[BSD-RP] Human World: Naruki City

[Shinigami]

Naruki City ———————————— traveling from ———————————— Schatten Bereich
“All that money you got and you can’t ask them to put pockets on your dresses? Whatever, let’s get this show on the road.”
“Always complaining! You have no idea how hard it is to be a woman. All you do is punch things, you ruffian!”
It was the most convenient way to travel, especially while being able to go undetected by the spiritually aware. While one hundred years have passed in the Schatten Bereich, and possibly the Shinigami and Hollow Realm, only a mere ten years have passed in the World of the Living. The cities have healed as best as they can, but the events of the beings from Hell are still discussed in a hushed whisper. It wasn’t as though the topic was taboo, but the fear of possibly something of the likeness returning to destroy what was left behind terrified these lowly humans. Ignorant, unknowing humans that only look forward to grace after death. If only they knew…
Blume is the first to step out from an empty hall, the shadow cast against the back wall towering over her head, even more so than Dominic’s. Presence masked, even upon their arrival, the young Empress stretches her arms out in front of her and releases a pained groan. She, much like Dominic, really disliked formal wear, but it was more the events that she hated. From birth, her sense of physical touch with other people was extremely limited, and during her younger years, she couldn’t even be in the same room with a single person for too long out of fear of killing them. However, as she grew older, Blume was forced to attend gatherings to find a husband so that she could bear an heir even stronger than she was.
With her hands now resting on her hips, the Quincy is lost in her thoughts when the sound of cheering rattles above her and she is snapped back to reality. Luckily, her reality consisted of a growing community of her people, surrounded by those that she holds close to her heart.
Down the hall she goes, the sound of clicking heels echoing off the walks, and Dominic isn’t far behind her as she makes her trek to the upper level of the event and hears the roar of the announcer as he presents the mastermind behind it all.
“Stephania.”
Her cerulean orbs fall onto the blaring red-headed seamstress as the spotlights fall directly onto her. Blume holds back a giggle, well aware of the woman’s theatrics. She was well aware of her true face; all involved in business carry themselves with this facade in the public eye. She pitied them. While she did have the Forge, Blume was working behind the scenes versus her two sisters that worked at the forefront. Money was not an issue, however, Stephania was the first that Blume would ever cut a deal with. The price was small to pay, a handful of gems for a series of personal attire and then some. Upon their first interaction, Blume had figured that this woman was intact with the spiritual outlook. From quiet observation, Blume was carefully able to deduct that this woman was not of her kind.
She possessed the same essence as that Avillio individual that Fred had kept company… What were they called again? Fullbringers?
After the introductions and words have been exchanged, Blume had waited in Stephania’s hall outside of her room. She had no problem waiting, but perhaps Dominic did. They wouldn’t be here for long. Blume was merely here to make a payment, and she was sure that the former champion didn’t want to show his face to the people. Blume was well aware of his achievements. After all, she had promised to sponsor his career in exchange for his services. It was never a loss, but it was a lonely time when he wasn’t by her side. She was only thankful that he hadn’t the slightest hesitation when it came to finally serve her when it was necessary. Blume would have always kept his words in mind when it came to her followers.
If there came a day that he left this world before her, she… would probably lose her mind.

