Even though she threw a tantrum about manners, it appears she’s not so fond of the ‘ladies first’ concept and wordlessly asked him to lead her. The elements that bound him earlier disappeared, much to his chagrin. However, it meant that a more profound fun was to be had and so he’d lay low on being disappointed in the mean time. As they proceed on their way, the unknown woman all of a sudden asked for something she shouldn’t have.

His name.

Was it really that important? Humans and their desire to matter. Honestly, it was aggravating how he had to answer this very question each time he meets someone new. As if it was significant in the long run. He’s so used to calling people with names that aren’t theirs. So, why can’t they just do the same?

“Heh, trash huh?” She’s cute when she’s not being a total bitch. “Is that really the kind of name you’d prefer screaming and moaning in bed?”

            { ♕ }– “You're humorous,” she purred, as her lips curled into a condescending smile, “--I won’t be saying anything. I don’t expect to be satisfied by this.”

            The noble gestured rudely to the stranger as she rolled her eyes. If she got this over with, she would be able to get her end up. Hopefully he was satisfied--because having him run away would make things so much more complicated.

            Her heels clicked on the pavement as she walked, each step echoing the click click sounds from her shoes. It was silent momentarily as the strange couple walked, but once Espresso figured out words to fill the silence, she spoke.

            “I’ll call you...Algea. No, do you prefer Perses? ...Perhaps that isn’t right either.”

            Names were important--names were the thing that reminded you of the person. It reminded you that you must fear the being and tremble in its wake. Names were just as powerful as any other word.

            And words were known as the mightiest weapon of all.

            She crossed her arms as she walked with one finger placed on her chin--making her look thoughtful and intelligent. (It’s not like she isn’t wise, but the pose could be a new take on The Thinker if Rodin planned on remaking the sculpture...when he came back to life.)

            “Mm--. I was never much of a fan of the Greek mythology. I have read many novels and research papers about the ancient Greeks. They are a whole different sort of group. Very pretentious yet so incredibly foolish at the same time. I wouldn’t want to meet one.”

            Espresso increased her pace so she walked side by side with the slightly taller man. She looked at his eyes, and still saw the same hollowness inside of him--an undefinable void.

            “...No. Maybe one of those names are fitting for you. Ares? You hardly qualify to be a god--but maybe that’ll stick.”

            The noble cleared her throat, and she focused her vision on the road once more. She pointed to the hotel, very close by--only one block away. “Right up there.”

Though he knew his nervousness was probably at a high enough point that the hostess of this event could note it (which really didn’t help his nerves, it made him feel bad he was nervous in the first place and when he felt bad he got nervous - a vicious cycle) - as much as he wanted to hold it in check, it was rather difficult to. The sudden outreaching of the other’s hand and reassuring grip did do a great deal of soothing balm to his currently high-wire nerves, however: the hostess was relaxed, even though putting together such an event must be even more nerving than being in it.

He should therefore try to control his nerves and do the same, correct? A slow breath inwards to soothe himself further, before nodding. He was calmer, but wasn’t QUITE calm enough to stop the stammers just yet.  “I’ve ne-never seen such art of fantastic qu-quality where I hail from - so it is won-wonderful to get to see it up close. I shall c-certainly enjoy myself, and see if I can find something perhaps to take to collection.” 

Maybe he would find a painting that reminded him of home, or the other future children?

It was unlikely, but you never knew, with art. With the water thankfully taken, he nodded his head in evident gratefulness, taking a long sip before speaking.

“Well, I only entered a few moments ago, you see - it would be terribly impolite of me to just pick one painting right off the bat when I haven’t given them all proper attention and consideration. I will look carefully, then decide - thank you a great deal for the water, however. It was quite helpful .” 

Yes, that was evident truth, for his stammers had stopped finally now.

        { ♕ }– His stammerings made her giggle slightly--it was rather interesting to see the male stumble over his words. It was almost refreshing--the people here were so tense, but they didn’t make her laugh the way Laurent did. They gripped her hands tightly and they didn’t want to at least try to talk.

        “Of course--my pleasure. But yes, a brilliant idea. Perhaps what you would be more interested in are the more realistic works of landscapes by a few of our artists?”

        Espresso gestured towards a tall artist who wore an elegant gown. She waved at the girl and of course the girl waved back. “She wouldn’t mind if we looked at her art--would you like to join me?”

“Trying to be sleek, I see.”

Women enjoyed being in control, when the situation suits their tastes more and they have every reign. He understood that thirst with power, that overwhelming hunger for dominance. Should he let it slip? Should he let her be the boss of him? She was offering herself as a price, was she not? But where was the certainty that she’d live up to her end of the bargain and not ditch him after he’s done doing what she asked of him? More over, how could he trust someone he just met? Not tempting.

So, it was all the better to flip the tables on her and make her prove herself to him instead. After all, she has nothing to lose. If she ends up getting the short end of the stick, she could hold him captive again like this… which was something to consider, no? He had no qualms in being used by her but only if it was a mutual. If he’s not going to benefit in the end, then there was no point in discussing all these. A tilt of the head on the side and his smile got gentler.

