knew better.

"Ah," Nina let out, following her employer's gaze. She momentarily released his hand to procure something from her elaborately done hair. "Don't worry about that."

He only had enough time to notice that it was a cylinder with a dull red button before she brought her thumb down to press it. Almost simultaneously, the figure on the second floor was lost within an explosion of smoke, his ragged coughing barely heard over the music and ambience.

Before Jin could express any amazement, Nina discarded the button and clasped his hand again, pulling him even further into the mess of people.

"Should I even-" he began but was interrupted by his employee releasing his hand and grabbing the front of his shirt. His heart leapt up to his throat when she pulled him into a dip and he impulsively wrapped his arms around her waist. Both of her hands were weaving themselves through his hair as she leant towards his ear.

"Don't worry about anything," she whispered. "Just enjoy what little you can."

There was practically no distance between them at this point and he was all too aware of it. If it weren't for Nina's own steadiness, he surely would've dropped her, his grip felt so weak at that moment.

"I'm not here to enjoy," he said, his tone unexpectedly steady, as he tried to distract himself from their close proximity. She leant her head back to glance at him, the light in her eyes dancing.

"Neither am I," she said, pushing him back up and taking him by surprise. Fortunately, her strong grip prevented him from stumbling too far. "But I get cranky when I'm bored."

"I thought your job would've been engaging enough," he commented, but she rolled her eyes and scoffed "The guys here are amateurs. D-class. They're so easy, it's sad. Of course, Anna's easy too, just in more ways than one."

She had a chuckle over that, and Jin ended up doing the same. Recomposing himself, he asked, "And dancing with me is more entertaining?"

"Hmmm," she hummed in thought. Then, without warning, she hooked her leg around him and his brain ceased all activity.

"Definitely," she snickered, and Jin immediately pushed her leg off. His face burning, he immediately reprimanded her. "... Never do that again."

"Oh, I'm sorry Boss," she said, though the corners of her mouth were still upturned. "Here, let me make it up to you."

He opened his mouth to speak but stopped when she pulled a small blade, seemingly, out of nowhere. She spun the two of them around and stabbed the arm of a person to her right who had completely escaped his notice. The man let out a pained grunt and made to pull out the blade, dropping something at the same time that clanged against the marble floor.

Watching the colour red stain the man's sleeve, Nina spun the two of them away. "Am I forgiven?"

"Don't you think someone will notice?" he murmured, reeling in from the shock.

"Nah," she drawled, nonchalantly. "Even D-class assassins know not to draw attention to themselves. E-class, however-"

"Well… colour me amazed."

"Does that mean I'm getting a raise?"

"I thought you said all of this was easy?"

She puffed air through her lips. "Worth a shot."

"How are there so many people with weapons here?" he muttered, meeting eyes with her. "I understand they have their ways but they seem a bit too-"

"Conspicuous?" she finished for him. "That's because you're paranoid and I'm a trained professional."

Jin rolled his eyes at that.

"Also, a lot of people want you dead, so I'm sure plenty of the organisers are willing to look the other way on this," she guessed, her demeanour incensed for whatever reason. Not liking the look of it, he found the words "It is to be expected…" stumbling out of his mouth.

Her brows furrowed in an expression of concern before apathy washed over her face. The music also seemed to be reaching a decrescendo and the crowd surrounding the two of them slowed their movements. Nina relinquished her hold on his hand and instead draped her arms over his shoulders. His own automatically slid down to her midriff as well.

She rested her head on his shoulder, a feat that could be accomplished due to her wearing high heels, and murmured to him "Boss, we'll talk about this when we get back, okay?"

Her blonde curls tickling his face, feeling her embrace, hearing her words… it all warmed his heart in an unfathomable way. He mumbled into her hair "I suppose that qualifies for getting a raise."

He could feel her smirking against his jacket.

"I can already see a new tea set in my cabinet," she grinned, her eyes no doubt sparkling. Her elatedness deflated with the next line "But… that'll have to wait until we're out of this joint."

"And do you plan on dancing with me the whole time?" he asked, his tone ambiguous. She let out a "Pft!"

"It's only been one song! And besides, I can see a few other people begging for a knife in the knee."

"Then, I suppose I have an enjoyable evening ahead of me," he confided, the band preparing for the next symphony. "Do what you must. I'll follow your lead."

"Affirmative."

Not much to say for this except now this story is officially a multi-chapter now! Yay!

Also, I'm now accepting any prompts or ideas for future one-shots! Yay again!

May Peace Be Upon You.