Upon Stephania’s presence getting closer to her location, Blume had rummaged around in Dominic’s pockets for the items she’d stowed away with him and held them in her hands. At the moment their eyes met, Blume’s expression would grow into a gentle smile as she raised her arms up and out, greeting the seamstress almost immediately.
“Congratulations on yet another successful run, Miss Stephania. I have a gift for you.”
In the package that they had brought along the way, it was filled with assorted gems, rare and common, but worth millions, all within such a small carry-on. Holding it out towards Stephania, Blume waited until she accepted the payment. Not only was it for congratulations, but for continued business between the two. While most would see it as a strange and ludicrous exchange, Blume had also sought to have an ally on her side ever since finding out the relation Stephania had to the other realm. Spiritually aware humans were rare, and those that had an understanding and were able to perform their abilities were even rarer. The power that dwelled within Stephania was unknown, but Blume could feel it in each piece of the threads that rested against her flesh.
“I hope that our relationship continues to grow. If there’s anything else that you need from me, please do not hesitate to contact my assistant. Now,” Blume clasps her hands together, practically bouncing where she stands, “Why don’t you introduce me to other potential partners? I’ll even give you a tip for it.”
There was always an after-party after events like these. The models and stylists would run around, making their connections in order to get better deals, better pay, better benefits, better anything. Blume was more or less using this as an excuse to scope out other potential assets. She had gathered many over the course of ten years, but they weren’t much to look out for. She was biding her time, but time would not always be on her side.
Raising the slit that exposed her leg, Blume had pulled out her phone and if Dominic had seen, she would’ve stuck her tongue out at him childishly and tapped away to find her contacts. Scrolling through the list, she’d stopped at a little lightning emoticon and opened it up, coming up to their last conversation. Her face flushed gently, thinking of the most recent times in which they had a thorough conversation. They had talked about the events that happened all those years ago, and she had recalled actually crying… Shizuka Hyouzoku was one of the very few men in her life that had been able to see this vulnerable side of her, and she was okay with that. Even Dominic’s actions and words never elicited a tear, much less any complaining. His methods hardened her, but it was Shizuka that never failed to make her feel small.

[b] “Will you be available for dinner anytime soon? 
I’ll be within your jurisdiction for a week or so.
It’s been a while since we’ve had a chat, face-to-face. 
I understand if you’re busy though, Hyouzoku-kun.
I’m also sorry if I interrupted you while you’re working. Ganbare! Talk to you soon.
As usual, please take care of yourself.”[/b]

Once the text was sent, Blume’s attention was fully on the seamstress as they entered the after-party grounds. Turning back to Dominic, she gave him a once over and exhaled through her nose softly before she leaned down and whispered into his ear.
“Stick to the shadows. There shouldn’t be any problems, but if there are, I can handle myself long enough for you to find an escape route. Your clothes have always been tear-away. I’ve known you for well over a decade; I know you wear your loose clothes under there -- That’s why you always look so stuffy.”

 

[Shinigami]