“Let’s fuck first then decide afterwards, hm?”

         { ♕ }– “You’re quite insistent on sexual favors. If that’s what it takes to shut your filthy mouth and simply listen~”

        Espresso smiled condescendingly as she lifted one finger. With a twirling motion of her finger, the chains simply fell and vanished. She then used the same finger to point in the direction of a hotel nearby. Of course she knew where all the expensive ones were. (She had to scout good areas to hold events, after all.)

        The female began to walk only after the red head did. It would be a shame if he decided to run off. Espresso had no intentions of leaving whatsoever until she got what she wanted. And if he didn’t give it to her, she could simply force it into him. For now, she would play fair.

        As they walked towards the hotel, she said, “You never told me your name, trash. What should I call you?”

                   「⛤」—» The slightest of smiles graced the blind man’s features in the wake of her words, something polite to anyone who didn’t know him. In reality, it was a reaction to the faintest rise in the woman’s heartbeat, a nearly imperceptible sound even to his own trained ears. It wasn’t the sound of a lie, but just the barest hint of suspicion. Towards himself, Matt had to guess, and he found it interesting that Espresso had any reason to be suspicious of him at all. Blind he might be, but most people could overlook the oddity of him coming to admire art that he couldn’t even see. All but the people who had a reason to suspect even the handicapped, and those people were usually up to something they shouldn’t be. Something Matt would put an end to if need be.

                   But for now, he would be the picture of innocence and courtesy, playing the part of the unfortunate and playing it well, as he had learned to do since he was nine years old. Even if at times he hated his lack of sight, and sometimes even the abilities it had brought with it, Matt knew it would always be the best and only shield he had to protect himself from prying eyes and questions. After all, who would believe a blind man was the Daredevil?

                   ❝ Likewise, ❞ came his answer to her greeting, accompanied by the slightest nod of his head. At the amount given, however, he had to suppress the urge to whistle. He could imagine what Foggy would say to such an expensive thing, could almost hear his voice. Don’t touch it, Matt, don’t even breathe near it, really we shouldn’t even think about it. He let the memory ease a more genuine smile to his expression as the lawyer tilted his head towards Espresso.

                   ❝ I’m afraid the last encounter I had with someone of the Japanese culture ended rather badly for both of us. ❞ His tone was joking, but one couldn’t be sure if it was the truth or not. ❝ Although I’m sure Miss Yasaka’s work is equally as beautiful as the painting before us, I believe I’ll take you up on your offer of a tour. ❞ In the end, he was here to gather more information on just who Espresso was, and how she operated, so walking the gallery with her was the perfect opportunity. ❝ Hearing the history of the art here might make things more interesting for a man like myself. ❞ As he spoke, Matt’s sightless gaze turned toward the approaching server with a polite nod and a greeting of ❝ Water, please. ❞ He’d always been more of a beer person.

           { ♕ }– The noble let out a small laugh, and continued to observe Matthew as he spoke. The fact that she could not place her finger on what irritated her made her aggravated. She could not remove her mind from the fact that he seemed so innocent and yet suspicious at the same time. Even taking away the fact he had no sight, something felt wrong. The female was annoyed.

          “I’m sure it was just a simple misunderstanding,” she commented--trying to seem focused on the conversation, “we all have conversations and meetings that go awry. I have had my fair share too.”

          After her brief note, Matt prattled on. Espresso let her eyes and focus wander about, and she watched the area around him. No one was watching them or observing them conspicuously, and so she felt slightly relieved. If he was here for her, he didn’t bring any lackeys along.

          Once he finished, a wary smile was placed on her lips as she picked up a glass of bold, red wine. She took a few sips, mentally applauding herself for choosing the vineyard that she chose, and then cleared her throat to speak.

          “A well made decision.”

          Espresso looked behind the male and noticed the Signac sketch. She smiled. A simple drawing that would be easy to explain. She straightened her posture as she left her spot and strolled to it. When she walked past Matt, she touched his shoulder to indicate she was moving.

          “This is a Signac drawing. Le Château Des Papes Et Le Pont Suspendu is its name,” the noble began as she walked towards the drawing, “It is a watercolor and pencil work, it has almost a cartoonish look to it. It reminds me of a children’s book. Of course, not to be insulting--it’s a rather lovely piece. A picture of a castle in the background with a river in the front. The reflection of the castle can be seen in the water.”

          Surprise spread itself on his expression when a force introduced itself, uncalled for but appreciated by him nonetheless. He didn’t like it when things were expected and now that she took a move he didn’t know possible, he would soon learn to see through things further. For now he’d reluctantly glance at whatever bound him and lowered his head in artificial shame before returning his mocking gaze at the woman, not finding the intrusion rude in the slightest. A fact was it that the man was enjoying the feeling of being restricted, tied and not having control.

        It was only an assumption and yet she humbly confirmed it even without him asking, questioning whatever she liked. She’s into BDSM, that much he could gather from this. A muffled laughter would resound, biting his lip to prevent himself from getting louder. He’d fail, oh he’d fail. It was too much to hold out, the comedy in the middle of the streets. The fine illusion of dominance she created for herself. Nonetheless he would permit her to think of it however she desired. Good girls deserve some heartfelt reward when they please their masters after all.