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Good Business
”And as you can see, Oyabun-san, we did not lie about the durability of our product. Along with being tear resistant and waterproof they are also bullet and stab proof. However, the kinetic damage you may suffer from both of those can’t be nullified.”
Hansha Kaiyō (Reflective, Ocean; 反射, 海洋), CEO of the Stephania Brand, master of coffee brewing, murderer, and currently a salesman. In a warehouse located somewhere in Naruki he is in the process of selling some unique suits to the Yakuza, he has demonstrated how they are truly stab and bulletproof by testing them on himself. The shirt, vest, jacket and pants are all resistant to bladed weapons and firearms, the boss or Oyabun is sold on the idea and even impressed by the professionalism of Hansha who he had no faith in at the beginning. He sits in silence as his four guards look over the garments that were brought with and tested by Hansha.
”Now, I brought you three suits that have similar color schemes so you can mix and match the pieces however you want. I also-”
”What about my men here? Hmm? They are my shield and I believe my shields should be wearing these sort of suits.”
”Ahah, You make a fair point sir, however might I indulge you in a hypothetical? Say another vehicle pulls up next to yours and opens fire unsuspectingly or worse yet some punk sprints by and buries a knife or Tanto in you. Assassination attempts are not uncommon in your line of work and as such you cannot solely rely on the reaction time of your guards. By wearing these suits your survivability increases tenfold. The men who thought they shot you dead will be on the receiving end of your fury and retaliation, your infamy will spread as The Immortal Boss who cannot be felled by blade or gun. That sounds much more frightening than say one of your guards possessing the title of immortal bodyguard, right?”
The boss sits in silence, he does like the ring of that title with it alone and the legends it would create his infamy could spread across Japan like wildfire, across the world even! He grins from ear to ear and begins chuckling. He parts his lips to speak but Hansha raises a hand, he seeks to make the deal sweeter.
”Bedsheets, towels, bed wear, headwear, eye wear, scarves, ear wear during winter, shoes and socks. Other wearable items as well can be crafter and purchased that will ensure your legend persists. These perks could even be passed onto your guards here so that it extends to them as well. The underworld will be feared and owned by you all due to this suit of armor so fashionably crafted to be a three piece suit.”
The Yakuza boss is at the edge of his seat, he is grinning like a kid about to unbox presents at Christmas. Even his guards have lost their stone faced demeanor and start to grin. The thought of being unkillable is poison to the mind especially to those whose lifestyles are so dangerous. The boss stands from his seat and asks.
”How much!? For everything you’ve tempted me with! How much!?”
Hansha has them in the palm of his hand.
”To outfit you and your entire guard with everything I said will not be cheap as the materials we use are not normal, obviously. So to give you a solid price you can understand due to it’s value I shall give you the amount in U.S. currency. Twenty-five billion Dollars. Let not your heart sink to the pits of your stomachs because I’m sure you didn’t expect the cost of invincibility to be cheap, did you? Luckily we have payment plans, consider the money you brought with you tonight as a down payment and with that down payment you get three suits of invincible armor. So the Twenty million we discussed will be enough.”
This payment plan is basically a sort of Commission, they drop the money off at a location for it to be picked up and in return a new item, of their choosing, is delivered. If the boss wants everything he asked for he will have to fork over the Twenty-five billion. Hansha is no fool, he knows he’ll never get all that money out of the Yakuza, not in their lifetime, but he can acquire millions for the Stephania Brand with any commissions they put in. The Yakuza boss stands in silence for a moment and grins.
”And if we were to hold you, their precious CEO, hostage that price tag will drop and we will get what we want for free. That fancy suit you’re wearing may be invincible but that head of yours isn’t!”
The boss and his guards pull out their guns and take aim at Hansha’s head. The salesman now subsides and the murderer takes over. He looks at his watch, any minute now Stephania will be making her grand entrance and he can’t exactly be late for that. He turns his head to look at the gunmen, narrowing his eyes at them with disgust.
”Come on, what’s with the look? Associates should be-”
”I have no association with the filthy. Especially those lower than the dirt.”
Silence so potent the ears have to ring for the brain to make rational sense of it. The only sound heard next is the squeezing of a trigger, a passionate guard fires and hit’s Hansha in the head dropping him to the ground. Oddly enough it sounded like the bullet ricocheted off of him, somehow. He begins to stand up, dusting himself off much to their surprise.
”A promise, since I will be leaving this place soon, alive. If you send even your best hitmen after me I will send their remains back to you, one piece at a time, to your family residence, ALL of your families. But since I'm a professional we can continue this transaction.”
Their hands tremble, unsure of what product he is using to keep his head safe from danger but as of right now their guns can't kill him. The boss looks at another guard and shouts at him.
”He’s bulletproof! Don’t mean he’s stronger than any of you! Just take him down and strip him naked! Then we’ll see how invincible he is!”
The fluorescent lights of the warehouse buzz overhead, casting shadows of them below on the floor. The loyal guard makes his move, sprinting at Hansha in hopes of tackling him. He is but 3 feet from him when suddenly, he’s gone. It was like he fell into a hole so fast that it seemed like teleportation. In the next moment the guard is free falling from the sky, screaming at the top of his lungs before hitting the pavement below.

”How does it feel, to be so close to harming me, hm? One minute here then Poof, ghost. Tomorrow’s headline will read about the body of a Yakuza found dead in front of the Government Building from an aparent suicide as he flung himself from the roof of the building. Everyone will assume this was just a hit job but you know the media, they have to keep things clean for the masses.”
The clattering of guns hitting the floor echoes in the warehouse, his mind on more important matters Hansha checks his watch again, the words of the Yakuza boss go in one ear and out the other. The only thing he does pick up on is “Please take the money!” He looks up from his watch and his eyes shift to the briefcase in front of the boss who is performing Dogeza behind it with a knife in hand. If Hansha walks over to grab it he’ll stab his hand and use that moment to overpower him. Forehead to the ground he is snickering to himself when he hears the unlatching of the briefcase. He looks up to see Hansha counting the money inside and checking to make sure all the stacks of money actually have money in them and not just paper filler. Was it super speed? How did he grab the briefcase without him ever noticing? What is even happening anymore?
”Good it all checks out, Twenty Million here for the three suits. The offer is still on the table if you want what I offered, oh wait, it’ll be cheaper since one of your guards is now dead. But since I’m in a good mood, I’ll decrease the price a bit more due to your loss.”
”Y-you will?”
Hansha nods his head.
”Indeed, I’m a man of my word.”
There is no mistaking it this time, one of the guards literally falls through the floor, this one landing right next to the first one Hansha eliminated.
”Correction on that news headline, two Yakuza found dead in front of the Naruki Government Building. As promised the price has been lowered to Fifteen Billion. Now, before I leave is there anything else you wish to ask me? Ah! I almost forgot that payment must be delivered to the Naruki park at an arranged time, you have a five minute window to be late, think of it as a generosity. Nevermind about questions I have to get going now, don’t think of me as cruel, it's only business and I do what’s necessary.”
Before he knew it Hansha was gone and no matter how he said it his actions were only seen as cruel. He killed two men because he deemed it necessary for business. The boss, shaking from a possible near death experience, staggers to his feet and shuffles over to his three suits. He has his suits of armor laid out before him, but was it really worth standing face to face with Fukai Yami (The Deep Dark, 深い闇) to get them?
Shadows are never late
"May I present to you, our company's namesake, Miss Stephania!"
The flickering of camera’s and thunderous applause ring out for the center of attention tonight, Stephania. Meanwhile Hansha is among those clapping, when exactly he returned is unknown. Furthermore no one questioned his absence as it is not abnormal for him to operate out of view only to show up when his face needs to be seen for moments like these.
"Thank you everyone, for helping make this happen."
Hansha snickers a bit knowing that thanking this sea of leeches and filth is nothing more than a front to keep up appearances. It’s not as if all celebrities don’t do this, smile and laugh in front of cameras then curse their fans behind closed doors. Stephania’s precession makes its way towards another woman, one with the stature to be a model if not for her own personal matters she had to tend to such as being an Empress. Without anyone really noticing, the pale man with long onyx hair is suddenly among the group trailing Stephania, in his hand he holds a cup of freshly made coffee for the red head should she need it. As she exchanges words with Blume he lets his attention drift, his mind already on what appointments he has the next day to line the companies pockets even more.

 

[Shinigami]