        He didn’t even dare try to remove whatever was holding him. He was just looking into her eyes, piercing her soul with his entertained mood and thereby disrespecting her still. A delighted smirk would then follow, unfazed by what just happened.

                “I get it, you wanna fuck.”

        Why wouldn’t she? He was gorgeous. So was she. It doesn’t take a complicated type of Mathematics to add it all up.

                “So spare me the chitchat and just take me wherever.”

Motel or luxurious hotel. Whatever. The main point is they’re gonna ball and that’s it really.

                “Unless you’re into banging in public, I have no complaints.”

            { ♕ }– “...Did anyone ever teach you manners? Or have you always been a little brat?”

            Even her sixteen year old son was more refined than the piece of scum before her. Espresso wanted to leave the red haired male here and let him rot. Once he rotted, the vultures would swarm him and peck whatever was left of his eyes.

            That was exciting. Unfortunately, she was still (somehow) intrigued. She needed to know about him--dissect him and figure out why he was this way. No one enjoyed death and destruction of both themselves and others. It seemed demented--no beyond that. It made him seem like a character of fiction.

            She cleared her throat as she looked at him quietly. He enjoyed this, and he was laughing.

            “Shut up.”

            It was rather aggravating how rude and immature he was, but she now knew that this was his normal behavior. Would she have to treat him as her child or dog of some sort? When he spoke again, she rolled her eyes and put a hand on her hip.

            “Don’t you ever listen?” She clicked her tongue in disapproval. “If you want to engage in such things with me, why don’t you do something for me first?”

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Just as he’d expected, Espresso appeared too stubborn in holding her composure despite the apparent fear he could notice. The way she could still keep that smile on her lips even when her body had shaken so slightly when he’d touched her made his smile grow wider. If merely his presence could make her flake so openly but still would she try to mask it to maintain her status, then that meant all he needed was to keep a close watch on her and, admittedly only for fun, to push her fear even further than he already had.

“Don’t thank me, Mrs. Espresso. My concern for you is simply something that comes out of my heart, it’s as natural as the flow of blood.” He let go of her shoulder with a pat, his lips tightening slightly as his brow furrowed with worry. “You know, I heard from my sources that there was a security breach to your estate in that one month you were bedridden.” No one knew of this. “Apparently, some chump sneaked right in and stole some really personal information. They even stood inside some bedroom or another, just keeping watch on someone. Really frightening stuff. If you ever need it, you can contact my services. I promise, if you hire me, no one will ever get in.”

The assassin looked down at the shooter she offered him. With another smile, he took the drink in one hand while the other held onto the hand she offered with. He lifted her hand up to face-height and, while the last time he held this hand had been brutal, simply leaned in as his lips graced the back of her hand for a second. “Mrs. Beans, I know you’re our honored hostess but it just doesn’t sit right with me if you even lift a finger in my aid. I should be the one fetching refreshments for you, not the other way. This hand of yours, I am eternally touched that it lent me service.” With that, he lowered the hand and let go.

“Are you offering me a date, Mrs. Espresso? I might even accept, you know.” A playful smirk appeared on his lips, his eyes cocked at her as he downed the shooter in one gulp. He let the flavor encompass his tongue, his lips curling as he let it swirl in his mouth. A blend of sweetness with just enough of a sour hint that it played on the taste buds. “My, this is incredible! You have excellent taste, dear. I’m impressed.”

         { ♕ }– Her stomach churned at the mention of blood, but her smile seemed to grow larger with each word the other said. It must have been obvious to the other that she was anxious--after all, he practically had her heart handed to him on a silver platter--but it was almost impulse for her to simply continue smiling.

        “Is that so?” She looked concerned for a moment but in reality didn’t worry--because all of her important items were magically sealed with one of the more ancient circles. It was one of those circles even Americano couldn’t master with years of practice. (Luckily she was significantly better than her son at writing glyphs and such.)

        “If it is of national concern--threatening my citizens, I will definitely contact you for your help, Mr. Stanfield,” she nodded as if she trusted him, and added, “I am sure you could assist me in defeating the villains that run through my house. For now, I’ll tackle the issue independently.”

        She straightened her posture the other invaded her personal space once more. Espresso wanted to cry and scream for help, but unfortunately in order to keep her face she would not be allowed to. When his lips touched her hand, she wanted to grab him in a choke hold. This facade was not the most comforting, and Claire was able to take advantage of it.

        The noble let out a soft chuckle and said, “Well...if you insist, Mr. Stanfield, however, I’m completely capable of doing small tasks like that. And no--it would not be a date, more like a friendly outing.”

        She emphasized the friendly in the outing. Friendly.

        “And thank you, you’re quite the charmer lately--what’s gotten into you?”

actually officer he was dead when i got here

it’s true, my coffin will broadcast wifi at network breaking speeds but the password will die with me as the ultimate “fuck you” to all my friends and family