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“Always complaining! You have no idea how hard it is to be a woman. All you do is punch things, you ruffian!”
”How hard it is to be a- HOW HARD IS IT TO PUT POCKETS ON A DRESS!?”
The Dominic of old slips through and typically this side of him only comes out when he is fighting or away from the prying eyes of the Diamante servants. He sighs and relaxes himself since soon he’ll be among the company of more snobs. He suffers it as he has done for the past ten years as Blume’s bodyguard, before his face was well known people would steer clear of him but as time wore on and as he rose in the MMA world it became harder to chase people off. Thankfully the pair arrive in an empty hallway from shadows that match their height and body shapes. The moment their feet touch that hallway floor Dominic’s senses go to work, sensing for any spiritual beings while his eyes scan for any troublemakers.
Bodyguard Life
He let’s Blume have her time to lose herself in her thoughts, he is her eyes and ears for the time being so the leniency is allowed. The cheering of the crowd outside is what brings her back and gives them cause to move from their arrival spot. They make their way to the upper level, Dominic treds along with his hands in his pockets, eyes scanning left and right as they move. He finds it ridiculous that people would gather to look at clothes that are impractical to wear in an everyday setting. Outside of this building those clothes look foolish and dumb and would only bring ridicule on the one wearing them. Maybe that's why they keep to their events and red carpet because even they know how foolish they look.
Once in the hall that led to Stephania’s room Dominic would be leaning against a wall, despite how bored he looked he was very much alert, ears picking up on footsteps, eyes trained for subtle movements and his spiritual sense honing in on their immediate area. Being most grateful for missing the majority of the show since it meant he missed having to interact with people. His eyes shot up in the direction of Stephania’s path of travel, while she had not physically appeared he could sense her, one of those fullbringers. If he is correct in his assumption the kid he fought a year ago was one of them or was he a Quincy? His Reiatsu and Reiryoku were too underdeveloped to determine exactly. While his mind was on the Fullbringer headed their way Blume decided to take her stuff back out of his pockets.
”You need a damn backpack or something. Have this lady make you a purse or something.”
Despite the complaint he really didn’t mind, it was more so him giving a friend a hard time rather than being serious. Then the woman of the hour appeared before them, Stephania. Blume hands over the package carrying gems worth millions. Stupid in Dominic’s eyes that little rocks dug up out of the earth and shined up are given such value. Rocks that are going to outlive the entire human race given an outrageous value just to add value to the person or people holding them. He keeps an eye on the group following the seamstress, but so far none of them seem to be spiritually aware.
“I hope that our relationship continues to grow. If there’s anything else that you need from me, please do not hesitate to contact my assistant. Now,” Blume clasps her hands together, practically bouncing where she stands, “Why don’t you introduce me to other potential partners? I’ll even give you a tip for it.”
He did not like that tone at all, that’s the sort of question that leads to being out all night at parties surrounded by what Dominic would call “douche bags”. He would normally roll his eyes but he stood silently keeping a soft smile on his face the entire time. But what almost broke this calm demeanor was when he witnessed Blume pulling her phone out from the slit in her dress. He only laughed at her childish antics since they were in front of business partners; he couldn’t exactly tell her how betrayed he felt at that moment. She had pockets the whole damn time. He looks back towards the Stephania group to notice her CEO, Hansha, blending into the group.
”Creepy ass pale dude…”
Dominic thinks to himself, he's a good judge of character and that guy gives nothing but bad vibes.
“Stick to the shadows. There shouldn’t be any problems, but if there are, I can handle myself long enough for you to find an escape route. Your clothes have always been tear-away. I’ve known you for well over a decade; I know you wear your loose clothes under there -- That’s why you always look so stuffy.”
Dominic raises an eyebrow at the stuffy comment and chuckles and turns to walk away saying out loud in response,
”I’ll remember that in the next spar!”
Now she’ll have to answer a host of questions from those following Stephania and maybe even the Seamstress herself would have questions about that remark. Dominic makes his way to the opposite end of the hall and turns a corner but that’s as far as he goes, resting with his back against the wall.

 

[Shinigami]

A Killer’s Paradise
Peace, they say, is the enemy of memory. It is through peace that one forgets the struggles and horrors of the past, through peace that one grows complacent, lazy and ignorant. In Naruki City there exists no peace, as the memory of that tragedy ten years ago remains lingering in the hearts and subconscious minds of those who survived. The memory of the destruction, the chaos, the lives lost still hang heavy like a thick fog over the city. Its people struggle to fall back into their daily routine, to return to some semblance of normalcy, but the scars of that day both visible and hidden remain ever deep. Things would never be the same, could never be the same.
GLUG
GLUG
GLUG
While the tragic events from ten years ago remain a mark, unexplained events, thoughts, and terrors clawing at the conscious minds of those affected, not all are so troubled. A tragedy to some, a boon to others. The mysterious disappearances and murders that had been plaguing Naruki remained unaffected, the story temporarily shelved in favor of other stories broadcasted to the people. With every major event taking place in the city, the number of deaths increased, hidden behind the veil of both tragedy and celebration.
GLUG
GLUG
GLUG
”P-ple-ase. s-S-stop. M-make...make it stop.”
A weak voice drowned out by the bustling noise of the city, obscured by the darkness of an alley. The street lights in this area had been out for months, the city doing very little to pick up the pace in repairing them making the area ripe for crime and thus, often avoided by the general populace, if they could help it that is. Along with the whimpering voice was the constant gurgling sound, as if someone..no, something was swallowing. It was as if this being, whatever it was, had been dehydrated and was gulping down whatever refreshment could quench its thirst in desperation.
”sSSshhHh, that’s quite enough of that now.”
Another voice, this one calm and charming. He spoke as if to comfort the other individual..yet his words were anything but comforting at all.

Laying on the ground was a young man, from his attire he was clearly some manner of server or busboy. He was meant to be elsewhere right now, attending a rather extravagant gala. The event was difficult for one to attend, and equally hard for one to find employment there given the company’s prestige and reputation. Instead of attending such an event and enjoying the prestige that comes with being in proximity to the wealthy and entitled, he finds himself sprawled on the ground by no will of his own. Crimson tendrils jutting from the ground impale his body in several places, keeping him pinned in place.
GLUG
GLUG
GLUG
Again the sound of drinking, swallowing, its source of origin the very tendrils that capture the busboy. His complexion grows increasingly pale by the minute, his skin becoming shriveled. Though impaled no blood spills onto the ground, instead it is being siphoned through the large tendrils locking him in place, robbing him of his vigor, his blood, his life force..his spiritual power as weak and sparse as it may be.
”T-T-Tsu-kune…help m-”
In this moment of peril, inching towards an inevitable demise, his mind as if grasping towards any strand of hope it could find, recalls a cook with a penchant for helping others. While he never had the luxury of getting to know the man one on one like a select few others, he admired his skill, his talent and moreso the stories he heard of his selfless acts for others. The rumors of his strength. Unfortunately, he was a man without connections, a dying man whose strength had failed him, his voice incapable of reaching anyone other than that of the man standing over him. His body continues to shrivel up more and more until there is nothing left save an indiscernible husk covered by the worker’s garments that lay precariously on the ground.
THUD
SPLAT
Several feet away from the mysterious man standing over his latest meal, is the sound of something large heavily striking the pavement, splattering along the ground. The blood tendrils begin to twist and flow from their place on the ground towards this strange man shrouded in the darkness of the alley, retracting into his body as he moves to investigate.
THUD
SPLAT
Again, that same sound rings out, unnoticeable to some from the surrounding noise of the city..but not to him. His feet continue to guide him towards the source of the sound, a familiar scent wafting through his nose. It is the smell of death, and blood. He approaches the corpses, hardly recognizable as humans from the impact.
”What’s this?”
The voice asks, approaching ever closer. He crouches down, studying the mangled bodies still spurting out blood. There is something faint upon them. These two hapless souls were not spiritual beings but..something was odd. There was a hint of something lingering on them, the traces while small and nearly unnoticeable already beginning to drift into nothingness.

”HOW VERY VERY INTERESTING.”
A crimson eye glowing in the dark, a large cheshire smile etched along his hidden features. The man seemed rightfully amused, giddy with excitement practically salivating at the thoughts coursing through his mind. His breathing had grown heavy and labored in his glee. Bringing his hand up to his chest, he took several deep breaths to calm himself. Now was not the time, he had to locate this meal fir-
”Hmm wait a minute. Didn't that last snack mention the name Tsukune?”
He just now recalls the final moments of his victim, the name bringing back a memory from the hospital. He folds his arms, tilting his head one way then the other as if pondering, or rather deciding something.
”Yes, I suppose I should make preparations for us to finally meet. It's been ten years after all Tsukune Furaiyori. I hope you’ve been well, and gained back even a little of what you’ve lost since then.”
He chuckles to himself, that same alarming smile creeping along his face as he ventures further into the darkness, leaving the corpses behind untouched. There was a brief flickering of a green light, and then..he was gone. Things were certainly looking up
For him that is.

 

[Shinigami]

x

♪♫♪

The grand show hosted by the company is not simply to parade the woman's creative designs, but serves as an opportunity to gain the support of the local community, by hiring local models, stagehands, as well even the catering. A highly rated chef gone into a lengthy hiatus due to unfortunate circumstances, his revival, and this show, will once again reignite everyone's love for his delectable food. Personally, Stephania is extremely picky about her sustenance, requesting information from a subsidiary farming company, ensuring the quality of its growth and organic upkeep, who has access to it; from preparing to serving, until it finally makes it before her. Assassination attempts in the corporate world are common, and as powerful as she is, she is still only a human.
Yet on this occasion, the company elects to seek out this highly praised chef, whos followers blog incessantly about. Droning on about the love and dedication that's poured into every meal that he makes. The promotional team of the company came across his social media in preparation for the show, showing not only his, but several other different files to Stephania to elect the caterer for the event. During her review, she focused and scrutinized even the placement of ingredients on the plate, as well as the creativity of the artist behind the plate, after all, plating is, in itself, an artform. A particular image of thinly sliced beef with garnish in the center draws her golden eyes. Carpaccio. So soft and tender it simply melts away on the tongue, with no need to chew. It's light seasoning causing an explosion of flavor in the mouth. That single image, showing the meticulous dedication of Chef Furaiyori in ensuring the quality and consistency of each paper-thin slice is what helps the Seamstress make her decision. This is such a feat to the seamstress, who is well versed in fine dining, that she can differentiate between a thick machine cut, and the far more skillful technique of using a knife to achieve a paper thin slice. This level of precision is far greater than any ordinary human, no ordinary humanly passion can reach this level. No, this is someone like her and Hansha, someone that possesses the innate ability to manipulate the souls of anything around them, it has to be the man's secret. So of course she would have to send an invitation to meet the local neighbors.

She watched the chef briefly up in her office, through a security camera screen, watching how he interacted with the prying press. From afar, her eyes glance over occasionally. She'll have to greet him personally later that night, when things were not so hectic, for now, she smiles and waves from afar. Stepping out of the limelight on stage, she interacts on a more personal level with her guests and business partners. Stephania greets and welcomes everyone warmly, exchanging pleasantries; networking. Like a spider, she spins her web, casting out the single threads until they reach farther and farther with each new friend. She's charming, alluring, and presents herself professionally as well as amicably. This lowers their guards to be susceptible to her charm, and she plays on that.
"Please, don't be shy. Help yourselves to the amuse-gueule. They're simply divine. I had too many during the show, and can't possibly eat another bite!"
She laughs heartily, infecting the crowd around her with laughter. Yet another lie slithers past her colored lips, as she waves her gloved hands, grazing and gesturing the guests to help themselves to the small, intricately made appetizers, meant to stimulate the palate. Group after group, she makes her rounds, a familiar presence hardly blending itself amongst the crowd, if not the steaming cup of coffee which she so graciously accepts. She smiles, momentarily lost in the bitterness of the coffee, then, when her attention returns to those around her, Steph throws him an inquisitive glance. Aware that this is neither the time nor place to publicly discuss the happenings of their... off-the-books dealings, a single nod is plenty to sate the woman's curiosity, at least for now.
Eventually, the designer is allowed reprieve from the mingling with hordes of humans, to tend to a very special appointment, one, she's been looking forward to for quite some time. To personally meet someone from the prestigious Diamante family, she will of course remain on friendly terms with a fellow international company. It's beneficial for both parties, as her own companies receives countless priceless gems she imbues into clothing or accessories, makes the exclusive collaboration that much more valuable, raking in piles of money. While the Diamante receive in exchange specially crafted clothing, capable of not only being impervious to human weapons, they offer a great resistance to otherworldly energies.
Her golden irises glisten under the illumination of the light as they catch glimpse of the statuesque woman awaiting her outside of the office. She can't help but smirk broadly, and extend her own arms out, keeping her distance as she leans slightly forward to her left, giving her a distant hug and cheek peck, a common greeting in the fashion world. Once the large double doors open to the mere presence of the woman, she invites them in, keeping her left hand steady with coffee in hand, while gesturing with her hand. When her eyes are drawn to the pouch of gemstones personally delivered by Blume, her face lights up, happily accepting the velvet pouch that safely houses the eccentric collection of stones.
“Congratulations on yet another successful run, Miss Stephania. I have a gift for you.”
The half drunk cup of coffee is immediately set down on the corner of her desk. Her movement is so fluid and graceful, like dancer waltzing in a hall, she glides over, taking the pouch for herself. She can't keep from smiling and even shakes with excitement as she scatters the collection across her desk. With a a pair of long metal tweezers, she picks up a single gem and holds it up to the light. The woman's eyes dilate, adjusting to view the details of the gem. It's color, transparency, and cut style, as well as any imperfections. Yet there are none to be found, instead, this is a perfectly cut pink diamond. Easily eight carats, worth at least six million US Dollars. Stephania is elated at the assortment gifted to her and turns her attention to the Quincy woman.
"Lady Diamante..." She closes in and lightly trails her fingertips along the waistline hem of the woman's dress, while eying Blume's bodyguard, then chuckles lightly. It's clear he's uncomfortable in "monkey suits", this is a world the brute simply doesn't understand. She winks at him before turning her attention back to the woman before her, or rather, the dress on the woman. "...you've made me so very happy. This dress looks magnificent on you. I am, of course, very grateful for your gift and your continued support.
I wasn't expecting you to personally deliver these; certainly glad you did. It's always a pleasure to see you.~ ♥"
Stephania's admiration of the hand crafted gown ceases when she lays her eyes on the Kaiser man, this time, paying closer attention with her eyes. He's farther away, silent, but attentive, even watchful of her proximity to Blume, his Empress. Her eyes quickly scan him top to bottom, rapidly gathering information in her head. His height. 71; No. 70 inches. The sole of his shoe is subtracted, then proceeds to calculate his reach: 72 inches. He's slender, yet quite muscular. The folds on his biceps add definition to the muscle mass on his arms, while the loose fold of his shirt show her he's quite fit. Slowly, she peels away from the Diamante lady and sits on the table, crossing her legs and shifting her gaze back to the woman, while in her mind Stephania begins to draft clothing for the retired athlete. An unexplored market to her, no doubt her lightweight and breathable fabrics will be favored by, well... everyone.
“I hope that our relationship continues to grow. If there’s anything else that you need from me, please do not hesitate to contact my assistant. Now,” The creative director watches as the gem mogul clasp her hands together and bounces excitedly in place, and chuckles. “Why don’t you introduce me to other potential partners? I’ll even give you a tip for it.”
"I was thinking exactly that. I just knoooow Mister Keiser will be a great addition our athletic team. Tell you what, I'll make you some things, wear them, and when you're ready to sign, we'll have that contract ready. You come in, take a few pictures. Easiest pocket money you'll make. Hansha can explain the rest."
The fiery woman doesn't even wait for a response. She exudes confidence and is certain the quality of her clothes will convince him to model for the access to an endless supply of it. Because who in their right mind would turn down such a cost effective opportunity? With the company able to schedule anything work related in accordance to his availability, it becomes even harder to say no.
As for potential business partners, well..." Stephania strokes her chin, shifting her weight on the table. "....we sent out an invitation to Kimura Enterprises, I wonder if they sent a representative." She taps her lower lip pensively, "...I'd really love to get some gem dust."
Always on her mind, things to make, what to decorate, "leftovers" no one would think to use, to embellish the details of her newest project, making the lettering and icons glimmer and sparkle under the light, while retaining the luxury element. As the designer loses herself in her own thoughts, she is oblivious to Blume's fiddling with her phone and the flushing of her cheeks. Stephania has other interests, just as earthly, yet not as carnal, and they consume her all the same. Getting the same exhilaration at the sight of a model modeling her design in front of the entire world. Stephania can't help but grin. That's when the sound of a message sending snaps her back to the present, and she blinks.
"Oh right! Silly me, I have a few people I can introduce you to." She gestures them on ahead as she slides off the table and lands with a soft tap. "Why don't you both go on ahead, I want to give these details to Hansha before they escape me."
She waves at them as they exit the office and return to mingling. The double doors shut close simultaneously as she turns her back towards and makes her way back to the scattered jewels on the desk. Now free of "the public, her smile drops, the customer friendly façade gone the moment the client is out of her "shop". It's reflex, automatic when dealing with business. She doesn't even try to fight it. Quickly, with metal tweezers in hand, she collects the precious jewels in their pouch. The skill of her hand becomes obvious as her hand weaves and blurs with each motion.
"Have them start finding matches."
She holds the heavy pouch in her hand for a few moments, the combined weight of the jewels is notable as the precious stones hit against each other, also creating a beautiful symphony for Stephania's ears. The next stage for these rocks is finding a suitable item to combine them with, like the beautiful pink diamond, something like that will go perfectly in a necklace, or a brooch. Even a hat. Her mind is filled with infinite combinations. Her hands slowly begin to bend further and further backwards, as if folding under the gravity, causing the weighted bag to slip from her hand. An accident? Or did she purposely let it slip, knowing Hansha will take care of it? She laughs, taking a seat on her own desk this time. A terrible habit of hers; to sit on furniture not meant to be sat on. It doesn't matter, no one dares tell her otherwise. She crosses her arms, expectantly, wanting to hear the details of the earlier sale.